Christmas 2006 List making already

[Deleted User]

I sat in my kitchen yesterday and felt guilty at the sheer amount of `stuff` I had bought to go with Christmas. You know, the snacks, chocolates etc. Enough to feed an army. I looked at the wrappers of the things actually eaten and I think I can get down to 5 or so items. Folks had a lovely Christmas but I still have loads put away in cupboards. I couldn`t snuggle up and watch the tv because I kept dozing so I came into my kitchen and decided to start a reminder list for myself for next year

5 or 6 extra snacks only, including chocolates
A smaller christmas cake
A smaller christmas pudding
a dozen mince pies only
2 or 3 cheeses only

and so the list goes on
I hold my hands up because as always I went over the top with all the extras It is all too easy to get sucked into the store hype

foreverskint

This year I really cut back as we threw so much away last year (mainly as we wer ill). We still have lots left but I think i have just about got it right this year. I mainly cut back on the amount of choccies and sweets, which always seem to hang around well in to the new year otherwise.

pinkfluffybabe

kittie wrote:

I sat in my kitchen yesterday and felt guilty at the sheer amount of `stuff` I had bought to go with Christmas. You know, the snacks, chocolates etc. Enough to feed an army. I looked at the wrappers of the things actually eaten and I think I can get down to 5 or so items. Folks had a lovely Christmas but I still have loads put away in cupboards. I couldn`t snuggle up and watch the tv because I kept dozing so I came into my kitchen and decided to start a reminder list for myself for next year

5 or 6 extra snacks only, including chocolates
A smaller christmas cake
A smaller christmas pudding
a dozen mince pies only
2 or 3 cheeses only

and so the list goes on
I hold my hands up because as always I went over the top with all the extras It is all too easy to get sucked into the store hype

This is a really good idea. I do it with my packing list each time I come back from a holiday and realise how much extra stuff I lugged around that I didnt need. Reviewing is a very good thing! :xmassign:

Janeryan

Yes we still have loads and also got lots of foodie type presents as well-choccies etc.

You can bet your bottom dollar though that next year I won't buy as many and then we wont get them as presents either!!

Any spare boxes will be used as hostess presents when we are visiting people.

nearlyrich

We didn't buy any chocolates but we have loads hanging around, we were bought two large tins of celebrations for a start. We have worked out that we need a lot less meat next year and we have written down the amount per person we think we will be ordering so we don't forget. We won't throw it away because we have put it in the freezer but it was far too much. I have friends coming round later in the week so the party food will go but everyone who came for tea on Christmas day brought a sweet, I had already bought cheesecakes and gateaux and made a trifle so mine stayed in the freezer (except the trifle) Next year I will ask if they are bringing a cheesecake etc! I wouldn't mind but we don't eat that kind of thing except at Christmas and I am working on my weight problem LOL

Nile

I've been doing this list thing for a few years. I tend to write down the don't buy items. For example, I've written don't buy Asda mince pies.


I also find it's useful to record where certain (hard to find) items were bought. Has anyone else noticed how it's almost impossible to buy R Whites lemonade in cans?

jcr16

this was the first year that we spent a fair anoumt on food. we never done it before as we didn't really need to. but although i didn't spend a fortune, our cupboards were briming. i made loads of goodies also. my in-laws came round xmas eve, but xmas day we were at in-laws and boxing day at grandma's. so i still have cupboards full of food. and we realised looking yesterday that we really didn't need any of it. so what a fantastic idea. i'm sick of chocolate and sweets tbh. all i want to eat now is fresh fruit salad and lots of healthy food.

bobandliz

We always get loads of choccies as pressies (cos we're hard to buy for apparently). We look at the dates, and the ones with more than 6 months on, go upstairs into the gift cupboard, and are given away for Easter & Mothers Day. (We always make a list to go with it with who gave us it, so they do not get same back)
I have also cut down dramatically on the fresh & chilled buying for Xmas. Mostly our goodies are freezer related or store cupboard stuff (like trifle mix with 1 years date on)
I do like your idea though!! Will try that in addition to what we already do.

MATH

For a few years now I have written a memo to self after Christmas. Each year I have reduced the quantity and we still have enough. I've also brought forward the date I lay out all the festive treats cos lets face it after Boxing Day who wants it. When school breaks up the mixed nuts and dried figs come out at chez MATH!

Somethings I buy in bulk things we like but you can only buy them at Christmas such as Christmas Puddings and Mince pies. Don't knock the joy of a mince pie in August until you've tried it! I'm currently nursing 12 Christmas Puddings for prosperity!

The trick I've found is to still meal plan every meal and remember to write into the plan we you've been invited out. Anything that can goes straight to the freezer rather than sitting in the fridge with a limited useby. If you don't fancy eating it over Christmas whats the worry it will be a welcome find in April when you rummage in the icy depths of the freezer.

rjrog77

The only thing I have to remember about Christmas next year is to buy more chocolate gingers (only had one packet this year and I ate them all too quickly) and less of everything else.

[Deleted User]

meat is also on my `not to buy` next year. I have too much and now I`m having to think about what to do with all the extra gammon etc when really I would rather cook a nice beef casserole. I bought half price wrapping paper this morning but I know how much I used this year so two rolls will do me fine and wrapping paper will now go on the `not to buy` list