Christmas Essentials! Where do I start?

Siren137

Hi All!!

This Christmas due to my OH's work we are staying at home. This is the first Christmas away from home for me and I know I will be feeling down because of it.

As it is the first time for this I've got no idea what things I will need to make sure I have for the big day! I will have to cook Christmas dinner for the first time etc and I would also like some ideas that me and the OH can do to make it a special Christmas just us.

So far I have brought a christmas pudding and as I am a veggie we have picked up a partridge (appropriate we thought) for my OH.

Any other ideas of what we need as I have drawn a blank!!

rufusdog52

Brussel sprouts and plenty of other nice veg. May be christmas cake and some mince pies

suec

Sorry bit confused , Is it just you and your OH at home for Christmas?

If It is just buy what you really like the most . who says you have to follow tradition.

But if you do want to.

Have a look at Nigela Christmas or Delia . In Delias Christmas book she gives a complete shopping list of essentials you will need. Just work out your menu and check the list.

good Luck It will still seem like Christmas and I,m sure you will have a very Cosy Christmas where you don't even have to get dressed and just relax.

pinkladymel

Sirens only young, Like me kinda.. *ahem*.. and I know how she feels.

Look at all the lovely christmas traditions and wonderful things on here people have planned for their famillies.. for their kids. Well last year.. those kids were us.. and now.. there is no waking up in the morning and having a stocking.. sneaking downstairs for presents, being in the presence of mom and dad and smelling turkey... no being the kids having all the magic.

It is hard Siren to have that first christmas especially if youre ones at home were so magical. When I put my christmas music on that first year I was sobbing because certain songs reminded me of being at home with mom and dad and it was a realisation I wasn't a kid anymore. I can't say there was any magic wand or anything that made it better.. it just.. became a way of life and now.. on my fourth christmas without them I feel happy and look forward to seeing them later.


What we do is have my family christmas at home, then have a christmas with my parents on boxing day. Is there a day you can do that? Mom cooks a big beef joint or something and we pull crackers etc just like christmas day. We all open our presents from each other in the living room and its just like old days. When I have my christmas at home, I really enjoy it because I know I have the family one to look forward to as well.. so I know I'm not missing out on that.

Gosh I have wrote so much I am so sorry!

We like to go and have a big crazy food shop and buy everything that says christmas to us. It's so exciting getting the big till receipt :d Twiglets, pringles, chocolate log, croissants, nuts and satsumas, a christmas cooking magazine.

I hope you have a really wonderful christmas and enjoy your first together alone x

Siren137

Awwwww thanks Mel, you have made me feel so much better about the whole thing!!
It will feel so odd not being at home especially as I have an 11 year old sister and although she doesn't believe anymore it somehow still makes it nice to have someone young around.
I have brought the OH and myself stockings which I will put a few things in for the OH.
Due to our work commitments we cannot get down to have a Christmas with them until the 29th but it will still be fun. I've splurged more on them this year and I think its because I feel guilty for not being able to get to theirs. I feel like I've ruined their Christmas as they are really gutted I can't be there.

I keep thinking of things that my family normally have that I want us to have like crackers and mince pies. Its going to feel really odd but I'm going to try to make it as positive as I can.

rainmac

As well as planning for the Christmas dinner food... something yummy to eat for breakfast; crackers - you could have them to pull for breakfast, lunch and dinner; something nice to drink; some nice choccies; some chutney or something you like on bread for sandwiches in the evening or for Boxing Day; some nice cheese; soemthing to make you laugh - maybe an old fashioned game like tiddly winks or a pack of cards or you could get a set of balloon modelling balloons (can get cheapie sets in Wilkos and Home Bargains) and see what animals the two of you can make!

Have fun and enjoy it

rainmac

Mel, I am imagining you struggling with a huge supermarket trolley loaded up with Christmas goodies to eat but you still have a smile on your face as it's Xmas

salduck

we normally have a huge family christmas with kids running everywhere however this year they have either moved or are going to for the hols Australia, leaving me and my brother (20) home alone! So i fly back on the 21st and we are having a slob christmas because we dont want to try and recreate a family xmas with none of the family there!!!
Mum offered to buy the shopping and have it delivered and i screamed "nooooooooo" Thats my fave bit doing the food shopping mmmhhhhh!!
So do what you feel is best for you 2 to have the best possible xmas but dont try and recreate a previous xmas!
Have fun!
xx

SugarSpun

I had a pizza and beer Christmas once when a few flatmates and friends and I couldn't get back to our families.

OP, make a list of everything you need.

Tree: if you want one, you need to decorate it with stuff.
Decorating the house: what sort of things might you want?

Cards: if you're sending them you need those and stamps.

Presents: if you're posting any you need brown paper and parcel tape.
If you're not posting them, you need wrapping paper, clear tape and maybe ribbons.

Food: just the two of you: what do you want to eat? Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plan a menu, check to see what you have in the cupboards and buy the rest.

Entertainment: DVDs, games, satin bed linen..... whatever you decide, you can maybe wrap it up and give it to your DH

suzywoozy_3

I loved the first year it was just me and hubby for Christmas because we could do exactly what we wanted and no time pressures about anything. Midnight mass the night before, lazy easy breakfast croissants and yoghurt and fruit, church then snacks then we rushed out to the coast for the day. The roads were completely quiet and we had such an easy drive and had a lovely afternoon beside the sea!
Then we went home and had something nice but easy for dinner - can't remember what.

We enjoyed it because we did something different to the usual traditions.

kazimojo69

My hubby & I had a xmas on our own last year and we splashed out a little on more "exclusive" items.

Like - we had been in London a week before xmas - so I bought a xmas spud from there. We had rose champagne at breakfast as well.

To be honest - it was lovely & relaxing for me (as my kids were at their dads) and we really chilled out.

Just treat yourselves to a few nice bits and then get snuggly watching tv with a glass of bubbly!!

xxxx