So how did your christmas go this year?

shelovestobuystuff

How did christmas go for you all this year?
Did you have last minute stresses or panicks?
Did it all go as you planned ?
Did everyone enjoy themselves?
Did the MSE tips and tricks help you to do anything differently this year?
What will you do differently next year?


I had a fabulous christmas and the mood was helped by the gorgeous snowy weather.Not nice to drive in but lovely to look at and it really added to the festive spirit.
I was sick though or the whole of December and really sick for the week before so I was extremely stressed out but I managed to get most last minute bits and pieces on christmas eve and no-one noticed anything which was missing.Oh,Except daughter mentioned there was no tangarine in her stocking this year:o,Oops!
Christmas dinner at the in-laws and boxing day dinner at out house was all lovely,couldnt have been better.I got drunk on boxing day but I dont do that often so I am not too ashamed.
Next year I will have more prepared in advance as being ill all of December really got me in a panick.I hate being unprepared although in the end it all turned out great anyway.
MSE has helped me to have a spend neutral christmas for the last few years now and I aim to spend less next year by savvy shopping and making some pressies myself.
My plan for next year is to make more by hand,bake more and have most of the pressie shopping done AND WRAPPED by October so I can relax and enjoy things more before the big day.Theres always so much on in my town in the run up to christmas and I missed most of it this year,but I did get to see the christmas light switch on and got to one co ncert so not too bad considering.
Next year I want to see the christmas lights in Glasgow too and get to the german market in the city for gingerbread hearts and decorations.
Better start planning it all now!

:beer:

I am busy today getting the house ready for another dinenr party tonight but I am looking forward to coming back and reading all about your christmasses later.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!!

daisy1973

Hi,glad to hear that even though you were poorly in december,you still had a fab christmas .Mine was nice and relaxing,at the inlaws whole time till sunday with family fun, games and laughter.Next year i am planning ahead for sure as like you i feel december is a rush so you dont get to enjoy the build up.So am going to budget,buy and try to make it as MSE as possible!!

savingmummy

My little family had a fab xmas despite being short on cash.
I made a hamper up for my hubby (All free using vouchers from online surveys, freebie board and also signed photos from his favourite footie team) and he absolutely loved it (my 1st ever home made item). We agreed to not buy for anyone but for our 2 children so was a very cheap xmas this year total £50.
Kids had a fab time and as they were young enjoyed anything they recieved - amazing how much they had considering we had a low budget. They were spoilt by both sets of grandpaprents though
We spent the xmas with my parents which was fab, so we had no food expense or worrying what to have for tea as my parents gave us leftovers/nibbles to take home including drinks and snacks for the kiddies.

Next xmas i plan to get started mid july, and am also planning on doing more homemade things like pots of gold for everyone, hampers for mum and dad and children will hopefully have better pressies x

donquine

I had a lovely but very un-MSE Christmas this year.

Would love to hear which HM gifts went down well for everyone else as I want to get into HM stuff next year. :money:

Wendy5704

I am definately going to make some hampers for some family member in 2010. Had the baskets and stuff but took the easy option and put them in a gift bag. I helped my niece make 1 for her mum and had a nightmare with the cellophane. Will certainly need help with this or some easy instructions.

bluenose1

Have enjoyed being off work with the family and actually having the time and energy to play games.

Spent approx £150 on each of my 3 boys (16,13 and 6) I feel guilty for spending so much then guilty cos their friends have had far more spent on them. One of them was bought xbox 360, an iphone and a couple of football kits:eek:

I did far too much Christmas dinner, which worked out great as we had bubble and squeak for two days after with fresh gravy which saved me having to think about meals. Will deliberately do the same next year.

My home made Nigella cranberry mince pies with brandy butter were a great success again.

I bought the majority of my presents before December when there were lots of good offers and was glad I had as it saved the last minute rush.

Chose myself what I wanted my OH and the kids to buy me, so I was not disappointed by his gifts (ungrateful I know.)


All in all a very good, restful, slothful:o christmas.