Our attempt at being MF!!

CathT

Bit of a slow start to today as remembered I needed to wait in for b*gas to install smart meter. He was here for ages as the data wouldn't upload so they need to call back in a couple of weeks. Tiler been here since 8am so fingers crossed he finishes at a reasonable time today to enable the other trades to call.

I've managed to retrieve all the presents out of the spare room but they have only got as far as the lounge. I'll start wrapping later when house warmer and less chaotic. Might pop on a Christmas film whilst I do it.
DH wages are in an I've money shuffled the majority, haven't decided what to do with extra wages until we have been Christmas shopping today. DH is keen for us to buy dd her own ipad (we have an ancient ipad 1 we all use), so we will be on the hunt for a second hand one today.

So I've not achieved anything off my list and if I'm honest I'm too tired to do much. My iron tablets are taking a long time to kick in this time so hoping to feel the magic of taking them very soon.

I guess the main goal of today is to buy what we need without spending a fortune and buying into the 'go on, it's Christmas' mindset!

Just thinking ahead to NYE aswell, we have no plans and we have a meal out with friends on the 30th so thinking of a buffet and games evening for the four of us. It is extremely unlikely that DH and I will be awake to see the new year in anyway! Anyone else done this kind of thing? I know last year at the party dh took the children to, they celebrated the NY at 10pm as followed timezone 2 hours ahead. We should just about be able to stay awake for that!

Pooky

We always used to buy a board game, puzzle or console game we could all get involved with on New Year’s Eve, sometimes we’d have friends over but mainly it was just us and DD’s and a picky tea.....and you know how much we love a picky tea.

smallholdingsister

That sounds like a tradition worth adopting.

AlexLK

Things sound on the right track for you, Cath.

We are doing something similar for NYE at my cousin's house. However, I'm sure we'll make it to midnight. :rotfl:

CathT

Pooky I've just had a LBM from your post!!

I think we'll probably keep it up SHS. We've not been out for years for NYE but there is always that expectation to 'do something' isn't there.

I will try my very best to stay awake Alex!!

Well yesterday was expensive but productive. We spent about £200 on additional Christmas presents!! We did get dd her most wanted gift even though I would normally refuse to spend that much money on a single item and they don't expect 'main presents'. However, Santa will deliver the expected presents and next year I think we will ask them to put 2 or 3 things on santa's list and explain we get the rest!!

Tiler has finished and the bathroom looks stunning. I am so impatient for it to be finished now so hoping plumber/electrician will be here today or tomorrow. I did message him the instant the tiler left!!

All presents are wrapped and safely hidden. Dh has put the bathroom door in front of the spare room door so there is no chance of the children going in there!! Now have a few presents under he tree ready to give to other family members.

I feel I relax a bit now although still have the food shop to do. Received a lovely gesture from an anonymous friend yesterday who posted through a DVD I had mentioned on bookface I've never seen. No idea why they didn't sign the card but it has left me wondering! I can't help thinking it's part of the 'pay it forward' message as I gave a homeless man £1 in town advising him to get himself a hot drink!

2 working/school days to go and then we can definitely all relax and enjoy the build up.

greent

NYE will see us and 3 of the children, I think (DS1 has a party to go to) DD may come up with some sort of plan for her, I guess (at 20 that's her choice) Otherwise we'll get a 'nice' takeaway - probably from a Chinese restaurant rather than a little takeaway - with lots of dishes - so will also be eating it on NYD if that's the case! Games with the smalls are likely to be the order of the evening here - will get them in PJs so if they look like crashing out they can

smallholdingsister

I love the "pay it forward" idea even though when I try to, people look at me like I'm woofing.

CathT

Am looking forward to a family evening NYE now.

Expensive day! Lunch out which was £13.95 but saves me eating dinner!!
Dh noticed yesterday my exhaust was falling off so took it to the garage today and it needs replacing. £185 and it's being done tomorrow. Plumber been and done a few bits, vanity unit now in place. I think jobs left to do are a bit of boxing in, install tap for basin, fit toilet, fit spotlights and ceiling panels. Should be finished tomorrow or Saturday.

Dh has sold some games for £10 but looked at me blankly when I suggested putting it towards the car!

Had a bit of a strange day today and wish I'd already finished for Christmas but one working day to go!!

AlexLK

IIRC you bought a brand new car about a year ago, Cath? If so, surely this should be covered under the warranty.

We've always operated on the premise that Santa brings a small stocking with a few small toys, small practical items (batteries, tooth brush, a torch etc), sweets and fruit (yes, my son receives an apple and an orange for Christmas). Other children are under the impression Santa brings them everything they want which led to a bit of tension as my son got a bit upset that Santa is bringing other children £1,000s worth of gifts. We don't spend a lot on Christmas unless for a gift which will last a long time or is a necessity and have no real desire to start. He seems to have bought into the commercialism more this year as he's started to request things which other children seem to be requesting without really knowing what they are (a computer game when we have no player e.g. :rotfl:). He also wants an iPad which I will not buy. I don't want him to think Santa as responsible for the gifts he receives or disappointed Santa would bring another child an iPad and he didn't receive one. Guilty of telling him neither I nor his grandparents can afford to buy an iPad which he accepts.

CathT

You're right about the car Alex but unfortunately this is my car which is almost 8 years old.

The rest of her presents are very low key and traditional so hoping we've struck a balance.