So what would you do differently next Xmas?

nicolax

next year im gunna keep more of an eye on the grabbits board so i can get some nice gifts for people that cost me a lot less than they look like! if i save money on peoples gifts means i can spend that little bit more on my parents and brother (would much rather spend the extra on them than the family i hardly see!)

BUXTONRABBIT

Next year I am going to save all my Nectar points for Christmas. I always intend to but don't. The upshot was with Christmas a week before payday I had to do the food shop on my credit card which I had managed not to use all year.

mrs-stressed

KittyBoo wrote: »

I'm not doing it.
The cards drive me nuts.
The whole thing is too commercial even if you are trying to keep it simple because the shops are full of people going mad so you can't even do your normal shopping.
I am not doing a traditional dinner either.
I seem to do Christmas because I think others expect it.
I have enough toiletries to last 5 years and half of it is going to the charity shop.
I do enjoy the peace and quiet when out walking in the countryside and I think I'm going on one of those solitary retreats.
Oh dear I sound a right old misery.
Think I'll go on Grumpy Old Women.

Can I join as well? You are not a misery - you just see it as it is - a complete and utter con. And boy do we fall for it every year. I am dying to take cards down and decorations (minimal) put away. I remember one year opening my patio door and slinging the tree out into the garden with all its lights and baubles on as I was soooo fed up with the whole thing!! And it was only Boxing day!!!

People say I am an old misery but I dont see it like that at all. Its disruptive, expensive, unnecessary, time consuming, and just nonsense......

But I did get to see my kids and thats made it all worthwhile even for a short time so I am thankful for that..

mrs s

jess444_2

Remember to get my flu jab in Nov - hopefully then I wont be too ill to do all of the shopping, cleaning, wrapping, etc.
Thankfully I was feeling better on Christmas Day and we all had a good time. I learned a few years ago to relax and not expect too much, it is after all just another day.
Jess

toontron

Zooxanthelle wrote: »

This is what happens in my Mum's house and it's great. It means she can relax on the big day and we just eat left overs and small food.

I have wanted to do it for years, but the Toonies were a bit young for a late-ish meal on Christmas Eve until now. We are one of those families that tend to eat in the evening anyway, If I do a Sunday Roast during the rest of the year, we would hardly ever eat it at lunch time anyway. The run up to Christmas is so hectic and stressful, I would rather relax on Christmas Day:D

sockdrawer

I'd stop people coming into DH's shop who have come home early from work becuase they are ill. They always seem to decide to stop off at the shop so they can get a few bits and pieces to do their hobby while they are off work, and end up sneezing all over him. I know it's a bit churlish, but it's how I feel, and while he appreciates the sale, it's about the 8th Christmas out of 10 where he's had flu/a heavy cold/general ill horribleness because of folk doing that. All impossible I know, but one can wish.

Triker

Some suggestions that may make it easier and less stressful and of course, much less expensive.


Start Christmas shopping at least in July....seriously pick up those bargains and misprices as you go along, it all helps.

Maybe do an ebay neutral challenge so all costs are offset by ebay gains by selling all that[STRIKE] junk[/STRIKE] really useful stuff on ebay.

Collect though loyalty rewards, for some its Nectar, some Tesco Clubcard points, Boots Advantage card points....they do add up over the year.

There is also Pigsback and any online purchases go through Topcashback and/or Quidco.

Join Flylady on Oldstyle board, this saved my sanity getting the house in order and organised for the festive season.


Maybe join Credit Union to start saving for next year. This is my first ever year that I haven't put anything on credit cards, I actually have some savings which is a miracle as I haven't had them before.

I hate with a passion wrapping pressies and so made it my personal challenge to get everything wrapped before Christmas Eve.....spent far too many Chrimble Eve's up until the small hours wrapping blasted pressies. Someone suggeted gift bags is the way to go so I'm keeping my eye's out for gift bag bargains.

Get organised for next year by buying your cards and wrapping paper NOW in the sales. at greatly reduced prices....pack them away in a box clearly marked and stash it for next year.

My observations are that mid to late November appears to have the best bargains in the shops, I noticed places like Argos had the three for two toy promo then and Tesco/Sainsburys too.

If you can, homemade is best, I would have love to have made loads of things from hampers to biscuits but only finished work on friday (C Eve) so simply didn't have the time.
Some great homemade threads on the Celebrations boards.

Some events can be unforeseen like the bad weather this year, having a full stock cupboard really helps relieve the stress. Plus maybe an emergency kit of camping gas stove and camping lights/candles.

Delegate if you can...many years ago when I was beyond stressed due to life events, 2 little children, studying full time and alsorts...I gave up on christmas...the whole idea was too much and just about tipped me over the edge. I went to my Dad's for a few years after that so I didn't have to organise everything. From that experience I learned that people like to pitch in, you have to ask them though.;)

Now some jobs I never do, the tree/house decorating are my DD's jobs, so is the table decorating and setting out.

Prep as much of the dinner the night before or someone had the genius idea of having Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve...saves loads of hassle of verything being all on the same day.

Plus eat what you want, if you don't want turkey or christmas pud then don't...we don't eat pud, cake, brandy butter, we have alternatives that we do eat.

Plus if people are ill, postpone your day until a day when you feel better. There's no point in wasting food if you can't eat it or enjoy yourself.

All in all, just try and enjoy yourselves, whether you're eating a cheese sandwich or the full works christmas dinner, it's only a day after all. xxx

rosie_mummy

Next year i will stay at home with my soon to be 3 year old and do a big old load of nothing except watching films and eating a yummy casserole that will be in the slow cooker from christmas eve night.

No stress, no bad feeling just me and the most important person in my life

kjmtidea

I would buy myself some presents because no one else will bother
I would not number my childrens presents because spending 4 hours opening presents is a bit crazy.
I would hide my boyfriends xbox so he can't spend 2 hours playing it on Christmas Day.

Asturrock

Christmas alone next year (kids are going to their dads) so won't put up the decs until christmas eve and will take down before new year. Will not buy excess food, just something nice for my dinner and a few chocs. Have already begun the savings tin for next year and will do more shopping online as discounts are hard to beat. Would love an extended family Christmas but family spread all over the country and nobody wants to travel. I also have to work most Christmases so travel not poss for me either. Had a smashing time this year...just me and the kids, no arguing and lots of cuddles...bliss