Old Style preparations for Christmas 2012!!!!!

darucasa

Thanks for that Meme I will take a look. They sound like something I'd want for myself!

bossymoo

fuddle wrote: »

Hope I haven't spoke out of turn bossymoo. x

Not at all. I have read your posts about your mum (hugs). My kiddies are quite a bit younger, actually DD is not yet two. She did say, whilst we were in a carvery place on Sunday, whilst pointing at a random man walking past "want that my daddy" bless her. It did sting a bit, but also made me chuckle, if only life were that simple, eh?

Anyway, you are right of course, all they want is me, so it would make us all more relaxed if they didn't have loads of presents, and the bits they did have are things we can do / make / play with together. They get lots of love and attention, and not just me, but my inlaws, they have been brilliant all this time, and dote on the children. And they are very good to me too, like an extra set of parents (actually, more so than my own dad who is sadly a bit useless )

Still good to get excited about Xmas, though. Still like the elf coming to stay idea...

meme30

Quite excited! I ordered two watches for my Grandchildren (5 year old twins) They are the learning to tell the time ones. (Have 10 past and 20 past etc on them) They were not the cheapest on A**zon but I needed them to be sturdy as well as reliable. They should fit in well with learning to tell the time lessons at school, and let us help them practise! Another two presents ticked off! :j

COOLTRIKERCHICK

I used to start buying the christmas present in June/July when M& S and Argose used to have their sale, used to pick up bits in the January sales as well, but since our boys have got older, and the things they want are more 'grown up' stuff like game consoles etc, I dont buy things early now...

But this year we are rearing our own turkeys and pork... we bought 4 grown on turkey chicks for £4 each, and we have some weaner pigs coming in about 3 weeks time....

Even though we have chickens. ducks and geese this is the first time we have bought anything to rear to actually eat.....:o

Will also be growing some potatoes in containers ( in the greenhouse) from about september ready for christmas too...even if its just enough for chirstmas dinner...

My parents and MIL i normally either buy a food hamper( if there is a loophole or a really good discount) or I make one..

nlj1520

My other half's family have what they call a Christmas raffle.......everyone buys a few cheap presents and wraps them. When we all get together the younger generation put raffle tickets on them and hand out the tickets to everyone there. Then numbers are called and the fun begins. Lots of the presents are jokey and it can be amusing when a macho male gets something ultra feminine, especially since by then we have all usually had a little to drink. We have been buying mixed lots at auction and selecting some really wonderful presents this year as it's a good way to get decent stuff without breaking the price 'rules' of this activity. One lot was a box full of different elephant ornaments from all over the world. A few were damaged bbut most were really interesting. So themed raffle presents from us this year.

minniemaus1970

Hello everyone,
I am in need of help..........please

I am in the process of starting on my Christmas presents, you'll think a bit early? It is but we re having a difficult year so far so this year most of them will be handmade or home made/ grown!
I am in the process of making handbags out of jeans ( for the young crowd on the list) thats 4 on the list, all bags will have a galaxy bar inside too. I ll post a piccie once finished :j
I am a bit stuck on what to do for the gents/ boys .
Baking has popped into mind?
Have you got anymore ideas?
Regards
MM

minniemaus1970

Oh
I just seen the Old style christmas thread ......Duh,
I shall look on there sorry

Nanamia

Pop across to the occasions board. There are loads and loads and loads of ideas on there. And a general chatty "let it snow" thread which is chatter for like minded Christmas nuts, who get excited at the thought of the festivities

Pink.

Hi minniemaus,

I've added your post to the Christmas thread where hopefully you'll get lots of advice.

Pink

findingmyfeet

hi minniemus-

depends on the mens ages and hobbies etc but what about hampers ?you can make them as big or small as you can afford and collect bits and pieces over the next few months then wrap nicely. ihave done food hampers for older people, dvd/night in hampers for teenagers and themed hampers for friends eg. spanish hamper for friends who love all things spanish.
I am making several knitted cushions for uni students this year to mke their digs a bit more homely- DD's boyfriend saw the union jack one im making and has requested one for himself ! im also knitting a throw for my DD.

Gosh i've got so many things planned for knitting and sewing that now im thinking about it i will be lucky to get them all done on time.
my list so far is :
knitted throw- DD
4 knitted cushions- teenagers
cross stitch picture (may have to be for next birthday if not completed- quite tedious but perfect)- DH
scarf - really easy knits up in one evening
baby cardigans-for a friend due in december

also thinking of doing a patchwork quilt as i have loads of bits of left over fabric from other projects and old shirts etc that i could use.

pamper hamper/nights in for my nieces
cash for nephews because they are saving up for larger items

hm damson gin for dad and DH if i get enough damsons this year last year we had none at all but i can see a few on the tree so fingers crossed. GIN already bought last year and not used so no expenses there only time and effort.

Think my budget should be well under £300 now with all my makes and thrifty shopping, getting alot nearer to where i need it to be

have a good day everyone