Old Style preparations for Christmas 2012!!!!!

fuddle

I do like this. I'll be doing it this year

lisakay_2

GFN , for DH's birthday this year, we were skint so he didn't get a present as such. I found one of my old cheque books and wrote out cheques for favours (no, not necessarily those kinds of favours!). So from the kids, a promise to keep their room tidy, a car wash, a 'quiet day' (he works nights and the girls can sometimes be noisy). from me the cheques included a hot bath ready when he got home from work, a full steak dinner, a foot rub and pedicure, a night of football on the telly without me moaning to be cashed in whenever he wanted.
Or you could do a modern day 'mix tape' and make him a CD with his favourite music. maybe get a really nice pic taken of both of you while you're away and get it framed or a collage of stuff you've already done together, photos, ticket stubs etc.

My christmassy stuff is well and truly underway. got rhubarb wine, rhubarb schnapps and sloe gin all on the go. pulled up all the onions on the lotty to make more marmalade, got the chillis ready to make the jam, still got to decide exactly what i'm making with the blackberries and gooseberries and going to get the rice and raisin wine underway tomorrow.

Started knitting little fingerless mitts/handwarmers for all the kiddies and looking for some baby patterns for the tiny ones that are either here or on their way.

pigpen

On expensive presents I have my eye on some New Rocks for DD2 (to go with her half price Mark Hill zebra hair stuff), a laptop (IF I can find a reasonable deal.. like free!) for DS3 who is starting GCSE's and has had a crappy year and it is the only thing he wants, DD3 a mobile phone.. she has been after one for years and she is 12 in December so that'll do her.

The other are cheaper to sort I hope.. DD's 4 and 5 I have no idea what to get them... the 2 babies are done. My oldest 2 I have sets of knives and smellies sorted.

In addition to my lot I have 3 grandsons and a niece to sort!!

My middle son is 17 in January.. what the heck do I get him??? He wants new up-to-date phone.. he has a cheapy Sony thing he has had since he started high school 6 years ago and has cost a grand sum of £60 in credit since!! problem solved.. his DS just died!

OH I have the box set of Smallville for and have been toying with the idea of an ipad.. but I doubt that is possible as I simply cannot afford it.

As for crafts.. I am about as talented as a squid!

vanoonoo

I think I am going to do a christmas eve hamper for me, huband and the dog

we're off to derby later to do our first stint of christmas shopping since the sales last year

camNolliesMUMMY

Me and oh are sick n tired of his pay going all in December so we've set up a standing order into our spare account which started last week. Every month we put £60 into it so when December comes we have money to make sure their is enough we should have £240 in there ready.

Rosygirl

Hello! Is there room for one more please? I am a self confessed Christmas nut who normally lurks (and posts) on the 'Let it Snow' thread.

It's lovely to find lots more like minded people and I am getting lots more good ideas to make Christmas more affordable.

whitesatin

I think it is the only way to go. I have been putting away a bit each month from my pension (private) so that I don't have to face big bills. It also gives me great pleasure finding the bargains I read about on here, mostly for my grandchildren. I get my state pension in March and things should be a bit easier from then on, hopefully, but there is always something to save for.

By saving, we are managing a little trip to Cologne for the Christmas markets and we are also managing a week in Devon at the end of September with my daughter and her family. Just a little bit of money put away each month really helps. Paying off my credit card each month too, that way I really know where I stand each month.

meme30

Phoolgrrrl wrote: »

Placed an order with crafty crocodiles yesterday. Will be making decorations for Aunts etc instead of a box of chocs.

Prob gonna get some grolsh for OH to drink so I can reuse the bottles for home made liquor.

A*da has 20 bottles of Gr*lsch at the moment for £10

GFN:-Studio have a round wooden Cheese Board in their sale for £13. I have seen it on Am*zon for £30 The top lifts to reveal a set of cheese knives inside. Some nice cheeses and a bottle of Port and you have a great present! :rotfl:
http://homeshopping.24studio.co.uk/christmas-book/modern-living/kitchen/cookware/5/viners-5piece-cheese-set/9?wmpsorigin=search

Lisakay:- I can't believe you have got the Sloe Gin on already! My usual foraging patch is still all green!

black_cat

I knew that I had a lot of Christmas things already (cards, gift tags, wrapping paper, ribbon etc), but I found some more in the loft today! I'm going to use the money from my £2 Savers Challenge for presents and my nectar card points for food. I'm looking forward to a very OS Christmas! Thank you for all the great ideas on here!
:xmastree:

MrsNorthman

Hi

A new one here, if you'll take me!

I'm wondering what you all do for decorating, I just have a few ornaments and the tree, I would love to make some of my own decorations but I'm looking for some inspiration.

I like the idea of Christmas bunting (as I finally have a sewing machine) and a HM wreath.

DH is very bah humbug so I'm looking forward to driving him mad this year, mwah haha (<-evil laugh)