Old Style preparations for Christmas 2012!!!!!

hobbitfancier

I've been saving jam jars to make homemade hot chocolate. Bought two Rob Ryan designed mugs in TK Maxx for €5 each, going to give them as gifts with the hot chocolate.

I'm really stuck as to what to get my Dad - he's retiring next years, potters about in our poly tunnel, planting veg. He hasn't read much because he's always busy, hobbies - well, he's in a barbershop choir. Was thinking of making him a CD for the car (loves Jimi Hendrix and all that sort of thing), but that seems a bit measly. He's cutting down on cholesterol in his diet so limited in making/baking him something. He is so difficult to buy for, and my limit is about €20.

Uniscots97

hobbitfancier wrote: »

I've been saving jam jars to make homemade hot chocolate. Bought two Rob Ryan designed mugs in TK Maxx for €5 each, going to give them as gifts with the hot chocolate.

I'm really stuck as to what to get my Dad - he's retiring next years, potters about in our poly tunnel, planting veg. He hasn't read much because he's always busy, hobbies - well, he's in a barbershop choir. Was thinking of making him a CD for the car (loves Jimi Hendrix and all that sort of thing), but that seems a bit measly. He's cutting down on cholesterol in his diet so limited in making/baking him something. He is so difficult to buy for, and my limit is about €20.

If he likes to keep busy outdoors how about fingerless gloves, a flask, sachet of coffee of tea bags. Try Poundland as they have various DVDs (a £1 obviously) of pop documentaries and Jimi Hendrix was one of them. They might have CD's as well.

GreenFairy

I've started my Christmas box up under the spare bed so that it doesn't get scoffed in a moment of weakness. Not a huge amount so far - couple of bags of tortilla chips, dips, nice biscuits for cheese, fancy coffee syrup. Picking up a tiny pud tomorrow with the shopping as it's only Hubs that eats it. Have also started freezing any bits of leftover bread as it's not Christmas without lots of bread sauce.

Got my Mr T vouchers today so I've nearly €30 worth saved in total. Will use that for perishables nearer the day. Most of the presents have been bought as well. Just a few little bits left to get.

ManPants

I am pretty rubbish at being organised in advance but I did spend £40 on stamps in advance of them going up in price to be ready for christmas.

I have also had many discussions with friends regarding relevance of buying actual christmas presents for each other! The actual message of christmas seems to have been lost in favour of ridiculously huge presents and expectations of what is expected to receive.

Primarily now children of friends get bought for and most adults are happy just to acknowledge each others birthdays rather than spend yet more money on pointless items to lie in cupboards! Better to spend a nice evening together or go out for a meal together I feel.

Call me a scrooge but at some point sense has got to kick in!!

Stupotstu

Kitchenbunny

Christmas prep starts here! I've now got some of my veg ready for the big season (never know when we'll be eating a big roast at Christmas or even if we'll get around to it). I've made a start by buying broccoli and some carrots that I'll blanch and freeze so I won't need to venture into busy supermarkets for fresh stuff when it's busy!

KB

daisiegg

stupotstu wrote: »

New one on me but looks amazing and just what the Doctor ordered for a simple supper over the Yuletide period!

Thank You!

It's absolutely delicious!

cyclingyorkie

DD1 has asked her friends not to buy her gifts this year but has asked they make a donation to our local hospice instead ( she is a volunteer in one of their shops). As most of her friends don't live in York this has reduced the amount of stress she has buying things for people and the cost of posting.

I am very proud of her, if not a bit jealous - I'm not as organised as i should be, but we have planned the festive food.... and I have made 2 Christmas cakes - and have had the puds in the cupboard since last Christmas....

The local paper has run a story about DD1 - here is the link if anyone is interested:-

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/10063493.Sarah_sends_Santa_to_St_Leonard___s_Hospice/

meg72

cyclingyorkie wrote: »

DD1 has asked her friends not to buy her gifts this year but has asked they make a donation to our local hospice instead ( she is a volunteer in one of their shops). As most of her friends don't live in York this has reduced the amount of stress she has buying things for people and the cost of posting.

I am very proud of her, if not a bit jealous - I'm not as organised as i should be, but we have planned the festive food.... and I have made 2 Christmas cakes - and have had the puds in the cupboard since last Christmas....

The local paper has run a story about DD1 - here is the link if anyone is interested:-

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/10063493.Sarah_sends_Santa_to_St_Leonard___s_Hospice/

What a lovely idea, no wonder you are so proud of her

oldtractor

We buy for our sons and grandson. £20 max each. Thats it , apart from a card from Oxfam for a goat in Africa or something. We buy what we can afford during the year. eg DH has just bought me a Barbour jacket. Not for xmas. I just dont believe that splurge spending and gifts is a good idea.
We have a nice meal together and a lazy time in front of the fire watching DVDs. easy stress free xmas.

MrsCD

cyclingyorkie - you have every right to be proud of your DD :T She's a credit to you and I wish more young people thought the way she does.

hobbitfancier wrote: »

I'm really stuck as to what to get my Dad - he's retiring next years, potters about in our poly tunnel, planting veg. He hasn't read much because he's always busy, hobbies - well, he's in a barbershop choir. Was thinking of making him a CD for the car (loves Jimi Hendrix and all that sort of thing), but that seems a bit measly. He's cutting down on cholesterol in his diet so limited in making/baking him something. He is so difficult to buy for, and my limit is about €20.

How about a garden centre voucher with some packets of seeds? You could make him some plant labels to with the packets. A homemade CD shows that you have put some thought into what he likes - I'm sure he would love it!

stupotstu wrote: »

I have also had many discussions with friends regarding relevance of buying actual christmas presents for each other! The actual message of christmas seems to have been lost in favour of ridiculously huge presents and expectations of what is expected to receive.

Call me a scrooge but at some point sense has got to kick in!!

Stupotstu

I quite agree! Christmas seems to have been lost in the modern 'happy holidays' way of thinking.