Old Style preparations for Christmas 2012!!!!!

Kitchenbunny

Some additions to report, Christmas-planning wise:

Found a jar and a half of mincemeat which I'll keep aside for another couple of months and then turn them into mince pies (which will be frozen unbaked and then baked when we want some).

Have taken measurements for one of my presents and can order that when I've found the best place to buy it from.

From making profiteroles this weekend I've still got half a pint of double cream. I don't think we'll use it before it runs out of date, so I'll make another batch of them and freeze them for Christmas.

Loving the Christmas Prep.

K xx

Possession

Just found my Mary Berry cake mixes in the garage. (That isn't as odd as it sounds.) I have 4 and I will be making mini cakes for my hampers. I'll make the cakes in September probably, and I'll be making a cake for my parents and the in-laws too.

jammy_dodger

heres a nice little recipe for childrens presents , not just for christmas either make a nice gift i think

a truffle kind of one
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Christmas-Mice-Cookies



or a more biscuit one here
this one i have made
http://www.marthastewart.com/349944/mice-cookies

LavenderBees

Popperwell wrote: »

Thanks Ginnyknit :xmassmile

I have a box of Christmas crackers and lots of paper and bows that will never be used, oh well...:(

Yes I'll raise a glass to you all, try to make the best of it and play all my Christmas music. I can still eat, drink and sleep.

Hopefully it will go better than I fear and I'll be positive and not on a downer.

Hi,

I too am alone at Christmas and half dread/half look forward to it.

The run up is the hardest part being at work with everyone talking of their plans...and looking pityingly at me (I feel) for being alone . I do get invites but I'd hate to latch onto someone else's Christmas as it's a bad day to feel like an outsider (however welcoming people are).

The day itself is far easier than the run up...and I've found the key to having a pleasant day is to plan for it carefully - lots of treats for yourself e.g. Carols from Kings on Xmas Eve with a lovely treat meal. On Xmas Day, enjoy your lie in and then treat yourself with your favourite breakfast. take time to choose a good bottle of wine (doesn't have to be expensive) to go with your favourite meal (I tried a new recipe last year which kept me happily occupied all morning whilst listening to the radio), a dvd of a film you're desperate to see (in case the TV is rubbish), or a good book. New PJs & luxurious bubble bath to round the day off.

I'll probably be logging onto MSE this year to see who is around, as people on this forum got me through a long and lonely new year's eve too with a lot of laughter. So much so, I missed hearing my neighbours knocking to get me to go to the local pub with them for a dance :rotfl:

I'm sure you'll be fine. If you can keep sad thoughts at bay, it really is just another day...but you can make it special for yourself.

LB xx

ETA - I'd be interested to know how other singletons spend their day...any tips much appreciated! Off back to read the thread now

Further edit - I bought all my xmas cards/wrapping/crackers (why when can't pull them with the cats?) AND pressies in the sales in late Dec last year. What can I say...? But would like to add to them with some hm nibbles so will be watching this thread with interest this year for lovely frugal ideas. Thanks everyone!

helen_jelly

A Xmas thread - yeah :]]

Looking forward to hearing what everyone is up to and snaffling ideas. I've already got a few bits in [from the Boots sale]

Helen

7roland8

Well I have started a private blog at Blogger which lists all my decorations, all my gifts I have bought through tips here (such as a bagful of Landsend scarves!) and listed all those who I give to for Birthdays and Xmas.

Hopefully I will have enough for all apart from grown sons who will have money - but I am doing reviews on Dooyoo and Ciao for that if possible.

Got all my cards and wrap as well - but not written them yet!

Got boxes of stuff on top of two wardrobes and also two drawer fulls. Will probably be adding to it when I see great 'grabbits' on here - so thanks to all who find them.

I am on mobility allowance and hubby and illness benefit after accident in work money is tight as I try to pay off cards - so tis is the way I manage it all - and we never seem to miss out and all our Xmas shopping is done in January sales.

pinkmami

Well I did a tiny bit of christmas shopping today. Got a few sudoku books for the girls & a dot to dot book for DS, then got some small body sprays for the girls stockings - bougth with my points I got when buying electrical goods with Boots.:D

tryingtocutback

Excellent thread - Im going to make a start this week by looking out for bits and bobs in l*dl and places like p0undland on my travels.

I look forward to seeing what everyone else manages to get done.

I am also interested in seeing how the singletons will be getting on - I am not alone (I live with family) but Christmas is a difficult time of year for me - and a lot of other people I expect.

xxlouisexx56

Hello!!

I bought 2 half price Barbie sets this week for DD1.

I am on a limited income and in the space of 3 weeks there is Xmas, DD1's birthday and DP's birthday so I like to be prepared.

bossymoo

Hi all

I saw some DVDs on offer in the range today, so got a Thomas one for DS and a Pingu one for DD. Also bought a game for them, something about hanging monkeys on a tree.

It wasn't till I got home and thought, hey, I'll put these away for Xmas! So that is my first purchase.

I will probably need a tree this year. We have a spiral tree, but my mum stayed last year and brought a regular one, for hanging baubles, and I think the kiddies find that more fun. So might look out for a bargain with it being out of season.

Am also thinking of doing the elf thing. Have you heard of the elf that came to stay?

Christmas was very subdued last year, due to close bereavement, so this year we might make more effort with activities I think...

What are your family traditions?