Preparedness for when

Shropshirelass

Wot, not even for Buggalugs?

Goldiegirl

I enjoy the way we spend Christmas these days.

Our parents are no longer with us, and we are both only children, so we spend the day quietly at home.

We exchange about three of four small presents. We don't give presents to any other people apart from two friends, who like to give presents to everybody. So there's very little Christmas present shopping.

I do enjoy turkey, and we have a turkey breast joint from M&S, which is paid for by M&S vouchers that we've saved throughout the year. Other Christmas goodies are bought by the M&S vouchers and Nectar points.

It's so relaxing, we enjoy a day together - even the computer doesn't go on! Although I've got an iPad now, so I'm sure I'll be online from time to time!

Our Christmas tree decorations are a combination of things we bought when we first married, a couple of things from my parents, a few things from our travels and some things from where I used to work. When we all made redundant, everything in the office had to go. We had amassed a huge amount of decorations over the years, so we all picked a few pieces.

The only downside is that with just the two of us, the turkey lasts for ever!

melanzana

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

I buy for nobody, and nobody buys for me.

A totally perfect arrangement IMV.

TBH the pressie buying stuff is a con. Most of it ends up in the charity shop or recycled for someone else next year!

Kids are an exception, so I'm not a total bah humbug. But I'm working on it!

Shropshirelass

Are any other peeps feeling slightly queasy at the Christmas adverts now being inflicted on us? Some of them beautifully made, charming, touching, obviously no expense spared, and I enjoyed them at first at one level, but they are trying to connect big business to what is personal about family occasion? Cant quite put my finger on it, but don't like it.

thriftwizard

Our tree, such as it is, came from the Tip! Picked it up about 5 years ago, in May if I remember correctly; it's a particularly nice, pretty realistic 7' job with bendy branches, complete with cones, that just fits perfectly into the gap in the conservatory. We don't use it every year; if we're lucky enough to find a free one or one of the Lawson's Cypresses in the front garden needs a severe haircut, we'll use that instead. The decorations are a motley assortment from things the kids have made, and various internet craft swaps I've taken part in over the years, but I allow myself to buy one new decoration every year, IF I can find one I like, which quite often I can't. The rest of the house is festooned with an equally motley assortment of much-loved perennial favourites and home-made or home-grown bits & bobs; we don't push the boat out but I will be doing a fairly restrained festive meal. My brother will bring the elderlies up if they are well enough; if not he'll cook for them there and come up later on to join us. So not a lot of stress here, and not a lot of spending, either, just enough to make it a real feast day.

melanzana

There were some posts ages ago (probably tonight, this thread moves so fast!) about place names... Don't know if you recall.

Anyway, since I am in the Emerald Isle now, and a lovely place it is too begorrah, I thought I would add this.... Hope you laugh like I did.

http://www.dailyedge.ie/funny-place-names-ireland-998203-Jul2013/

melanzana

Shropshirelass wrote: »

Are any other peeps feeling slightly queasy at the Christmas adverts now being inflicted on us? Some of them beautifully made, charming, touching, obviously no expense spared, and I enjoyed them at first at one level, but they are trying to connect big business to what is personal about family occasion? Cant quite put my finger on it, but don't like it.

I may be wrong, but maybe they are trying to tap in to our basic nature.

You know....love, family, happy days, all is well, nostalgia and all the rest of it.

Such ads as you say can be charming, and quite moving sometimes. That is exactly what they want us to think.

So I project myself into mid January, and if I saw the same ads, what the bliddy hell would I feel? Nada.

It's manipulation with bells on.

Those of us lucky enough to have a reasonably good family relationship know that it's all year round, not just at Christmas.

But I do understand that Extra efforts are made to be together at that time.

Which, as many know, can lead to almighty disasters too. Being out of your comfort zone, being with people you dont see regularly and having to tolerate each other with little in common. It can Be so stressful for many.

It's not for many the idyll portrayed in the ads!

It can be bliddy hard work!

But onwards and upwards. The 27th December is a good day for many. And I don't need to explain why

boultdj

VJsmum wrote: »

Whilst the tide may be turning a bit, I rather fear there are still a lot more "them" than "us". I don't know what it is? The fear of looking mean or too "Bah Humbug?

I'm sooooo tempted by a black santa hat saying that, to wear at work on christmas day, but then again i'm a devil for losing stuff:rotfl:

Possession

You'll be glad to know my local MP is repaying his electricity expenses in full. 'Mistake.'. Ha!
http://www.stratford-herald.com/local-news/7361-mp-to-repay-his-fuel-bill-claims-in-full.html

Goldiegirl

Shropshirelass wrote: »

Are any other peeps feeling slightly queasy at the Christmas adverts now being inflicted on us? Some of them beautifully made, charming, touching, obviously no expense spared, and I enjoyed them at first at one level, but they are trying to connect big business to what is personal about family occasion? Cant quite put my finger on it, but don't like it.

All these adverts project such an idealised version of Christmas - it's all a bit too much, and nobody could ever achieve that level of perfection in real life. Who could ever produce those dining tables literally groaning under the weight of the food. There's enough food to last for a month on display! It people do feel they have to emulate what is shown on these adverts, can you imagine the wasted food?