Christmas is coming! 2007 - merged thread

fruityslh

Glad to see kindred spirits out there, my Christmas shopping is almost complete (just my DH to buy for and I do leave that to Xmas time)

Cards and Wrap bought in January Sales, and then most of my other presents have been bought in the summer Debenhams / M&S / Disneystore and Next Sales.

A big thankyou to whoever mentioned the 5 Xmas movies for a fiver on play.com, I'm doing a movie box for my friends 3 little ones so this is a great idea for them, different from anything else they will get (they get so much anyway, I always try and do something different, they got baubles with their names on last year).

I keep a spreadsheet of all my purchases (Mainly so I know who has got what), I buy for 17 people (excl DH, but incl of all his family) and have spent £210.66, I do try to spend a £10 per person, but sometimes I just get so tempted particularly for my niece and 3 nephews. Had I paid full price for these items I would have spent £427.92, so a massive saving.

My friends and family mock me for being so organised, but with that kind of saving I take it on the chin.

My other reason for buying so early is that we live so far away from our respective families, if I have bought everything by August, I can start distributing from September onwards on visits, which saves the mad dash at Xmas to ensure everyone has their presents (and great expense - we are in the Midlands, family stretches from Kent to Scotland). I can also buy whatever I want without being restricted in size, due to excessive postal charges.

Been doing this about 5 years now since getting married and familes expanding with nieces, nephews, godchildren etc.

fruityslh

Don't know what happened there it posted twice!!!

Cazzdevil

sammy_kaye18 wrote: »

Cazzdevil - thank you very much - not sure exactly what im being thanked for but thank you back! lol

For starting the thread! Reading through it's given me a few ideas for bigger, better but cheaper presents for everyone!

MrsTinks

I hate who ever posted about Boots having a 75% sale online still... darned you all! :rotfl: Ah well £60 but 7 presents sorted... including a nice watch for my brother - was £79 down to something silly like £17... Dunno if he wears a watch but he blooming well will now! :rotfl:

furrypig

Hey what a fab thread, been reading it on and off for ages, but thought I would pop in and say 'Hi!'.

I have been organised for past 2 years as had surgery in Dec 2 years ago and had to be!! Realised how much easier it was to do it all in advance. I buy for over 30 (not sure exactly how many need to check my lists!) so it really pays to be organised throughout the year!

I actually have most of the pressies I need to get except for my 2 children and the grandparents, they are all about done!!

BUT..... this is my first ever Christmas at home (was meant to be last year but Dad was poorly so we visited there as usual!). Anyway I will need much more advice on being organised with shopping and cooking and cleaning and working and kids and cooking and washing and eating and shopping and chopping and husband and visitors and cooking etc etc etc!

So please will you guys help out in that area??? As I have never in my life spent a single Christmas in the house where I was living at that time so it's all new!! But I think it will be ok as it's just a roast dinner right??? I always make the Chistmas pud each year as we get together for a big trad stirring of the pudding with silver coins so that won't be new.

It's ok I am sure I will be fine, just a little panic there!!

Thanks in advance for the help!!

Ps keep an eye on Tesco Direct for kids toys alwys adding games/toys often reduced by 75% plus so have bought a few bits there.

annaangeluk_2

fruityslh wrote: »

A big thankyou to whoever mentioned the 5 Xmas movies for a fiver on play.com, I'm doing a movie box for my friends 3 little ones so this is a great idea for them, different from anything else they will get (they get so much anyway, I always try and do something different, they got baubles with their names on last year).

.

I've looked on play.com and i can't find the five xmas films for a fiver! Any clues what to search for or whereabouts it is?!

Thanks!

postingalwaysposting

annaangeluk wrote: »

I've looked on play.com and i can't find the five xmas films for a fiver! Any clues what to search for or whereabouts it is?!

Thanks!

http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/132316/The-Fantastic-5-Family-DVD-Digistack/Product.html

sammy_kaye18

furrypig - i was exactly the same when it was my first christmas i was only 18, was 5 months pregnant and had to cook for 5 people!! argh!!!Top tip would be - prepare all the veg the night before so all the spuds are done, all the carrots are sliced, all the potatoes are peeled and cut up, even to the point if you want put the gravy granules out in a mixing jug and covered with cling film so you literally have to boil water. i do this and its nice knowing i get more time christmas morning to enjoy presents etc. (this proves more fun once babe got here!)

postingalwaysposting

taken from the argos board... a great price ~ thomas giant set £40 reduced from £70 http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500000701&langId=-1&searchTerms=347-7317

sammy_kaye18

hi allwell jsut to let you know - i took my old loving omputer (the one who died) to the menders today and ta da she is better and workign well. Plus i actually have colour now.Anyway i cant remember if its on this board or on the OC board but soemone emailed me pictures of a jar for their mum - i think your names Amanda but i honestly cant remember and i deleted the email - i still have you picture though!! anyway i thought it was awesome if your on here nad i loved the basket you did for your sister donnaway to go!!