*The Holly and the Ivy* and the You Know What 2013 Chatter Thread.

kiss_me_now9

Hello ladies and gents! I always join in things too late

I'm just wondering if you lovely people have any calming tips? I'm getting stressed about Christmas this year. Not enough time, not enough money, not enough ideas It's my first christmas when I'm not in Uni or school, not living with my parents (graduated this summer and moved straight in with my boyfriend) and in full time work. How the heck do you get everything done?!

I think my parents are sorted, I have several ideas for my sister but just need to action them, no idea for the brother in law, and for my partner... God knows! His birthday is 6 days before Christmas which makes it even harder The trouble is he never really wants anything, and if he wants something one month he doesn't want it the next. Over the year he's given me about ten suggestions and then this last fortnight when I've been dropping slight hints to ensure that they're the right thing he's outright said no he doesn't want it any more. PITA!

blue_eyed_girl

CupOfChai wrote: »

There's a couple of things going on here too that are stopping me properly being able to get into it. I can do it for a bit, then it crops up and interferes with my Christmas again.

Those shopping centre decorations look AMAZING. Then I noticed where it was. I must immediately phone my mam and demand we go there once I'm at hers. We may end up going shopping on Christmas Eve which will of course be complete lunacy but I DON'T CARE.

Edit - his missus, Christmas wishes to you and your family that your dad feels better.

When we have been shopping on Christmas Eve (Newcastle) we were amazed at how quiet it was. I think a lot had stayed at home thinking we'd better not go as it will be heaving. Hope you manage to have a trip with your Mam.

wuvvies wrote: »

where was the shopping centre with the lovely decorations??

Metrocentre Gateshead. They were actually much better than the photos - the quantity and quality is absolutely amazing.

Just finishing my lunchtime cuppa and then we are off to see if I can find something for Mam's pressie. Will report back later.

b_e_g

blue_eyed_girl

CupOfChai wrote: »

One of the photos had a sign in the background that said "Metrocentre". If I'm right in which one it is it's in Gateshead (next to Newcastle).

Well done - you're right. Well spotted.

b_e_g

choccymoose

his_missus wrote: »

Thanks all for the thoughts. Choccymoose thanks for the offer, to be honest, even if the chemo improves dad's quality of living, I think we only have a few months with him: this will certainly be our last Christmas with him The type of cancer he has doesn't have much of a "successful recovery rate"

I will try and remember to post a piccie of snowed in hamper. In it I've put: - fleece blanket, thick socks and hot water bottle to keep them warm, 2 candles, a lighter and a wind up torch in case of a power cut, a bottle of beer each, tin of soup, packet of bread mix, coffee and a tin of biscuits as emergency food and a jigsaw puzzle to keep them occupied.

I know its hard, make sure you treasure your time with him as much as you can xxx

CupOfChai

Blue-eyed-girl - thanks, I need to go and look at Fenwick's window as well!

Own_My_Own

kiss_me_now9 wrote: »

Hello ladies and gents! I always join in things too late

I'm just wondering if you lovely people have any calming tips? I'm getting stressed about Christmas this year. Not enough time, not enough money, not enough ideas It's my first christmas when I'm not in Uni or school, not living with my parents (graduated this summer and moved straight in with my boyfriend) and in full time work. How the heck do you get everything done?!

I think my parents are sorted, I have several ideas for my sister but just need to action them, no idea for the brother in law, and for my partner... God knows! His birthday is 6 days before Christmas which makes it even harder The trouble is he never really wants anything, and if he wants something one month he doesn't want it the next. Over the year he's given me about ten suggestions and then this last fortnight when I've been dropping slight hints to ensure that they're the right thing he's outright said no he doesn't want it any more. PITA!

Lists !!!!!

Write it all down.

If it's to much, see what you can cross off and forget this year. Don't put too much pressure on yourself.


Welcome to the thread

FeistyFidget

His missus, I'm so sorry my lovely xxx

Arthien

Finally made it! :j

It's been a long and crazily busy month, but I've finally caught up with you lovely lot!

The house move went well, but it made me realise just how much carp we have, so my new year's resolution is to de-carpify as soon as possible.

I wanted to say thanks to whoever it was who suggested the Twinings code (all those many moons ago!). I placed the order, but then the stupid delivery bloke handed it to DH (even though it had my name on it), as it was delivered on the day we moved and DH was outside unloading the van. There's no way he'll forget about it, and he'll know it can only be one of two things, so that's one surprise ruined :mad:

I hope everyone's festive feeling picks up soon, not long to go now!

I'm nearly all wrapped and ready, just a couple of presents, and then cards and decs to do. I keep asking DH to get us a real tree this year, as it's our first Christmas in our new house as husband and wife, but I think the only way it's going to happen is if I unpack the old tree and find that it's missing even more branches, as I'll have nowhere to hang my baubles at the rate they're falling off

riskyb, I'm not sure if you've done this already, but you should post your giveaways on the Competitions board (or get someone else to do it for you). I did it for my friend a few months ago and she got a LOT more traffic on her blog from it.

Only 15 mins to go til I can drive home with my Christmas cd on full blast and then treat myself to a not-particularly-small slice of chocolate log when I get in :T

fevertotell

I've hit a wall :-( Missus you are all in my prayers and thoughts, i'm going through a similar situation but with my grandad (who is more like my dad to be honest) he's got prostrate cancer and he's had lots of treatment this year but he's not well at all, he fell yesterday and they said he needs a hip replacement due to O. Arthritis i'm so sad...he's only 75...always been young for his age...i'm heartbroken. If you need a chat even if it's just to vent or as a shoulder to cry on- as someone removed from the situation so to speak i'm here for you-honestly.


Anyway, i realised last night that i STILL have presents to buy, bloke leaves me to most of it all...he only does mine...i source all his families/order it & wrap it...i don't mind but NONE of them have told us what they want...so that's 6 more presents...and i need to get my best mate & her hubby trivial pursuit...sigh, serves me right for being so smug! well at least the kids are all done and wrapped.

I posted a few cards today, after saying i wasn't sending loads of cards i've managed to write a grand total of 122 cards...mainly kids friends/classmates but least it's done.

i'm just fed up of it now...i'm on anti depressants AGAIN...my get up and go has gone...i think i'm struggling dealing with the hysterectomy and everything else...more tests on friday...hoping i get some answers.

Love and hugs to all xxxx

pigpen

wuvvies wrote: »

morning all
my dd came last night and its getting impossible. i felt so sorry for her even though shes in the wrong becuase i could not literally get one word out before crying. i open my mouth and cry. i dont know her any more. i tried to talk to her but tears just flow. then she went upstairs to see her brother and he is short with her. i asked him after if he was ok. he just said he was fine but he feels cross with her that shes chosen another family. its a hard situation and its getting worse because i just keep crying. ive spent a lot of years on anti depressants and got off them finally last year so although im depressed im reluctant to go back on them as i know they wont really help. im ok really just tearful beyond belief.
my eldest dd is coming for christmas lunch now as well as tea. i havent asked my other daughter as im assuming she would ask if she wanted to come. i ask her constantly what are you plans for christmas and she just says she will come round christmas morning. its going to be so awkard as shes still not made any effort to discuss what shes done and ive told her straight that her sdad wants answers.
ive been looking at old christmas magazines this morning i have the last 9 years of good food magazine and some other food magazines from years ago. STILL searching for my christmas mojo
hugs to all those who are ill and i have the greatest respect to all those who answer individually. wow your good!!

My eldest daughter went out one day to college. 3 days later the police found her at her boyfriends shared house. I will never ever forgive her for that... but life goes on, we move on and relationships change.. one day yours will grow up and will realise how she made you feel.


My advice.. don't comment, don't say anything. Don't wait for her to ask about Christmas extend an invitation so she knows you still love her and want her there as part of your life. By saying nothing you are excluding her.. all you need to say is.. 'it is lovely to see you' and give her a hug.


TBH I don't believe anything that has gone on has anything to do with anyone but you and her.. including step-parents.


I get the crying about it though I did my share but there was no way I was letting her know that.. and in the long term if things fall through with the current male fancy you need to maintain the relationship so she knows she can come back to you, you don't want her to end up on the streets.. there was no way on gods green earth I was losing my daughter for the sake of some cretin she decided was good enough for her to live with.


if you need an ear that has btdt you know where to find me! xx It gets easier.


(I'll not mention my grandson )