Old Style Christmas Preparations for Christmas 2013

quidsy

I've started stocking the Christmas pantry already, finding bargains when they are on reduced or near best before & sticking in freezer or in a box in the pantry.

I got a large jar of green olives for £1 in Morrisons the other day & they were also doing specials on cheese crackers selections so I picked a couple of boxes up too. Everytime I see an offer of something that I use around Christmas I just pick it up & stick in the box. Around october I will start looking for the salmon sides & beef joint specials that usually come out to stick in the freezer.

The other good thing of doing it this way is not only getting cheaper deals but spreading the cost over 5 months.

floss2

mumofthetwins wrote: »

...But my family want me to do christmas dinner again (always me as i have the biggest house) i need to try to do that cheaper this year though ....

Tell everyone "Yes, that's the plan - now, what will you be bringing so I can tick it off the list?" If anyone kicks up a fuss, then tell them you can't do it without sharing the cost, after all you are providing the venue

meg72

floss2 wrote: »

Tell everyone "Yes, that's the plan - now, what will you be bringing so I can tick it off the list?" If anyone kicks up a fuss, then tell them you can't do it without sharing the cost, after all you are providing the venue

My thoughts exactly. I go to my DDs for christmas dinner but always take the meat.

MaddyWaddy

floss2 wrote: »

Tell everyone "Yes, that's the plan - now, what will you be bringing so I can tick it off the list?" If anyone kicks up a fuss, then tell them you can't do it without sharing the cost, after all you are providing the venue

I agree - whilst there isn't much cost to veg me and my mum take it in turns for the turkey crown which can cost a small fortune!

quidsy

4 of us alternate christmas. One brings the turkey, someone else the desserts & pudding, another does trimmings & the host cooks the veg, sauces & beef joint.

Cost is spread with host taking larger cost & effort one year out of 4. We aren't big drinkers so usually everyone just brings their own if they want it.

Islandmaid

Hi all,

Been reading through and you are all so organised - I have been doing £ a day saving by DD into a savings account and have just broken through the £200 barrier, should have more than enough to cover food, drink and prezzies for this year.

Just after new year, I sat my 3 teens down and explained that we had just had our last 'kiddie style' christmas and this year will be very toned down so they were to choose prezzies wisely as the amount I spend will be very limited - seemed to go down okay, but we,ll see

mumofthetwins

Thanks guys ... I think I will just suggest everyone bring something ... Even if its just the add on bits as these do all add up and I normally end up cooking for around 10 (nanas and grandas get sent to there home)
I Supose at least I haven't got the in laws to buy for this year x

double_mummy

ooooooooooooooooooooo i am so glad i have found my home!!!!!!

all my rl friends think i am mad cos i am already sorting xmas out

I have all the meat ordered
wishlist on amazon done for bits i have thought of for the kids i pick a couple of items each week and buy them
got a couple of grabbits and freebies stashed
i have 6 asdas savings cards 4 for my niece and nephews 1 for saving up for the food and 1 for the last minute pressies and stocking buts
i have my trusty boxes in the cupboard one for OH and one each for the LOs
the family have decided to do e - cards this year which is always nice
have bought the xmas cards for teachers n people at LOs school and nursery

there is always and amazing homemade and vintage fair here in MK at the end of november that i always find some great pressies at

I have MIL and SIL for xmas dinner this year each of them pay a bit towards food etc but seeing as there is 4 of us and only 2 of them i dont ask them to pay much

i have decided that (with some support from all you guys) i may try making a couple of pressies this year - i was just looking at a thread on candles and i think i can do that as MIL loves candles so if the Los could help me i think she would love that more than anything i can buy

CountingPennies

I'm doing mystery shopping to get some christmas bits and pieces. In the shops i have to make a purchase, i get a stocking filler or small gift which is always reimbursed.... Free gifts!!

horsechestnut

I got 6 jars of Robinson's Mincemeat for 20p each in Tesco. They still had plenty left.