Old Style Christmas Preparations for Christmas 2013

Josslette

Hi everyone

Me and OH have just returned from out Summer holiday so now I'm going to be focusing on saving and preparing from Christmas.

So far I have been :
- Putting £10 a week away in a sealed tin, but I havn't managed it every week, I estimate that I have about £100-£150 in there.
- Putting £3 a week away at work for our work Christmas do(should be money left over too as last year's xmas do cost me about £20) but I'm behind on this too. have probably done it two thirds of the time.

I'm going to start to build a present/stocking filler box too. The trouble is my OH buys most of the things that he wants anyway like books, dvds, xbox games so it's hard to buy things ahead of time that he'll actually want.

So far I have 5 items for my 4 year old cousin.

Also not sure what we're going to do food wise this Christmas so I don't really want to start buying non perishable things yet.

fluffysox

I buy cello wrap from flower hour too (and tissue paper and pull bows), they have a website, not just on ebay. But I saw some from a florist that was closing down recently and selling on ebay (cheap too) so worth doing a quick search.

Uniscots97

I send off for freebies (shampoo, conditioner, perfume etc) as these make great stocking fillers.

alja

I popped into town today and picked up a bag of (I think?) 20 cellophane bags with ribbons from Poundland. They're clear with pink flower print dotted on them. I'm planning to use them for birthdays as well as Christmas so I picked up 2 packs. Will take a look this evening for the bigger pieces of cellophane

alja

I have a few more things sorted now too, a toiletries gift for my mum in the sale. I also picked up two smaller one for extra pressies ready for whoever they go to! I've also managed to sort out a lovely box for my parents gift hamper. I always put them a little something together at Christmas with foodie bits and a nice wine etc. I finally feel that I've made a start on this year's bits!

dreamywings1

Today I have officially started my Christmas preparations. Ive been foraging wild raspberries and have now got 2 litres of raspberry vodka on the go. Need to buy some more vodka so I can start on the lemoncello. Yay excited Will start making my Christmas cards at weekend.

Uniscots97

Anyone got instructions how to do flavoured vodka? How long does it take to do and how long does it keep etc?

funfairprincess

I picked up 3 huge boxes of raspberries for a £1 at the market so I'm planning to make them into jam for my hampers. Had my daughters pictures taken so I'm going to frame them and add them to the hampers too. I've also put past some skittles and m&m candles that were £1 in semi chem.
I really need to start getting caught up with my saving I've fell behind what with buying uniforms and stuff that's my new priority.

WantToBeSE

WantToBeSE wrote: »

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas, thanks for the new thread!

I will start saving our child benefit from now until November, which will do everyones pressies.

I already have:

Cards
Gift wrap
Gift tags
Cellotape
Gift bags

Will need to get a few stocking fillers for my children though.

My 9 year old (almost 10 by then) wants a Wii U, so i'll be on the lookout for a good deal. We managed to get my older son a 250GB Xbox with 3 games for £169 last year, and that was an awesome deal!

I will be stalking HUKD to look for a good deal!

*Subscribed*

Well, i have totally changed my plans for this Christmas! I am no longer going to be getting any big presents, but have decided to limit the children to £100 each and get a collection of smaller presents.
The reason is that after 2 years of having the neighbours from hell, i am planning to move. So all the money i get (bar essentials) will be saved.

pinkmami

I got a few smellies in the Boots sales after last Christmas. Got lovely Champneys stuff for my older niece! Just started a spreadsheet and I've listed the people I need to buy for and slotted the goods I got into the list.

Also got a few items of clothing for my own DD's (11 & 9) in the Next sale. Only 1 expensive item on the list this year & its an Ipod touch for DD2. Got one for DD1 last year & she loves it so its another one this year. Then they all have the "big" items so I hope my Christmases to come will be less expensive!

I'm really cutting down on stuff though. I usually spend £600 on everyone - including own kids, dad, aunt, BIL/SIL, nieces & nephews. Don't buy for friends & DH I don't buy for each other - never have!