Old Style Christmas Preparations for Christmas 2013

quidsy

Just booked tickets to see santa at his grotto at Ruxley manor Swanley, this is THE best grotto I have ever been to, it is a full hour experience, walking through a winter wonderland with dancing penguins, elves in sleighs & real life santas elfs to guide you though, the kids make cards, write christmas list & post them to sants, make raindeer magic dust & food & sing a special christmas song then a visit with santa in his sitting room where individual presents for each child drops down his chimney, parents also get a gift, last 2 years were lovely seasonal pot plants. it is well worth the cost, 9.99 for kids, 3 for adults.

My son has been every year since he was a baby (6now) & he still finds it magical. The down side is it sells out quickly, hence the early release of tickets but at least it is done :xmassmile

xxlouisexx56

quidsy wrote: »

Just booked tickets to see santa at his grotto at Ruxley manor Swanley, this is THE best grotto I have ever been to, it is a full hour experience, walking through a winter wonderland with dancing penguins, elves in sleighs & real life santas elfs to guide you though, the kids make cards, write christmas list & post them to sants, make raindeer magic dust & food & sing a special christmas song then a visit with santa in his sitting room where individual presents for each child drops down his chimney, parents also get a gift, last 2 years were lovely seasonal pot plants. it is well worth the cost, 9.99 for kids, 3 for adults.

My son has been every year since he was a baby (6now) & he still finds it magical. The down side is it sells out quickly, hence the early release of tickets but at least it is done :xmassmile

You must live near me then! I've never been to ruxley even though its a 5 minute drive for me, I've always taken my girls to blue water

niftythrifty33

I think the kids would be devastated if father Christmas stopping visiting :rotfl:despite their age!

I will start to look around for bits, thanks for the advise about poundland and home bargains, we dont have many shops here so have to travel an hour but might look online, though I don't like browsing online as I miss bits out.

Its hard to know whether to get one big present then just little bits or just lots of bits, either way it always adds up to LOADS!!

I need to start a plan and write some lists (I love lists). I quite fancy making mini Christmas puddings in used tin cans. Do any of you think it's strange how we fuss over making nice hampers etc for grandparents for them to just bung the kids a note, how easy is that! Although I know thats what the kids want.

I bought some bits in the sale in Jan so will get them out from the attic, I also made some chutney a few months ago so need to see what I've got

Uniscots97

niftythrifty33 wrote: »

Do any of you think it's strange how we fuss over making nice hampers etc for grandparents for them to just bung the kids a note, how easy is that! Although I know thats what the kids want.

I think thats a grandparent/eldery relative's perogative. For many they either can't or don't want to face the crowds in the big shops and don't want to get it wrong so 2 things never go out of fashion sweets and money. For them receiving a hamper of goodies is maybe stuff they either can't afford or can't readily get (i.e. items from big stores if they can't get about) so both parties get the best deal.

cyclingyorkie

Boy how do my kids wish that their gran, my mum, would just bung them a note. They /we have had all sorts of tat in recent years - most of which was binned/charity shopped in January. - Two years ago I got a pizza slice!

Last year she was having a bit of trouble back wise and I persuaded her to give us some money! Bet we're back to tat this year...

jemb

Islandmaid wrote: »

IAt what age do you think its time to stop the Christmas Stockings, I did mention it in passing just before last Christmas - I thought they were going to cry!!!:eek:

Do you have to stop doing them? My Mum still does them for me and hubby and I'm 28, he's 32! We both love it still!

CountingPennies

I'm 31 and i love my stocking

My eldest is 13 and she loves her and the christmas eve hamper! Lol!

quidsy

xxlouisexx56 that's funny, we are in Orpington & go to Ruxley quite a lot as they have always got kids activities on during the year, it's also just good to have a mooch around & a coffee if not wanting to do anything more strenuous.

Islandmaid

Its a done deal then - the stockings will remain....

Have been to a grotto for years, s,pose I will have to wait for grandsprogs to arrive (at least 10 years please!!) mine used to love Marwell Zoo, Santa had a real beard, DS1 did give it a tug to check.........

Sequeena

Thomas has another unexpected gift - a motorized quad bike. I'm only getting a few more bits for him then concentrating on his winter wardrobe. I've banned OH from buying him anymore toys.

I'm doing Christmas eve hampers for the first time this year and I'm so excited!