How do DFWers do Christmas?

tibawo

The last few years I have found eBay helps... The girls have the same want mentality as the rest of their friends and I have trained them that sometimes second hand is not bad. I am careful what I buy and set myself a limit on what I will pay.

This year they are after converse, I have managed to pick up two pairs each in good nick including postage for less than the cost of one pair new.

Food wise we tend to go to mums so I make something with the girls which tends to go down better than shop bought and cheaper too!

bargainbetty

For presents I have a list of names and a budget and I try to get something thoughtful for my nieces, rather than more tat. This year I am taking them out for day trips instead of presents.

On a side note, I live alone and tend to visit my brother at Xmas because he has a house big enough to hold us all. To stop what was turning into a huge stress for my mum about a friend who offers to cook and then invariably turns up late so we end end sitting down hours beyond the planned time (7.30 last year instead of 3.00) I have decided that I am going to cook. At my brothers, but I will cook. I am not having another year of rows, grumpiness, awkward silences and grumbling stomachs. I'll damn well do it myself and stay in the kitchen for most of it.

Dinner for fifteen. Oh, I did not think this through.