*Stop The Cavalry* It's The 2014 Christmas Chatter Thread

freespirit66

pigpen wrote: »

this is good one to add to hampers.. with a notepad/post-its and a pen... obv. change year!

Oh i am going to have a go at that this year, what a lovely idea, thankyou PIGPEN, i have saved the pic

madvixen wrote: »

I managed to get some great wee stocking fillers in Sainsburys today. I'd only popped in to get a magazine but ended up with some lovely soaps and lip glosses for next year. May have also ended up with a little something for myself that I couldn't justify when it was full price :j

Here are the links to my Pinterest boards. This one is decorations and Christmas specific recipes
http://www.pinterest.com/madvixen83/christmas/

And this one is my "leftovers" recipe board
http://www.pinterest.com/madvixen83/leftover-recipes/

Thankyou for that MADVIXEN i have repinned some of your pins

betasam wrote: »

Pigpen, I love the jar - I have a friend with a birthday on New Year's Eve and that would be an ideal present.
I sorted out my present stash today and allocated it all to 2014 Christmas and birthdays apart from two books. I have culled my present list a little but it still looks quite scary - 69 Christmas gifts and 45 birthday presents to find! I have half of the birthday presents and about a third of the Christmas presents sorted so far. Time to start crocheting and cross stitching!
I hope all of you who are feeling ill get better soon.

OMG BETASAM i would have heart failure if i had to buy that many presents :rotfl:

Own_My_Own

RebekahR wrote: »

Right then i'm still not getting it. Is this basically to organise christmas starting now and doing so throughout the year? All organisation or is this primarily craft bassed?

Mainly organisation.

It started in May 2012 as a Christmas organisation thread. Last year we decided to have an all year thread, which we are doing again this year.
We cover everything now. Good news and bad. Births and deaths.
We post about any bargains we find. If you are looking for anything post it on here and we will look for it for you.

Some of us make our gifts and some buy them. But mainly you can mention Christmas any time of the year without anyone moaning at you.

ETA the links on the first page are just they incase anyone needs them. ( I bet half the posters on here have never needed any of them )

2nd ETA just realised the bit you meant in the first post about not wanting to join the thread. It was aimed at the people that just like to make stupid comments for the fun if it. I didn't want the first few pages full of posts about this Christmas not being over yet. Now we have a few pages I can delete that bit. xxx

nic2075

RebekahR wrote: »

Right then i'm still not getting it. Is this basically to organise christmas starting now and doing so throughout the year? All organisation or is this primarily craft bassed?

I enjoy coming on here for crafty ideas, hamper ideas, getting to know other Christmas nuts who can talk about things they buy throughout the year. Support each other in day to day lives. And come October the excitement really starts as we head towards the busy season and getting organised.

I have got so many ideas from these lovely ladies. Not to mention the advice and support in harder times. All through the year.

They spur me on to get organised to save and prepare. And I love it.

I love seeing names I've known from the beginning. And love seeing new names join us.

They are the friendliest bunch I have come across on MSE and saved me a fortune over the last couple of years. Ill def be sticking around for 2014 x

Linda-Lou

Evening all!
Ventured out today to do some shopping - otherwise known as treating ourselves to some new plants for the garden, ( including a lovely mountain ash, so lots of red berries for the birdies ), and a bit of a splurge in The Range on some crafty bits and pieces.
Made a start on 2014, bought Xmas present for friend's eldest DD. It's her birthday in Jan, she will be 4, but I already have that present stashed away.
Made a spag bol for tea for DH and DD ( not for me , I'm veggie ), then finished with Xmas pud.
Last day of freedom tomorrow, back to work on Monday. DH has another week off - now that's just not fair is it?
Sorry for those under the weather. Hope you're feeling better now Feisty!

Sleep well everyone xxx

pigpen

pixtotts wrote: »

Just popping in not caught up yet ... but...
pigpen - I love the idea of those jars I actually meant to do one last year. Really wish I had as all I can think that happened in 2013 is a bit meh and NYE is my least favourite night of the year. Last thing my Nanny did before she died was watch the fireworks on tv. Maybe I will do one in 2014.

aaaand back to Christmas - could anyone point me towards some Christmas ribbons ? I LOVE wrapping presents really want to get some of the ribbon but it's so expensive for something that just gets thrown away
x

Mine too.. I go to bed super early to avoid it all.. NYD was my nanna's birthday and as the one who never went out I would spend it on the phone chatting for hours to be the first to wish her happy birthday and so she didn't feel so alone.. She passed 9 years ago and that is the one time the hole she left in my life is most painful.. the rest of the time I get by.

Next Christmas I am not doing the family gathering on the 26th I am doing it a different day.. and considering the 1st Jan. I shall see what days I have the children and work around that. Santa gifts on Christmas eve was no different to having them any other day tbh.. I might keep that.. we can do Swedish style Santa!

fluffysox

betasam wrote: »

Pigpen, I love the jar - I have a friend with a birthday on New Year's Eve and that would be an ideal present.

I sorted out my present stash today and allocated it all to 2014 Christmas and birthdays apart from two books. I have culled my present list a little but it still looks quite scary - 69 Christmas gifts and 45 birthday presents to find! I have half of the birthday presents and about a third of the Christmas presents sorted so far. Time to start crocheting and cross stitching!

I hope all of you who are feeling ill get better soon.

Can you cull it some more? For birthdays and Christmas, I have 19 adults plus DH, plus childminders (hamper twice a year). 7 neices and nephews age 16-22, nephew age 7, friends children current ages 8, 7, 5, 4, 2 and 1 and my two little boys, currently 2 1/2 and 2 months old. Plus a secret santa with 6 closest friends plus their individual birthdays. I think I have too many and it definitely isn't 69.
The secret santa is great for groups, one thoughtful gift instead of lots of meaningless ones. This year I hope to do a photo calendar for the adult relatives for Christmas. One per couple so cutting the costs in half. Could you do couples gifts e.g. hampers. I made a "date night" hamper for friends of ours this year A dvd, popcorn, rocky road of love chocolate bar, bottle of prosecco and a CD soundtrack of Hot Chocolate. Under £15 as the film isn't a new release and the CD was preloved from Morrisons. Previous year I did something similar but it was cinema vouchers and a home made "one nights babysitting" voucher for another couple ;-)

edit: decided that since two of my brothers did not get me a birthday card this year- they and one girlfriend shall only get birthday cards. My other bro and SIL lives abroad, so cards are easier anyway, I usually put some photos in with the card. So there are 5 birthdays off the list. Hopefully I can cull some more too :-)

pigpen

betasam wrote: »

Pigpen, I love the jar - I have a friend with a birthday on New Year's Eve and that would be an ideal present.

I sorted out my present stash today and allocated it all to 2014 Christmas and birthdays apart from two books. I have culled my present list a little but it still looks quite scary - 69 Christmas gifts and 45 birthday presents to find! I have half of the birthday presents and about a third of the Christmas presents sorted so far. Time to start crocheting and cross stitching!

I hope all of you who are feeling ill get better soon.

OUCH!!! I'd be putting a stop to most of those!


I buy for my partner and my children and grand children.. (15)
My childrens partners (3)
My mother, stepdad, 3 sisters, 1 niece and 1 nephew (7)

And that is all.

I budget £20 for the bottom group
about £50 for older children, grand children
More than I should for my children.. about £100-£200 (it is what the child maintenance goes on it appears.. that and music lessons).. depends on what they need.. their gifts do include a lot of necessary items.. clothing, shoes, coats, smellies and maybe 5 or 6 actual gifts plus books.
OH gets what I know he will love and big items for everyone to share.

This year I am hoping to get a lot of home made gifts sorted.. knitted items, HM candles and soaps, and do everyone a hamper style thing. I am hoping to halve that budget!


Birthdays I stick to my children, grand children and OH.. £20-£30 each

katmum

Hello - I'd like to join this thread as 'holly and ivy' and your great tips and advice of all things Christmas helped me so much over the past six months.

Sorry I delurked and then lurked again but will try to become a more active poster on here next year. We had a much better Christmas this year, which was great, especially as we have had a tough few months. I'm so chuffed that it has all been paid for without going into debt for once.

Got a few small gifts for next year and all wrapping paper sorted out but like the idea of trying to get sorted by end of November for 2014. Might even try some Christmas recipes next year. . .

Could I be added to the birthday list please, mine's May 27th.

Nanamia

Welcome betasam, annie_d, 3forholidays, Fuddle, madvixen, vcal, Cariadsnewstart, Dunkeydorey, RebekahR glad to have you on board I think you'll love it here X

Lizzie_b congratulations x
B_e_g oh you poor thing. I do hope you are starting to feel better now xxx
DomRavioli just pop in and say hello we just chatter X
Marco oh no! DH has had similar problems with the local cats The netting seems to keep the heron away but always the cat to scoop the fish up hope you've managed to sort something xxx
Linky as you've no doubt noticed by now, spelling is not my thing! you could've spelt my name wrong n I'd probably not noticed! I can't believe FM is almost one! That has flown by. I, like Pigpen swear by Duplo, my DGDs play with a box of Duplo that's been added to over the last few years but the original collection was DDs and she's 26- hard to tell which is which too to be honest. And the Lego is even older than that but waiting in the loft for DGD2 to be old enough xxx
Dropsofjupiter wooo hooo congratulations xxx
Spring Dreams I'm going to have to have animation finding lessons from you! You are so clever I love them. Are you anxiously awaiting results now? Are they due soon? xxx
Pinklady exciting times ahead now with your LO please take some time for yourself and get your feet up xxx
Linda-Lou what a wonderful surprise from DH X
his missus how are you doing! glad your DDad was on better form on Christmas Day, making memories I'm sorry you've been struck by the dreaded lurgy. There's just so much yuk about xxx
Mrsinvisible I've missed you. Don't forget and extra squeeze from DGC from me Sounds like such fun at yours I too find peace in my kitchen, then blow me don't the !!!!!!s follow you in to chat hahaha. Oh no just caught up and you too have been hit by the dreaded yuk Well blooming look after yourself! That's an order Was thinking about you when I saw the storm damage on local news, not more damage to Chez Vis the price you pay for living in such a beautiful part of the world sadly xxx
Murie oho hope the car is sorted painlessly xxx
Pixtotts I love the glass paintings! beautiful xxx
Nitnurse good to see you my lovely. Well done you, spending real money go girl xxx
Fluffysox aww bless your little one. Lazy days are definitely a must, enjoy xxx
Festive Princess JJ I'm not surprised you've had to declutter to find a cupboard! you are going great guns with you 2014 planning already I'm proud of you my girl. It's weird, I got a diary this year, and was thinking I've not used one for years now, adding everything to my phone which syncs with the iPad - I do use a calendar tho in the kitchen (more so I can point out to my driver (DH) that he knew we were going/doing whatever cos it's on the calendar. Haha xxx
Pigpen your LO is so cute. You'll have to save that photo for when she's 21. Your plans for next Christmas /birthday are coming along xxx
Debndot ooooh I didn't think to look at B&Q for lights! Dumbo! Will pop over and have a look. Thank you xxx
Feisty I hope you have spent some time with your feet up doing nothing today? It's time my lovely to think of Feisty and Mr Feisty xxx
Msgigglewick and Feisty beware! I was done bar a bit of wrapping by Nov 5th (well remember saying woo hoo before bonfire night) and I was still fiddling about on Christmas Eve at 23.55 !
Mrs Christmas I think you may be officially our first tree down. Although I've had a decal and not a tree so theoretically mine never went up xxx
Quidsy I'm sorry! I'm rubbish at anything like that, but do think it's a great idea xxx
Chrissy OMG be done for August that is super organised. Oh you poor dog I've never been to Botany Bay, passed it often, it's our half way mark on the way to Blackpool. What was it like? xxx
Mumof3plusoh and Katmum hi, welcome back X
betasam wow that is a lot of presents X
Freespirit your Christmas does sound like it was fun, perfect. Well sister from another mister lets start our challenge xxx

Well we've had a good few days too. Missing DS, DDiL and of course DGD1 but had lots of FaceTime with them (just not a cuddle) DGD2 has filled our days with fun and laughter Feeling very blessed xxx

Pinksteps How is DS coping with his new casts? Well I know how I bet, with the same gorgeous smile and humour that he faces everything else. Hope you've had lots to smile about xxx

Nanamia

Living room, kitchen and outside
Sorry they are late! xxx