Preparing for Winter V

pollyanna_26

Primrose and Laura I've been thinking along similar lines about how out of hand Christmas has become.We only have to look at some parts of the forum to see people putting themselves in severe debt nowadays to try to keep up with the latest must have gadgets etc.As a mum of four of two different generations I loved Christmas but refused to get in debt. We had good christmas's but with a large extended family too I look back and wonder how I survived.

Working to keep the bills paid didn't offer many present wrapping chances when I found myself bringing them up alone. I can remember some christmas eves when the last one finally nodded off running across the road to my friends to collect a hard to hide bike or similar large gift and her running back with me to collect the things I'd hidden for her.

I still have vivid memories of falling into bed near dawn after tired and sometimes lying on the floor sobbing with exhaustion present wrapping and arranging in various piles. Tiptoeing in to put stockings on beds and the bliss of closing my eyes only to be jolted awake 20 minutes or so later by the cry of "He's been"

Into the kitchen and cooking for close family. Boxing day was extended family and some friends who would otherwise be alone along with inlaws outlaws and other random people for various reasons.

I've always done the full works although I had to abandon my grown in Scotland Frasier Firs as planting them in large pots in the garden meant they grew and grew. I have a bit of Scotland in my garden. Three big trees for the birds now in the ground. It's a relief to decide I'll sit in my pjs if I want, eat what I want and sleep too.

My eldest and only son was 50 this year so I think I've done my share.

If I had a £ for every time I queued outsie INdex and Argos for the latest doll, lego etc I'd be pretty well off now.

I've found myself in recent years leaning towards the Scandi way. Simple. Candles, Cosy blankets and hot chocolate. I bought a lovely book a few years ago Scandi Christmas. It has lots of things to make either as gifts or to use yourself. I'll be ok and dd will too with our individual festivities. Hopefully following the science will see us having other Christmas's together. Offspring are scattered in different parts of the UK . DD1 is in tier 3 although she lives in a tiny village but is pulled into the larger yorkshire region. Safer for all to satay where they are.I do feel for those who will be devastated now they can't see loved ones but hopefully those who follow the rules will make some difference to the months ahead.

Thinking back I've no idea how I dragged those big trees in and out of the house until they grew too big to fit through the doors.

pollyx

MingVase

Great to hear your daughter is happier and more settled now pollywolly. I think we (women) read Dickens or watch Christmas films and buy into the whole image - then try and do it all on our own. The whole works. No wonder people get into debt and stressed.

I didn't mean anything bad  when I said I was happy the border was being closed- I just think it's common sense to close down movement of people for a bit to let things settle. If they leave borders & airports wide open then what's the point of the whole thing?

And going back on topic here, the Scots weather forum is getting slightly excited about colder weather and possible snow for the  23rd on.

cuddlymarm

The one good thing I’ve noticed about this strange time is that people have got used to queuing patiently. Last Christmas everyone was rushing about, this year they seem more good natured about it. 

During the five day thing we were going to visit my sister, which I felt uncomfortable with and pressured into it ( I do want to see her but worry about passing it on or catching it )  Now we’ve made a decision to stay home, I feel guilty but that can’t be helped, hopefully the other vaccines will start to be rolled out soon and then we can visit properly.
We’re going to do online present opening with DS1 and his partner on Xmas day, we were going on Boxing Day but can’t now as they live an hours drive away. I bought a turkey crown for Xmas day as it’s only going to be me, OH and DS2. It’s not very big , OH jokes we’re having robin this year 🍗🍗🍗

3secondmemory

The Police are out in force this morning on the Gosport road. They are stopping all traffic and only letting those who are going to work or medical appointments through. People are genuinely outraged at the thought of a checkpoint in front of Mother Kelly’s fish and chip shop - and in full view of Portchesters Lidl as well 😂😂 So near but so far for some. 

All my Christmas treats and gifts have been delivered to my daughter’s apart from a jar of Brandy butter and a box of crystallised ginger. I have enough food in the house so I really can’t just defy getting  a Christmas shop delivered. I have a blood test first thing Monday morning so I might pop into their Tesco when it opens at eight and pick up a few treats

Doveling

Usually 15 of us on Christmas Day but we decided a while ago that this wasn't happening. 
I'm hoping our log supply will last till March. We seem to be going through it rather quickly with Mr.D working from home.
He wears warm clothing plus fingerless gloves, a North face gilet and a blanket over his knees. He's also topped up at regular intervals with hot tea and cake!

Lucy5781

We were having my Dad and Step Mum stay with us and then join us at my brother in law's. Obviously no longer happening so, now we have a house of Christmas snack and treat food that would have been for four adults and an adult sized 14yr old DsS here at home that will now only have two adults and DsS plus my two preschoolers to eat it all (half of it bought with my Dad in mind) and currently nothing in or planned for actual meal on Xmas day as we'd expected to be at BiL's with them cooking.

Not the end of the world, just feels harsh as we lost my Mum and FiL in 2018 and MiL just this May so seeing my Dad is a big deal and DH jus wanted to see his brother, we've not seen them for two months now whilst they've been doing MiL's probate. It's just crap. Can't look forward to anything. Holding pattern, how I always described it to my Mum.

But, at risk of sounding odd, I'm looking forward to the temprature dropping again in a few days. I prefer it cold!

greenbee

I think the last minute changes bring home that we should see people when/how we can and not put it off. Obviously it was easier in the summer, with outside being so more pleasant. I have a feeling that preps for next winter will include making outside seating areas that are usable in bad weather (I.e. covered but open), maybe the return in popularity  of outside loos for visitors and improving ventilation. And learning to be more spontaneous!

I’m  with @Lucy5781 on looking forward to the colder weather.

Primrose

For those who need cheering up on a miserable wet day, today is the winter solstice so the shortest day of the year.  Things can only get better daylight-wise.   Check out this daily. Sunset/SunriseChart.  It,s only  a couple of daily minutes initially but we,re now going in the right direction !
 https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/london  
Right now it seems about the only certain  thing we've got to be cheerful about in this uncertain world ! 

pollyanna_26

Primrose said:

For those who need cheering up on a miserable wet day, today is the winter solstice so the shortest day of the year.  Things can only get better daylight-wise.   Check out this daily. Sunset/SunriseChart.  It,s only  a couple of daily minutes initially but we,re now going in the right direction !
 https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/london  
Right now it seems about the only certain  thing we've got to be cheerful about in this uncertain world !

I mentioned the Solstice a few days ago Primrose. Such events are indeed a reminder that the seasons turn,mother nature brings the seasons. Spring will arrive . I have some very early snowdrops which come into flower at this time of year. We don't get snow often but when we have they've stood against snow and howling gales. Small but mighty harbingers of hope.

I've just noticed someone on the Marriage Relationships and Families has started a positive thread for those spending the festive season alone . It may help any who are struggling.

pollyx

MingVase

Wow Primrose - you have 2 hours more daylight than me!