* Walking in a Winter Wonderland * - It's the 2015 Christmas Chatter Thread

whitesatin

Bought a few bits at our local church Christmas Fayre today. I did think it was a bit early to have it on Halloween but never mind. I bought a few (secondhand) bits for my grandson, a lovely hand knitted hot water bottle cover for £1 which I shall keep as I was going to have to make one anyway. I bought a lovely red "eyelash" wool, infinity scarf for myself for £7 but am now wishing I had got a few more as presents.

I don't know why I thought to think about Christmas food but I did and looked at M&S but they don't deliver. Had a code for Waitrose so ordered a large turkey crown and a gammon too.

Not sure that the little ones (aged 4, 6 and 7) will fancy any of that so any ideas welcome for something I can cook and freeze in advance that might appeal. Thanks.

Ruth_honey

As promised, here are some of my Halloween decs. Took me ages to figure out how to get them on here.
Happy Halloween everyone!

Kaya-happy birthday! Hope you're having a great day.
PrincessKitty-you sound similar to me with your views on Halloween. And funnily enough, we're just about to watch The Addams Family tonight. I let hubby pick the film. I quite fancied The Sixth Sense, but I can watch that later if I'm still awake.
The Rocky Horror show live (the theatre production) is on Sky Arts at 9pm if anyone fancies something different and silly to watch. David Bedella is fabulous as 'Frank'. Mse won't let me type the full name...why???

Peppapig

Love your shadow box Free, it’s really effective. Thumper is pretty lovely too lol. The advent activities list is good, I did onea few years ago but had forgotten about it – now you've reminded me hopefully I can do it this yearand spread the love throughout the run up to the big day. Mind you, also have to come up with lots ofideas for DGD’s elf too as she arrives on 1st December. Thank goodness for Mrs G’s elf thread on FB.

Happy Birthday Kaya - hope you enjoyed the surprise.

MrsI you social butterfly, how lovely to be inundated withinvites but shame there are some clashes. Hope everyone celebrating special days has a lovely time.

Ha ha Clumsy, I’ve got children (albeit they’re grown upnow) and I don’t really get the trick or treat thing. I get sweets in because I feel awful if Ihaven’t got anything to give the little ones but we’ve been inundated tonightso I’ve taken the pumpkins down and put a note on the door to say sorry but we’verun out of treats. Also DGD is going tobed shortly and I don’t want her to keep getting up because she hears the doorbell.

IrishRose was it the flashpad on QVC? I bought about 6 of them for various peopleand I’d quite like one myself. Was goingto get one for DH but I mentioned them in passing and said wouldn’t it be funto try one and he said no not really so won’t be getting him one now lol.

Nicki your Halloween window is lovely.

04624181, I usually put the tree up at the beginning ofDecember so it’s up for three full weeks before Christmas. Mind you, I do take it down the day afterBoxing Day! Glad the hospitalappointment went well.

Welcome to the thread Funny Bunny, glad you’ve de-lurked.

Nice decs Ruth-Honey – the work was worth it.



Well, I’ve had a lovely day. The vintage fayre was really good and I bought DD a lovely vintage teaset (just cups, saucers and tea plates) - it was so reasonable and pretty thatI got it to finish off her upcycled cabinet that I’ve done for herbirthday. She was with me so the tea setwon’t be a surprise but the cabinet will. Picked DGD up again so she’s been on door duty this evening for the trickor treaters (with me discretely in the background in case any of them are a bitolder and not accompanied by a parent).

Next door have friends round tonight for a celebration –they’re quite boisterous already so goodness only knows how noisy they’ll beafter they’ve been to the pub. They’rereally nice people and are very quiet except when they have friends round socan’t really complain. As long as DGDsleeps through it I won’t mind.

pinknfluffy28

Kaya - Happy Birthday xx

04624181 wrote: »

Glad the hospital appointment went OK, and pleased to hear your taking it easy xx

Nikki - love your window display!

Free - super Halloween decs!

So Mr Amaz@n delivery guy knocked on my door at 7:50,pm, dressed as a pumpkin! Made dd's chuckle and they gave him a choccie treat!

He delivered the last of my ordered items, so I now have everything here! Christmas is sorted!

I had my main Christmas present early. Whilst watching the grand Prix last Sunday dh told me he has booked for us to go to Silverstone next July! He said he was too excited to keep it a secret until Christmas day!

It's been my dream for some years now, and it always seemed financially impossible for us, but as I'm now working & contributing more, it has allowed him to budget for it quite easily. I'm a very happy (and slightly spoilt) little elf!

IrishRose12

Peppapig wrote: »

IrishRose was it the flashpad on QVC? I bought about 6 of them for various peopleand I’d quite like one myself. Was goingto get one for DH but I mentioned them in passing and said wouldn’t it be funto try one and he said no not really so won’t be getting him one now lol.

No wasn't the flashpad. We already have 2 of those and still get used to this day lol. They were definitely worth the money.

These are what I ordered. http://www.qvcuk.com/Neon-LED-Glow-Pad-with-8-Pens.product.705485.html?cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_--_-705485


Very busy day today here. Picked up some really pretty wrapping paper............ That we don't need but I wanted it lol and picked up our new Christmas Jumpers also

Then just before we went out for the evening my order from BHS arrived. I was more surprised cause I could have sworn, and still do swear that I ordered it to be delivered to store:rotfl: But it turned up, and I'm thankful now because the 2 boxes were really heavy:o

Off to bed now as I'm wrecked. Can't wait until tomorrow as we can officially start playing our Christmas CD's now, and the Christmas movie channel starts tomorrow:T

freespirit66

Evening everyone, just sat down and looked through my post that DS put on the side and my christmas issue of Good Food has arrived :T oh i do love christmas front covers of magazines and books lol!! Well i still have a cauldron of chocolate here, i havent had one trick or treater all night! :rotfl:

FUNNYBUNNY hi and welcome to our thread

WHITESATIN ooh that red eyelash wool sounds gorgeous i bet a scarf would look lovely and festive in it

RUTHHONEY ooh they look fab, hope you have had a good evening

PEPPAPIG aww thankyou, i love keeping up with MRSGs FB page as well, i just love everything about it, i wish it was around when mine were littlies, glad you had a lovely day with DD at the vintage fayre, i hope the neighbours dont keep you or DGD up tonight

PINKNFLUFFY thankyou! Oh what a lovely surprise for you from DH, it did make me giggle that he couldnt wait until christmas day haha

IRISHROSE oh those glow pads look lots of fun! Yayy to christmas movies already :j

funny_bunny_2

Been woken by my youngest so wide awake and thinking all things Christmas.
Does anybody know if Argoos will do another 3 4 2 toy sale? Or Sm*ths a 20% off toys again before Christmas?
Thinking of getting the eldest 2 bikes and the youngest something similar for his age.
Picked up some wrapping paper so will wrap the couple of bits I have. Also found some cards from last year. I always buy the insert your own photo cards for family off my boys, works out cheaper than individual cards. So will have to get the youngest in a good mood so he will wear a silly Christmas hat and jumper and sit still to have his photo taken lol.
It's November already :j time is sure flying by.

princesskitty29

nicki I have to admit a Muppet's Christmas window sounds fab!

Clumsy yes I do know what you mean, it is a bit of a funny tradition. We have a lot of families around here and it may sound a bit silly but it's an occasion where the community comes together a bit. Everyone is outside with their children and having fun, Halloween is a good excuse!

kiss_me_now I have done a couple of those shoeboxes this year. I've done one for a boy and one for a girl. I've included hairbrush/comb, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, crayons, colouring pads, pencil cases, hats, gloves, toys, sweets. The boy has got a yoyo and toy bike, the girl has got a little doll and hair accessories. I think I spent about £15 on each box, but if you scout around you can really find some bargains for these things. Good luck!

freespirit I was looking at the Christmas props set for photo's, it looks good fun! I didn't know you could order books either with the online shop! I was so excited to receive my copy of the Christmas Good Food magazine, I cancelled my subscription a while ago because I am snowed under with recipes and I didn't think I was going to get this one so I was thrilled when it dropped on the doormat. Although i'm now thinking I don't know if I can cope without my monthly Good Food hit so may have to re-subscribe! THANK YOU so much for that list! I had been looking on Pinterest and obviously thousands of lists came up and some of them not convenient at all! Your list is perfect, I have saved it and will be using lots of the ideas so thank you. I am hoping to get one of those wooden advent calendars with the drawers and I will put a slip if paper in each day with an activity.

whitesatin were you looking for ideas for Christmas lunch for the little ones?

Ruth_honey great Halloween decs!

Peppapig the tea set and upcycled cabinet sound fab! I will have one of those next year please.

pinknfluffy eeek Silverstone!!!!! How exciting!! I've been a couple of times for the weekend and it is excellent, you'll love it! Now we've got Wiggle we probably won't go for another 10 years! Ah i'm so pleased for you, there's nothing better as an F1 fan. :T

IrishRose that's a bonus getting your BHS delivered to your house! I'm like you, today is the day when I let myself indulge in Christmas films and music! :j

Well the Halloween decs are down and it was lovely opening the curtains to the mist this morning, it feels like winter and the time of blankets and hot chocolates is here! You watch though, it'll be blazing sunshine and really warm later like yesterday! Today i'm going to begin sorting through my presents and dividing them into gift bags for people, i'll then begin wrapping a few a day. I've decided to start my hot chocolate station on Bonfire night. I'm a bit disappointed as I had a menu planned for DH and I for Bonfire night but he's going to be away again on business. I know I could do it another day but it's not the same - it involved bbqing sausages!

FeistyFidget

Pixie_Fairydust wrote: »

Morning lovely Christmassy people :rudolf::xmassmile:xmastree::xmassign:

Can I join in?

I absolutely love Christmas too. I'm in need of some inspiration this year though as I'm not that organised and money is very tight

I don't have a massive family, 2 children and 2 granddaughters. My brother and his family live abroad and we seen them in the summer so just a lovely M**npig card with some family photos is usually sent to them. I have my mum and dad also!

My son's birthday is Christmas Eve which is always good fun! :T Since he was little we have always done pass the parcel on Christmas Day with the family, we still do it now and he is 19!

OK, off to work, its very grey and damp here! Let it snow!!!! please.

Pix
xx

Welcome to the group You'll find us a friendly and helpful bunch!

elliew8 wrote: »

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3295730/Three-annoyingly-organised-mothers-brought-wrapped-Christmas-shopping.html

Not sure if the link will work but I saw this and thought of everyone on here

I did enjoy reading this, although am I the only one shocked at the fact she spends £1000 boxing day in Next alone and isn't even finished with the shopping?!! It just doesn't seem very MSE lol

freespirit66 wrote: »

:mad: Just lost a massive post! It had logged me out without me knowing!!

Basically i have put some piccies below of Thumpers 1st birthday and my shadow box almost finished just need a tiny santa and snowman think i will go down the cake decoration route!

I cant face typing it all, my memory has gone for half of it now, so welcome newbies its a lovely thread! I did do list of advent activities PRINCESSKITTY will redo tomorrow have a good weekend everyone!

I'm so glad Thumper had a great Birthday and those memory boxes are fab! Big well done

mrsinvisible wrote: »

My, this thread is moving now!!
Welcome all newbies and ex-lurkers, once out of lurkdom there is NO GOING BACK!!
My little slaves/elves/DGS fanciers were here Thursday, too, helping with the Halloween decs, so it only took twice as long. they loved seeing how it went together and how easy it was to get an effect, so perhaps they will do the same in years to come at their own homes.
I am mucho in demand today, why oh why does everything happen on the same day? DS2s friend is 40 today, and l am invited to the coven.. sorry, party tonight, My friend is having a Halloween party for the littlies which is scheduled to overrun for the biggies/oldies, and l have promised Halloween witches cakes and a gingerbread for that, and of course the local littlies all come for trick or treat goodies so l are a busy bee today.
Monday is DGS birthday, so his extravaganza is tomorrow, (he becomes an official teenager, complete with zits) then on Monday it is Motley Crue and Alice Cooper in Newcastle I will be no good for anything for the rest of the week.
I babysat my DGN yesterday too, as her parents had to go to her aunties funeral, dreadful for them as it was at least l got pleasure in bucketsful with baby.
Ho hum, l have done it again, DGD asked for a Ne*f gun for a girl for Christmas, HUKD had a link for one, l got it, then yesterday afternoon was a link for a reduced price + BOGOF for a different type, so l ordered them too. When l got home they were ALL for girls, so my idea of one each for the boys is shot down! (pun intended) and l have to decide which to return.
Keep up the good work on the Christmas front xx

MrsI you really are wonderful with all your baking and duties, this is why you are inundated with invites
I almost did the Nerf gun trick yesterday too! It was in the 2 for £20 Argos sale and we needed an emergency Birthday present for a 9 year old BOY, luckily I spotted in time that it was being modeled by a girl and had the word diamante in the the title :rotfl:

nicki wrote: »

Just a quick post to share my Halloween window as requested. I only finished it this morning!

Wow, that is fantastic! I LOVE the Nightmare Before Christmas, in fact we love it so much, that we had our Wedding themed on it

freespirit66 wrote: »

PRINCESSKITTY here is my advent activities list (bearing in mind i was looking at american sites):rotfl:

GO TO CHRISTMAS TREE FARM AND BUY TREE
GO FOR A WALK IN THE WOODS AND COLLECT GREENERY FOR TABLE CENTREPIECE
MAKE TABLE CENTREPIECE
DONATE SOME FOOD TO FOODBANK
DECORATE THE TREE AND HOUSE
DRINK A STARBUCKS CHRISTMAS COFFEE
MAKE SOME CHRISTMAS BISCOTTI
READ A CHRISTMAS BOOK
MAKE SOME MULLED WINE
PUT SOME FOOD OUT FOR THE WILD BIRDS
MAKE PANCAKES FOR DINNER
DRINK A COSTA CHRISTMAS COFFEE
VISIT LOCAL GARDEN CENTRE CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS
PLAY SOME CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND HAVE A SING SONG
TOAST SOME MARSHMALLOWS
DRINK HOT CHOC AND WATCH A CHRISTMAS MOVIE
TAKE A DRIVE/WALK AND SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
EAT DINNER BY CANDLELIGHT
VISIT A RELATIVE
NORTH POLE BREAKFAST
BAKE SOME MINCE PIES
CHRISTMAS BAKING
MAKE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE
OPEN AN EARLY PRESENT

Free, that list is fab! It definitely makes me want to start one for when Jr is born

funny_bunny wrote: »

Afternoon everyone, another newbie here coming out of lurkdom, I've been reading the thread since page 100 and only just caught up.
I love Christmas especially the run up to the big day. I'm a mum to 3 boys aged 9, 7 and 2 years old so Christmas is mayhem and I love it.
Not very organised this year have a few gifts for my youngest and that's about it so far, so need to get cracking.
Looking forward to chatting all things christmassy with you all xx

Welcome to the gang Don't worry about not having bought a lot of your presents yet, I'm in the same boat and I'm technically an old hand at this group

Still no festive news to report here!

We were aiming to move on the 27th November, but DH is being a pessimist and saying the house wont be ready The kitchen and bathroom were delivered yesterday and work will start tomorrow!

p-pincher

Funny Bunny- there's been nothing mentioned again about the Argos 3 4 2 but every year for at least the last 3 years there been one after my daughters birthday which is this Tuesday. Every time we've gone in town to spend her birthday money she's also bought them on 3 4 2 in Argos. So if I was going to guess I'd say this Wednesday or if not the Wednesday after xx