Preparing for xmas 2015

chanie

I start my preparations straight after the previous Xmas but step up efforts after the summer. I've bought quite a lot of presents already. We go to family for Xmas dinner so we don't need to buy much food.

I used to buy Xmas cards and paper in the sales, but I don't think it's worth it for me and I don't have the storage.

amandaatnumber7

Some great ideas here
I've made a little start, we have big toy sales here in the June/July and I have bought over half of my children's and niece/nephews presents.
I need to start thinking about food for Xmas plus we are going away for a week from NYE so I want to buy in for that as well.
I get points on my shopping which they then give you in $$ to spend so I'm saving them for my Xmas alcohol

tru

HERE'S a thread you might find useful, there's load of links in the first post which cover pretty much everything. Must use it myself, I've fallen behind and I like to be organised

WantAnOrange

great ideas on here. I've had my head firmly in the sand until now. This year is going so fast. I am starting a new job in October so it would be lovely to be organized by then. I get the Xmas hols off and I would like to enjoy that time with the kids.

We have been working hard at reducing how much stuff we own so focusing on nice things to do rather than buying lots.

going to raid my fabric stash and make some stockings that are a sensible size as a start.

meandmaboy

amber03 wrote: »

I have also cut down on sending xmas cards but still post about twelve cards, usually leave this job till the last minute so end up buying first class stamps as I panic that they wont reach the person and they will think I am an awful person . So going to buy a couple of stamps a week so wont miss the money.


Don't have to worry about an xmas cake as my friend's hubby makes me one every year. I am the only one in the family that eats it so my friend said they will make me a small one as a present. Did win an alchol hamper the other week. I don't drink red wine so have put the three bottles of red wine that was in it to one side for pressies.


Thanks for the replies I have so far got, some of you put me to shame, keep up the good work.xx

:

You have a PM:)

missyrichards

I have had two very frugal Christmases (is that a word?:p) over the past two years but this year I want to push the boat out. I am going to order a real tree as I've never had one before.

I am going to start putting money away from September pay day onwards.

zaxdog

I work for a food wholesaler and in the summer season we often have sales reps in the office with samples and freebies. So far I've stashed: big bars of artisan chocolate, bone china mug, love to shop vouchers, super cheque vouchers, shampoo & conditioners and other smelly stuff :-) Oh and lots of wine :-)

In addition I have a box in our spare room that I add bits and bobs to so that my OH's "big" present is the only thing still to get.

Clubcard vouchers provide our veggies and posh cheese etc and I wait until Christmas eve to get my roasting joint. Last year I got a huge turkey crown for £1 from work and if there is nothing there I'll nip to Aldi and get something on the way home :rotfl:

MoneyMission2015

I started picking up a few gifts in January. I haven't got anybody finished yet but do have a nice little stash of presents ready.

I've also been saving money every month so I already have Christmas covered but still have a few months of savings left as well. I've also been using TopCashback & have been converting all my payouts to various vouchers, I've got over £300 so far & waiting for another £100 to get to payout stage.

I bought some wrapping paper in the sales but will need more so need to start looking around soon. We don't send many Christmas cards but I do have a few that we can use so shouldn't need to buy any this year.

With food I might start buying a few things as I go along now to stockpile. I also have £25 in nectar points which I will use towards some Christmas treats.

In previous years I have always ended up leaving everything to the last minute & then being skint after Christmas so I was determined to be organised this year & I'm really pleased with how well I've been doing.

BlueEyedGirl

I am being frugal this year. For once I am NOT going OTT with present buying for anyone. It's cards for those I like and love, and one suitable present for those I see on a regular basis! Since it's just me and dad for Christmas lunch we shall book the local carvery for lunch!

Bought some cards and wrapping paper in the sales, so I am doing well! On the lookout now for bargain Yankee Candles for my auntie and cousins!

MoonJelly

My Christmases have gotten more and more frugal. This year I will be:
- (as usual) recycling my decorations from last year.
- My local butcher has a scheme where you can give whatever amount you have and start a 'savings' account with the shop. A couple of quid here, five there and I should be able to have a nice roast paid for by the time Christmas arrives. I can do the same with the fish seller at the market and so forth.
- I am saving my Tesco vouchers and then I can double them up to pay for a tablet which is a present (the only one) for DS to help him do research for school and online music lessons.

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