* It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year * - It's the 2016 Christmas Chatter Thread

3forholidays

Hi everyone :wave:

Peppapig Great to read that you are now home. Hope that the remainder of the treatment isn't too traumatic.

Springdreams The decoration is very cheery and makes me smile!

I read along but real life gets in the way and I forget to post - must do better! Hope that everyone is keeping well with gentle hugs to all that need them. Bye for now!

princesskitty29

freespirit aw your DS sounds lovely! What a lovely surprise for you all. Your dinosaur story made me smile! That sounds like something I would do! Glad to hear the doctors went ok, I know how hard it is for you to go. It sounds like you have an answer to the pain which is good, although it's funny all the things you don't know could happen to you like a spasming colon! I hope they can treat it for you and the medication she has given you helps.

vulpix it sounds like a long old journey but your kitchen will be worth it in the end! You'll have to tell us how you get on at that house viewing – I didn't know ivy could grow inside windows?! Good luck with applying for the job, fingers crossed!

Peppapig it's so great to hear that you are out of hospital and are recovering well, I do hope this continues and that you have a good outcome – i'm keeping everything crossed for you! Rest, relax, enjoy your bed and concentrate on getting back to health.

JJ you poor thing, I just cannot imagine what it is like to be in pain all the time. I know i'm repeating what others have said but you really are an inspiration with your attitude and your ability to get on with things like your studies. Good luck with the resits, let us know how you get on.

CHRISSYG I can't believe you're giving out Christmas presents already, that's so organised! Or have I got it wrong and they're presents from the Christmas just gone? Glad to hear DD's meds are going well, I hope the pre-op goes well too. These flippin' insurance companies are always chancing their arm and hoping people will just pay the quote they send out, and I suppose some people do. All wrong.

fiesty bless little Miss Fiesty, I remember Wiggle not wanting to be put down when awake, I was amazed when I saw others putting their babies down with no tears! Oh I am sorry to hear DH is not doing so well, it must be very difficult for you all. I hope the trip goes well and i'm glad to hear the in-laws are going with you to help. Fingers crossed they can help DH. Your poor pup, bless the little thing, I do really hope the meds can help her. I'm sending positive vibes! I do hope that you don't need to cut your maternity short as i'm sure that is the last thing that you want to do.

Springdreams my friend bought me one of those ornaments a couple of years ago – I love it! It is me, DH and Wiggle tucked up in bed waiting for Father Christmas!

3forholidays it's always good to see you when you can pop on, i'm the same, always thinking about this thread but don't always manage to get on.

Opee92

Hello Ladies! Many of you wont remember me, I can see lots of new names which is fantastic! It's lovely to see how the thread has grown each year! I've been a follower of our lovely Christmas thread for the last 3 years but haven't posted since last June! Last you heard from me I was being forced out of my house by the landlord who wanted to sell the house, well since then I have moved twice, been homeless, had the worst Christmas of my life and have become a single parent to my 2 beautiful children..........BUT........2016 is a new year and so far, there's been a few ups and downs, but all in all its been pretty damn good! My kids didn't get the Christmas they deserved in 2015 so I intend on doing everything I possibly can to make this year the best Christmas ever! Sorry for rambling! I hope everyone is well, I look forward to catching up with you all......now time to catch up on the last 32 pages of chatter 😉

Firemunchkin

Hi everyone - apologies for the silence, life is hectic and although I read the email updates I don't get much time to log on and post replies.

You may recall from my last post that I am giving up work in September to study full time (for nine months). I won't have an income and will have £15k of debt to pay off afterwards (it's an expensive course). SO, birthdays and Christmasses will be on the cheap!

Fortunately, my return to work is already planned, and it's turned out exactly as I hoped it would. As soon as my course finishes, I go back to work in my current role at my current salary. There will probably be around 4 - 6 weeks until my grade comes through so during that time I'll be earning a decent pay packet again. As soon as my grade comes out and confirms that I've passed the course (positive thinking!) I will start my trainee job and my salary will halve. Still, only 18 months of that before I qualify and my salary will double again! Fingers crossed it works out as planned!

Until December 2018/January 2019, however, I will be skint. Mortgage, bills, travel and food don't go away do they? Fortunately hubby earns enough to cover all that but it doesn't leave very much.

I will therefore be making as many gifts as I can, aiming to spend as little as possible on each of them. I am a little bit of a horder for what some might see as waste products, but I see potential for upcycling!

I've been teaching myself to sew for many years, I have a sewing machine, but not really getting very far with it. Hubby bought me a sewing course for Christmas - at Sew Over It in London. I went last weekend - it was brilliant. It took the whole weekend, but was split into four sections. In the first we made a cushion, with fabric covered buttons. In the second we made a tote bag, the third was a lined zip up make-up bag, and in the fourth we learnt clothing alterations. So, I've come out of the course with three Christmas presents already! The cushion is for my dad: I chose a fabric with white birds on a blue background. The tote bag is for my second eldest neice and is a doggy print (she loves dogs, and I thought that at 12 years' old she could have a more grown-up pressie. I will gather a few extra bits over the year like nail polish and other freebies I can pick up to add to the gift). The make up bag is for my eldest neice, she will be 13 going on 14 and it's a gorgeous red floral print on the outside and red polka dots on the inside. Again, I'll put a few extra bits inside, freebie toiletries I can lay my hands on.

I've decided I'm going to make two more cushions, one for my mother-in-law and one for my best friend. I bought some Liberty remnant fabric on Ebay for £12 and it's enough to do two cushions using a pattern I found online (google: anthropologie inspired cushion and it should come up). They both love Liberty so will recognise the fabrics straight away. I have loads of fabric saved so will find something plain for the base of the cushion and then all I'll need to buy is possibly some thread and some buttons so I can make my own fabric covered buttons. Cost shouldn't be more than £20 for the two cushions but they'll go down much better than anything I could buy for the same money.

For my best friend's birthday this October I'm going to give her a small booklet with 'vouchers' in it (manicures, mainly, as she's only recently started painting her nails after quitting biting them). I will design a layout on my laptop, print it out and then trace it carefully on each page of the booklet. I'll need to learn some techniques but it will be fun to learn and will be a really thoughtful gift which will keep on giving throughout the year, plus it means we get to spend more time together so win-win! Cost will be next to nothing - just the notebook although I might already have one I can use!

My other ideas are as follows:

Male friend birthday in September: I found some free Nasa Solar System posters online and I'll get them all printed on postcards. Cost: the printing of the postcards

Mum's birthday in December: large cork letter. I need to find a large wooden base in the shape of a J (30cm-40cm) that I can attach a picture hook to the rear of. I've got loads of wine corks saved, and some maroon Rit dye. I will dye them all in a range of shades (taking out the corks at various times to get a different strength). Then glue the corks onto the letter. I saw this done on TV and it looked really good. There's loads of guides online how to do it. The only cost should be the glue and the wooden base, so hoping it won't be much.

Dad Xmas present: the cushion (see above) and some homemade hamper treats.

Mother in law Xmas present: Liberty fabric homemade cushion

Brothers & Sisters in law Xmas: homemade hampers

Eldest neice Xmas: the make up bag plus some extra goodies inside

2nd eldest neice Xmas: the tote bag plus some extra goodies inside

3rd eldest neice Xmas: I'll make another tote bag using some fabric I already have.

It's hard to know what to make (if anything) for my nephews, or for babies (I don't know how to knit or crochet, but would like to learn).

Plus, I've seen a really cute way of making a tall jar into a vase by putting some broderie anglaise fabric around it with a bow. It looks super cute with daffodils or tulips in. I think it would be a lovely gift but feel a bit of a cheapskate giving it as a birthday or Xmas present. What does everyone think?

There are some family members who I don't think would appreciate something homemade (they prefer the brand name and the shiny packaging) and that's fine, they just won't get much this year.

Is anyone else making stuff this year? What are you making? I'm hoping to find some more inspiration!

nitnurse-not2

Hi all

Peppa, pleased to see you back. Best wishes to you.
Free, well done on the gp appointment although it's pants that you have to wait for blood for 3 weeks. If I lived closer, I would do them for you.:D
Spring dreams. I love those decorations. Where do you order them from? I like your idea of the token family gift.
Vulpix. Good luck with the job. It sounds ideal.
Opee92. Lovely to see you back. You have had a difficult time but lovely to see you have a positive outlook.
Firemunchkin….WOW!!!!!! :T:T:TAmazing ideas there. Sadly I'm not that great at crafts.

Well, hubby is much better this week but still complaining. Typical man!:o
Not much happening here. I have just done the spring cleaning downstairs. It doesn't look much different but at least I know it is done.
I have ordered some dining chair covers- like the ones you see at weddings- for £2.12 each. Looking forward to using them to make my dining room look better.:D

Looking forward to a few days away in Glasgow next weekend. Off to see the World Irish dancing championships as my GDG is dancing This is her 3rd World championship. I went to watch her in London 2 years ago but declined on travelling to Canada last year. I do love to watch her, its the other 200+ kids I have no interest in :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
Well, off for a cuppa and a tv catchup

See you all soon

Hugs to all who need them

xxx

System

Tagul is the word cloud pictures [for some reason it won't let me post a link] I am having trouble centring the damn thing.

FeistyFidget

vulpix wrote: »

Springdreams that is so cute,i would love to be given one of those as a gift.So nice to see Christmas stuff,I just love it at any time of year.

FF How lovely to hear you are enjoying Motherhood,I am so sorry to hear about Mr Fiestys health issues and also your little dog.x

Chrissy g I am so pleased to hear that your daughter is improved on her medicine,it must be such a relief for her and the whole family.x What is a taggul?

Free you aced it at the doctors.I do so hope your poor daughter gets some answers after her scan.x

Pinksteps what is a drama one day blows over in the next few.I hate family grief. I am avoiding my SIL at the mo until her issues blow over,I don't want to get involved.

jj have you thought of working with children? it does seem to be your forte.x

Peppa,welcome home! oooh the comfort of your own bed,aaaaah.Onwards and upwards now,the hardest bit is the waiting.Soon be done.x

princessk you can get on and plan now you have the rental sorted.Ooooo it is stressful all this moving .We are going to view a house tomorrow.A total,complete renovation.ivy growing on the inside of the windows,living in a caravan sort of renovation.

Thank you for your kind birthday wishes.we are going to see my jeweller friend tomorrow.She is remaking my wedding and engagement rings as they were too big.Doubt she will have got it done though she is so busy mates rates take a back seat.They are being completely remodelled,using the diamonds from the eternity ring on the shoulders of the engagement ring.

Breaking news here,i am applying for a job.I gave up work 2 years ago because i could hardly walk.I feel like I could go back to work now.My age may be against me but you never know experience may count.Would be my perfect job,one to one with children in hospital.No playground duty...result!

Vx

I'd love to see a picture of the finished ring! Fingers crossed for the job, it sounds perfect!

princesskitty29 wrote: »

freespirit aw your DS sounds lovely! What a lovely surprise for you all. Your dinosaur story made me smile! That sounds like something I would do! Glad to hear the doctors went ok, I know how hard it is for you to go. It sounds like you have an answer to the pain which is good, although it's funny all the things you don't know could happen to you like a spasming colon! I hope they can treat it for you and the medication she has given you helps.

vulpix it sounds like a long old journey but your kitchen will be worth it in the end! You'll have to tell us how you get on at that house viewing – I didn't know ivy could grow inside windows?! Good luck with applying for the job, fingers crossed!

Peppapig it's so great to hear that you are out of hospital and are recovering well, I do hope this continues and that you have a good outcome – i'm keeping everything crossed for you! Rest, relax, enjoy your bed and concentrate on getting back to health.

JJ you poor thing, I just cannot imagine what it is like to be in pain all the time. I know i'm repeating what others have said but you really are an inspiration with your attitude and your ability to get on with things like your studies. Good luck with the resits, let us know how you get on.

CHRISSYG I can't believe you're giving out Christmas presents already, that's so organised! Or have I got it wrong and they're presents from the Christmas just gone? Glad to hear DD's meds are going well, I hope the pre-op goes well too. These flippin' insurance companies are always chancing their arm and hoping people will just pay the quote they send out, and I suppose some people do. All wrong.

fiesty bless little Miss Fiesty, I remember Wiggle not wanting to be put down when awake, I was amazed when I saw others putting their babies down with no tears! Oh I am sorry to hear DH is not doing so well, it must be very difficult for you all. I hope the trip goes well and i'm glad to hear the in-laws are going with you to help. Fingers crossed they can help DH. Your poor pup, bless the little thing, I do really hope the meds can help her. I'm sending positive vibes! I do hope that you don't need to cut your maternity short as i'm sure that is the last thing that you want to do.

Springdreams my friend bought me one of those ornaments a couple of years ago – I love it! It is me, DH and Wiggle tucked up in bed waiting for Father Christmas!

3forholidays it's always good to see you when you can pop on, i'm the same, always thinking about this thread but don't always manage to get on.

Thanks lovely! We are trying to stay positive!

Opee92 wrote: »

Hello Ladies! Many of you wont remember me, I can see lots of new names which is fantastic! It's lovely to see how the thread has grown each year! I've been a follower of our lovely Christmas thread for the last 3 years but haven't posted since last June! Last you heard from me I was being forced out of my house by the landlord who wanted to sell the house, well since then I have moved twice, been homeless, had the worst Christmas of my life and have become a single parent to my 2 beautiful children..........BUT........2016 is a new year and so far, there's been a few ups and downs, but all in all its been pretty damn good! My kids didn't get the Christmas they deserved in 2015 so I intend on doing everything I possibly can to make this year the best Christmas ever! Sorry for rambling! I hope everyone is well, I look forward to catching up with you all......now time to catch up on the last 32 pages of chatter 😉

Welcome back Opee, it really doesn't seem like it's almost a year since your last post!
I wish you every luck with this Christmas xxx

vulpix

Opee,nice to meet you.Heres to your little family having a good Christmas this year.

Nitnurse,I know what you mean about watching children perform.DD1 used to perform flute,the clapping,thats what got me,the endless clapping!

Firemunchkin,I lurve making stuff.My Mum and I are making things for a Christmas craft stall this year.Have a look on pinterest for baby ideas.I think dribble bibs are cute and super easy.There will be millions of baby sewing ideas on there.

Been to jeweller friend,not even started the ring but showed me a pic of one she made last week which is just like the one I want!

It is so mild here today,most of the snow has gone now,just lying under the walls on the hills.

The house viewing is a no.The view is stunning.It is in a very bad state,think worst youve seen on homes under the hammer.That quite excites me but the timing is wrong.Shame as houses don't come up for sale too often here.

Vx

springdreams

nitnurse-not2 wrote: »

Hi all

Peppa, pleased to see you back. Best wishes to you.
Free, well done on the gp appointment although it's pants that you have to wait for blood for 3 weeks. If I lived closer, I would do them for you.:D
Spring dreams. I love those decorations. Where do you order them from? I like your idea of the token family gift.
Vulpix. Good luck with the job. It sounds ideal.
Opee92. Lovely to see you back. You have had a difficult time but lovely to see you have a positive outlook.
Firemunchkin….WOW!!!!!! :T:T:TAmazing ideas there. Sadly I'm not that great at crafts.

Well, hubby is much better this week but still complaining. Typical man!:o
Not much happening here. I have just done the spring cleaning downstairs. It doesn't look much different but at least I know it is done.
I have ordered some dining chair covers- like the ones you see at weddings- for £2.12 each. Looking forward to using them to make my dining room look better.:D

Looking forward to a few days away in Glasgow next weekend. Off to see the World Irish dancing championships as my GDG is dancing This is her 3rd World championship. I went to watch her in London 2 years ago but declined on travelling to Canada last year. I do love to watch her, its the other 200+ kids I have no interest in :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
Well, off for a cuppa and a tv catchup

See you all soon

Hugs to all who need them

xxx

Hello,

I'm ordering mine from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Personalized-Christmas-Decoration-Ornaments-Family/dp/B0166FP3MW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1457808239&sr=8-4&keywords=christmas+decorations+car+tree

The seller has a variety of different ones.

springdreams

Firemunchkin wrote: »

Hi everyone - apologies for the silence, life is hectic and although I read the email updates I don't get much time to log on and post replies.

You may recall from my last post that I am giving up work in September to study full time (for nine months). I won't have an income and will have £15k of debt to pay off afterwards (it's an expensive course). SO, birthdays and Christmasses will be on the cheap!

Fortunately, my return to work is already planned, and it's turned out exactly as I hoped it would. As soon as my course finishes, I go back to work in my current role at my current salary. There will probably be around 4 - 6 weeks until my grade comes through so during that time I'll be earning a decent pay packet again. As soon as my grade comes out and confirms that I've passed the course (positive thinking!) I will start my trainee job and my salary will halve. Still, only 18 months of that before I qualify and my salary will double again! Fingers crossed it works out as planned!

Until December 2018/January 2019, however, I will be skint. Mortgage, bills, travel and food don't go away do they? Fortunately hubby earns enough to cover all that but it doesn't leave very much.

I will therefore be making as many gifts as I can, aiming to spend as little as possible on each of them. I am a little bit of a horder for what some might see as waste products, but I see potential for upcycling!

I've been teaching myself to sew for many years, I have a sewing machine, but not really getting very far with it. Hubby bought me a sewing course for Christmas - at Sew Over It in London. I went last weekend - it was brilliant. It took the whole weekend, but was split into four sections. In the first we made a cushion, with fabric covered buttons. In the second we made a tote bag, the third was a lined zip up make-up bag, and in the fourth we learnt clothing alterations. So, I've come out of the course with three Christmas presents already! The cushion is for my dad: I chose a fabric with white birds on a blue background. The tote bag is for my second eldest neice and is a doggy print (she loves dogs, and I thought that at 12 years' old she could have a more grown-up pressie. I will gather a few extra bits over the year like nail polish and other freebies I can pick up to add to the gift). The make up bag is for my eldest neice, she will be 13 going on 14 and it's a gorgeous red floral print on the outside and red polka dots on the inside. Again, I'll put a few extra bits inside, freebie toiletries I can lay my hands on.

I've decided I'm going to make two more cushions, one for my mother-in-law and one for my best friend. I bought some Liberty remnant fabric on Ebay for £12 and it's enough to do two cushions using a pattern I found online (google: anthropologie inspired cushion and it should come up). They both love Liberty so will recognise the fabrics straight away. I have loads of fabric saved so will find something plain for the base of the cushion and then all I'll need to buy is possibly some thread and some buttons so I can make my own fabric covered buttons. Cost shouldn't be more than £20 for the two cushions but they'll go down much better than anything I could buy for the same money.

For my best friend's birthday this October I'm going to give her a small booklet with 'vouchers' in it (manicures, mainly, as she's only recently started painting her nails after quitting biting them). I will design a layout on my laptop, print it out and then trace it carefully on each page of the booklet. I'll need to learn some techniques but it will be fun to learn and will be a really thoughtful gift which will keep on giving throughout the year, plus it means we get to spend more time together so win-win! Cost will be next to nothing - just the notebook although I might already have one I can use!

My other ideas are as follows:

Male friend birthday in September: I found some free Nasa Solar System posters online and I'll get them all printed on postcards. Cost: the printing of the postcards

Mum's birthday in December: large cork letter. I need to find a large wooden base in the shape of a J (30cm-40cm) that I can attach a picture hook to the rear of. I've got loads of wine corks saved, and some maroon Rit dye. I will dye them all in a range of shades (taking out the corks at various times to get a different strength). Then glue the corks onto the letter. I saw this done on TV and it looked really good. There's loads of guides online how to do it. The only cost should be the glue and the wooden base, so hoping it won't be much.

Dad Xmas present: the cushion (see above) and some homemade hamper treats.

Mother in law Xmas present: Liberty fabric homemade cushion

Brothers & Sisters in law Xmas: homemade hampers

Eldest neice Xmas: the make up bag plus some extra goodies inside

2nd eldest neice Xmas: the tote bag plus some extra goodies inside

3rd eldest neice Xmas: I'll make another tote bag using some fabric I already have.

It's hard to know what to make (if anything) for my nephews, or for babies (I don't know how to knit or crochet, but would like to learn).

Plus, I've seen a really cute way of making a tall jar into a vase by putting some broderie anglaise fabric around it with a bow. It looks super cute with daffodils or tulips in. I think it would be a lovely gift but feel a bit of a cheapskate giving it as a birthday or Xmas present. What does everyone think?

There are some family members who I don't think would appreciate something homemade (they prefer the brand name and the shiny packaging) and that's fine, they just won't get much this year.

Is anyone else making stuff this year? What are you making? I'm hoping to find some more inspiration!

Depending on the ages of your nephews, you could make them PE kit type bags. Or homemade fudge.