NST: December 2016: A pared back Christmas

Sayschezza

Our fairy for the top of the tree is 52 years old this year and her name is Doris.

mothernerd

Dear dolly, (this isn't intended as a a rant ) it isn't so much the cost of the meal (in previous years I have purchased veg at ys prices and home frozen/ pre-prepared them and picked up little treats the same way) as my present level of incapacity. Now on day 5 since I fell, the bruising is starting to fade to beetroot rather than full on purple, ankle is stronger but still can't get further than the chip shop/ corner shop (both limited selection and can be expensive).

Still have 'the bug' (irritating cough, alternating between over-heating and shivering, far too much time in the bathroom - probably raised temperature and really bad headaches) and think I am going into week 10 of this (started to recover twice and then relapsed). Currently I can stand for between 5 and 10 minutes which makes washing up a challenge.

Miles behind 'usual' schedule - Christmas cards are usually posted/ hand delivered first weekend in December (when I had my operation they were done in October before admittance to hospital and when I got married in September all my OH's relatives were given their cards and presents then - saved a fortune in postage, when my dad died I gave all the cards out after the funeral - several aunts did the same). Cards aren't even written - can't find the small notebook with current addresses in but sure it is somewhere on the bed. Paired off some embroidered bits with odd shaped cards about six weeks ago but never stuck them down.

I am not moaning about all this just clarifying the current situation. When I said Christmas was getting more pared down by the day I meant that I am not stressing about things but with each day that passes I cross something else off that isn't going to get done. A full clean is out of the question, hopefully can get everywhere 'presentable' by doing things in small chunks. Cards will be written but delivery will now be combined with presents and cemetery visits/ anything else that needs doing using all day bus tickets to get around.

Hoping that I can get to Icyland by the end of the week (finally have enough space in the freezer so need to get my stuff in there before DS3 and Beloved buy more of their things) as I can have that delivered. If I'm still struggling by this weekend, the 'big shop' may have to be taxi to and from big supermarket or try for a home delivery from somewhere.

I need to concentrate on what is essential (need a repeat prescription ordering as I will die without my daily meds) and tackle it as efficiently as possible. I am loving the cheese spread and ham tortillas and honestly would not mind if I had them for Christmas dinner. I have candles, music, essential gifts bought, good supply of books, cuddly chinchillas (they come begging for dried apple slices when I go near their cage) and I do not need anything else. If I can send goats to Africa, help the people at crafts to make things for their loved ones and do a few other things to help some good causes I will be very happy (goats are quite expensive, come as a pair for £50 so may need to make some clothes I had on the purchase list).

I said last year that I have done all the family Christmases when my boys were younger and will by happy to have some variation on that 'Christmas' if and when I have grandchildren but for now I am happy with my quiet, 'please myself' (providing I have done all the things mum expects/ demands) Christmas.

Today I was downstairs before 9 am and waited until 6.30 pm, as mum's solicitor was supposed to call to get my signature on something. They never turned up (I don't have any contact details for them). Could not get to sleep last night so have been awake for over 30 hours (will be asleep shortly).

Freezer is finally nearly empty. I have used up all the sandwich meat, tortillas, bacon and cabbage so went for another chip shop tea - there are some curries in the freezer (meat ones bought at DS3's request and hm veg) but stomach is delicate. Ankle is now aching because of walking upstairs to the toilet quite a lot.

2 loads of washing done and lots of rubbish and recycling out. Want to get an early start tomorrow as I have some sewing I want complete

Today I am grateful for entertaining novels, for the progress I made with my sewing when I could not sleep and for the couch (very comfortable)

Eager_Elephant

We have had the same Xmas tree for years, must be about 8 or 9 years. It is brown with lights already fitted.


Last year we caught the Xmas bug and accidentally purchased a real tree - that was a waste of money!! This year we have put our old one up.


When we liked to spend we purchased baubles in every colour so I have loads. Last year I separated them all into colours to make it easier.


This year our colour scheme is silver/white and purple because our new sofas are black and purple.
For the last few years we have done red and gold as our sofas were black and beige.


When my Nanna died the only thing I asked for was her Xmas decorations - they are years and years old and I love them so much. They don't all come out each year due to colour scheme but I always make sure we have a few out.


I have seen people selling their old baubles on Facebook due to changing colour scheme - I just thought what if you go back to that colour next year/the one after then you have to waste money buying again.

Eager_Elephant

This month is not going well with the NSD's...


I have already reported in my Sat spend, the Xmas do was not too expensive - I think I spent £7.50 on drinks.


Sun was a spend day as went to a Xmas fair at the school where my husband has a new job starting in the New Year. It was fab - Santa arrived by helicopter!! Spent about £25 there.


Today has been a NSD taking me up to 2 for the month!!!


Tomorrow will be a spend day as got another meal out.


This week might be a write off for NSD's as it's the week where everything happens.

swimminginaseaofdebt

Evening everyone,

I’ve been dishing out the cash again today lol. £2 spent in the pound shop, £32 in next and £11.50 on a dominos this evening (after burning my dinner really badly!). Really must work harder on having NSDs.

Not much else to report, read a bit of my book then briefly thought about bagging up stuff for the charity shops before deciding I felt too lazy. Must get motivated soon.

Fmess

SFD number one achieved here. Work still busy and stressful and they patronisingly keep saying 'make sure you have a work life balance' or 'don't take your marking home at the weekends'. The bosses are honestly clueless!

ccl jealous of your countdown, I've got 11 get ups left.

abundant1972

Evening everyone...

Today = NSD number 5

So, am doing well - primarily because I leave my wallet at home every day! My Week 1 envelope is unopened... though tomorrow is going to be a Spend Day as out with a friend. Fridge is looking pretty empty, so a shop for milk/salad due before too long.

:T Keep up the good work folks :T

Bobarella

Mothernerd I really feel for you, I so hope you are better soon.

Calling I haven't been to the dentist yet. The tooth isn't bothering me. And I've just had too much else on. The drama Llama has been visiting me daily, do hope he loses my address soon

On the tree thing. We used to buy a 6fter every year when we had our lovely Victorian house. This one isn't big enough for a big tree. We have currently had our £10 tree in a pot for 2 years although it is looking a bit unhealthy at the moment, may be the result of repotting recently, we will bring it in again soon.

Like others I value so highly my tree nick nack baubles, we have some gorgeous things we put on. When my son was born we were given a tiny pair of hand knitted blue slippers, we never used them and every year they get hung on the tree. We went to a wedding in Italy where the bride and groom gave everyone money, it's a Chinese tradition. The money came in white card hearts with the guests names on. I kept our three and they go up each year. As do our babies first Christmas baubles, reception class clay trees, & paper and card fairy. Etc etc. I couldn't give a monkies about how it looks, it's special to us. You can't buy that.

Bob

SpekySquarehead

Morning all,

Dreadful start to the NSD challenge for me this month. Worst year I recon. Not had 1 yet, although today will be.

I will have a tough time meeting my target for the month but I'll certainly try.

dolly84

Not much going on here today, working and all the usual stuff. Will try to get out for a run later. No plans to go anywhere spendy.