Santas challenge 2017

chanie

very excited, we both get our tree today.

For the past few years, we have got our tree from Costco, as they sell decent sized trees for £40. We would have waited until next week, but they were selling fast so didnt want to take the chance. We are going to put it up next week, once we have got the Christmas stuff out of the shed.

Whilst in Costco, MIL said that she really liked these egg baskets so I told her to choose the one she liked and we would get it for her. I told her that she couldn’t have it until Xmas and that she needed to act surprised when we gave it to her.

Happy_Kitties

DD and I were going to put the tree up today but we've been away all weekend and only got back last night so really tired today. Even though she won't be back home again until the 20th we've decided to wait and put the tree up together then and go out for a Christmas meal but it's great hearing Christmas songs on the radio.

Posted the 2 Christmas cards today that I had written back in October.....still the only 2 cards written so far

Have you got ideas for the extra presents you need to get Chanie? If I had to buy for DD now I would struggle as all ideas have been well and truly taken. Had my uncle texting me today for ideas for her aswell but really struggling.

Also feel in control, I'm always glad that I start my prep early. DD delivered 2 presents at the weekend which has given me some room in the spare bedroom ready to fill up the next gift bags.

Have got a small stash of treats in ready for Christmas but definitely not going overboard, plus a tin of our favourite biscuits from marks-our once a year treat so def feeling prepared.

Hope everyone is doing okay with their plans and preparations and not feeling the stress.........the only thing that might get the better of me is the Christmas cards!!

chanie

Happy kitties its nice that you and DD will be putting the tree up together. We put up our tree together as a family and the do our own turning on of the lights ceremony.

The extra gifts I need to buy are for children, so I can easily pick up a toy for them. I am just off to write my final to do list, so I dont forget the last few things I need to prepare.

Happy_Kitties

chanie my DD made a snowman at primary school that goes on the top of the tree and it's a tradition that when the tree is decorated she puts her snowman on the top, I couldn't think of doing it without her.

DD has brought some Christmas lights home she picked up half price in Tesc@ so I will put them up ready but the tree we have to do together.

That's not too bad buying an extra gift for the children

We're one choc orange down......it got eaten last night!

Hoping to get presents sent off and more cards sent at the end of the week......if I get prepared.......im away for the night again but tomorrow things settle back down

Happy_Kitties

Two chocolate oranges down now but won't replace

One parcel left to send and nearly all cards that need to be sent have been done.

Have picked up a few more presents for 2019 at bargain prices. Really pleased as being prepared this year has saved me money as it gives me more time to do a little bit of price comparison

Have a few Christmas activities on this week which I can enjoy without pressure and then I'm just going to concentrate on packing up the living room a bit more and making space for the tree.
(Have put Christmas lights up around the hall window)

crazy-cat-lady_2

After being so ahead all year I’m now behind. We have all been hit by chest infections and just can’t shake them off. Over two weeks now. I got the tree and decorations up and a few other bits. But haven’t posted cards, got the rest of the little bits of presents I needed, made the usual start of getting in the cheeses, hams, cakes and drinks. Got to get better soon and have a major catch up. Worst time of the year for being poorly. We are sitting watching the personalised Santa videos I made for my little one. She’s going crazy for them 😆

chanie

crazt cat sorry you havent been well. Hopefully you will recover in time for Christmas.

Happy kitties I have had more than 2 chocolate oranges over the past few week.

We have put our tree up, but are waiting until the children get home later on from the GPs until we decorate. Whilst they have been out, I have been wrapping presents, as I prefer to do it whilst they are out of the house.

I also made my Xmas pudding today, which is steaming in the slow cooker. I cheat and used pre-soaked fruit in brandy! I am probably the only person in the family who eats Christmas pudding, but that means more for me!

Happy_Kitties

crazy cat I hope you are feeling better soon and manage to get rid of the chest infections. Definitely not pleasant for u.

Chanie I have thru my present wrapping and in general eaten the sum total of 2 choc oranges, 3 selection boxes, some choc coins and decided to tuck into my mums unwrapped fruit creams tonite (DD is wrapping DMs presents but proved fatal tonite when I spotted the fruit creams). I've not bought tubs of sweets this year as they end up being left until Easter

No one likes Christmas pud in the house, only my uncle, he brings his own little one. When we used to have big family Christmas' years ago I used to enjoy making a cake and a pud

Got DD cards and her BFs sorted and a present into a gift bag. Def need to buy tissue paper otherwise present will get damaged. That will go on the list of bits I still need to get for the house but got snacks in and freezer full.
Plan to put all of DDs into a big Christmas bag and check them off as I'm going along before she comes home......just to avoid her still finding presents at Easter

crazy-cat-lady_2

Thank you! We will hopefully all shake it soon and be well for Christmas. Always seem to end up ill at this time of year. So many bugs in this house now my little one started nursery. It’s a germ factory.
Haven’t made Christmas pudding but made a few Christmas cakes a while back. A friend who works at Tesco gave me a 5kg bag of mixed fruit from the bakery that they didn’t want. So thought I’d put it to good use. Made 4. 3 with alcohol and one without. My brother is on a lot of meds after his stroke and can’t drink. So that one is in the freezer for another week so it’ll keep. Cheated and tried the three ingredient slow cooker cake I’d heard a lot about (but cheated and added extra slices on top, so actually about 8 ingredients). I was doubtful but they turned out really nicely. Got to get them marzipanned, iced and decorated once I’m feeling better and then I think I’ll do some mince pies.

Katiehound

Haven't been on this board for a while. Busy, busy.....
Since the cruise this has been doggy duvet factory- unwanted duvets arriving by the car load (well, that's what it feels like!!)

Today I delivered the last batch, that's 39 duvets made :T in what? 5 weeks and about £150 paid to Dogs for Good with more money, at least another £30 owing from Dog club.

Today had my second cholera vaccination- that's for India next year.

Now looking a Christmas things.
I am going away Thu next week, back the following Thu.
Luckily I don't have many to buy for but I do try to get unusual items, or something useful. I bought named luggage straps , silly socks & maps for the lads. Magazine subs, reed difusers & matching candles for the ladies......
The sproglets will get goody bags with assorted items (including those chameleons from La Reunion!) which they have before the BIG day- that way I don't need to compete.
Quite a few folk have a pair of fancy seasonal / doggie socks.
I also pack & take 4 birthday presents with me- I need to get stuck in now I can almost see the floor!!

Curses 4 cards have arrived, even 'though I have said for years- I'm not home, the postage is too much, give the postage to your favourite charity... etc .They still appear and a couple need a letter

Hope you are now recovered and fighting fit
Cheers!:xmastree: