Christmas 2017 mega index/christmas chat!!!! Yes, it's early I know :)

caronc

I've done a fair bit of both food & present shopping but I must strain and finish the bramble vodka I started a couple of months ago. Still got the my kids (adult) to buy for but I'm waiting see what my younger son needs for his new flat and if the elder has anything on his "wish list". Food shopping now will be mainly fresh stuff & the butchers order. I've a houseful for two weeks over the festive period which will be lovely but I'll need plenty of provisions so I've being buying things if they are on SO in the run up.

Islandmaid

Bought some tree decorations today, out old ones were pretty past it, except for the battered homemade creations that the kids made when they were little, the rest can go. I might donate to the local church as they have a Christmas tree display each year, might be something they could use, the rest in the recycling.

6 more pressies to buy, then its done.

Turkey etc is ordered will just need to buy fresh stuff before

Massive fudge making splurge needed for most of December, I have had loads of orders - hence getting organised beforehand

millicent

FrugalWeirdo83 wrote: »

I have made a Christmas cake, I usually skip the icing part but think I may be brave this year. Can anyone advise the cheapest place to buy fondant icing and marzipan

My local Aldi have just started selling icing and marzipan.
Haven't tried the marzipan but have made a Santa Claus and reindeer with the icing and its really good to work with!

AndyCF

Although its a bit late in a way, for those who are looking for a tree (even for next year) if its artificial try to find one mid year if you can, say June-September as they can be a bit cheaper :j and you can simply store it "until it is time"

I must admit I half want to put my (new) lights up to see what they are like but it feels too early not sure. I have made a bit of a boo boo with these as they are intended for a tree not 'around the room' so the lights are quite close together too. We shall see anyway I guess.

VfM4meplse

AndyCF wrote: »

I must admit I half want to put my (new) lights up to see what they are like but it feels too early not sure. I have made a bit of a boo boo with these as they are intended for a tree not 'around the room' so the lights are quite close together too. We shall see anyway I guess.

Go for it! I’ve seen a number of homes with lights up locally - and a couple with the whole shebang: Santa, reindeers etc. Once I’m in my new home, as soon as I’ve painted I plan to put my lights and LED tree up and am looking forward to it.

Late last night I fixed my niece’s wooden advent calendar (a couple of the doors had fallen off and required super-gluing, despite it being bought and used for the first time last year) and filled it with Christmas stickers, chocolate mini-Santas, gold coins and sterling notes from Poundland. I also found an advent shopping bag in Poundstretcher which is ideal to store it in.

Funny how I enjoyed spending my time doing this rather than packing

VfM4meplse

I should report back that my niece went nuts with joy when she opened the first door yesterday, loved the chocolate Santa and festive stickers. She then wanted to see what was behind all the other numbers.

She did get the concept in the end, because she woke up saying “number two”.

AndyCF

VfM4meplse wrote: »

Go for it! I’ve seen a number of homes with lights up locally - and a couple with the whole shebang: Santa, reindeers etc. Once I’m in my new home, as soon as I’ve painted I plan to put my lights and LED tree up and am looking forward to it.

Late last night I fixed my niece’s wooden advent calendar (a couple of the doors had fallen off and required super-gluing, despite it being bought and used for the first time last year) and filled it with Christmas stickers, chocolate mini-Santas, gold coins and sterling notes from Poundland. I also found an advent shopping bag in Poundstretcher which is ideal to store it in.

Funny how I enjoyed spending my time doing this rather than packing

Not got around to it just yet, although its likely Tuesday I suspect as have quite a bit on tomorrow I think. First card arrived last Saturday too so I guess its time to think about those as well as 'choc' related presents where appropriate.

Florence_J

I have posted all my cards, wrapped all of my family's gifts and most importantly of all I have all my Winter booze in.

But, it is not all plain sailing. My job situation is not confirmed (I may be doing some temp work soon after being out of work for a month) so I don't know when, or if, I will be seeing my family this Christmas (it is my OH's family turn for Christmas this year) and most of the gifts I have bought have been of the heavy and breakable variety which would make posting difficult and/or expensive.

Currently watching Miracle on 34th Street, may put up as many decorations as I can get away with later (my OH is of the 'Bah Humbug' variety)

poppycracker

I am rather impressed with myself this year, just had to tell someone! I think I've spent a total of £50 on all my christmas shopping - at least half of presents have been shopped for from my drawers - various smelly things that I have been given and not used, a couple of scarves, a set of star wars script books I got on offer from a book club at least 12 years ago and haven't looked at since..... . I went trawling the charity shops yesterday and picked up a few things there - brand new and for pounds rather than tens of pounds, and went to the farmers market/craft fair today - picked up a couple of lovely handmade things there very reasonably priced. I've also used up our Tesc* vouchers from the last year or so. Very pleased.

dingdongsaving

Off to enjoy a local carol service with mulled wine/tea/coffee and mince pies. Will be lovely to see some friends from the village and relax into the school break.