* Rocking around the Christmas Tree * - It's the 2018 Christmas Chatter Thread

Peppapig

STOKIE that’s a pain, give TREASUREQUEEN’s suggestion a try. I’ve missed my last two vouchers because I couldn’t get to the shop in time (and didn’t want enough for free delivery) but I’m determined to get there this time!

Coxy11

Hi all,
Went on a reccie to large Kent shopping mall today. I need some bits from Boots so went to see them in the flesh before buying next weekend when the points offer is on. Got DS1 a fragrance star gift from there today as I wasn't sure it would still be on next week. Got DD some snow fairy shower gel from Lush (forgot who mentioned that, but thank you for the recommendation!). Jlewis was mobbed so only spent 5 mins in there.
Got a new dress and tights which is for a dinner out next week but will also do for Christmas. Also visited the pop up Christmas shop and bought 6 new baubles in a lovely mauve. We always go for blue and silver but lounge is now silver grey so this will hopefully work!
DH is camping this weekend so will take the opportunity tomorrow to go to Sports Direct and Home Bargains for more shopping. Two nephews aged 10/11 will be getting body warmers - couldn't find anything in H&M, next or M&S so hoping sports direct will have something suitable. Will see if there are any gingerbread candles in home bargains - have an unopened one from last year but don't want to use it yet unless I can get more for nearer the time.
Also looked for cards today - didn't buy any in the sales so now need to buy them full price - the shame! Nothing I liked in Paperchase, next, M&S, card factory - any recommendations please. I want something tasteful, not pugs in antlers or Brussels sprouts with santa hats on!
Have a good evening all,
Coxy

kerri_gt

Coxy11 if you don't mind selling half a kidney or something then Paperchase usually have lovely cards (or as I call it Smiggle for grown ups) 😂

Or Matalan

https://www.matalan.co.uk/christmas/christmas-cards-bags-wrap/christmas-cards

Whoops...just saw you didn't see anything in Paperchase what about WH Smith, who are doing 3for2 or Sainsbury's?

(Btw, whilst I don't mind a humerus sprout card for the right audience, I cannot stand pugs on anything, nevermind antlers to boot apologies to any pig fans )

Not sure how old the DN's are but there some body warmers on the matalan site too.

Coxy11

Thank you Kerry xx Will have a look on Matalan. Clintons was shut for refurbishment but will try our local one tomorrow. I think it's the thought of paying full price which is putting me off - I'm so tight!! In other news I smashed my sealed pots tonight and I've managed to save £523 this year whoop!

kerri_gt

Coxy11 wrote: »

Thank you Kerry xx Will have a look on Matalan. Clintons was shut for refurbishment but will try our local one tomorrow. I think it's the thought of paying full price which is putting me off - I'm so tight!! In other news I smashed my sealed pots tonight and I've managed to save £523 this year whoop!

Well done on the sealed pot challenge :j

If you're on O2 they usually do a free box of WH Smith cards at some point.
Failing that, if you get 3for2 then it's not quite paying full price

StokieBecks

Coxy - try the supermarkers too for cards. Morrisons usually have plenty of choice so guess the others will too

describes

Hello everyone,

I have pre-ordered my turkey! I am super excited to be hosting Christmas for the first time this year. I have found some Xmas themed paper cups and Christmassy napkins in my local arts & crafts shop reduced to 50p so I have picked them up.
I have also found some Christmas cards and wrapping paper I brought from M&S last year reduced. I am very lucky to live close to the city and there is a big M&S in Fenchurch St that usually has tons of reduced bits left over as the city quietens down inbetween Christmas and New Year. I am really proud that I did stock up despite DH's tuts and complaints.

I have also purchased my first few presents from Etsy and the Sainsbury's toy sale. I am really proud of myself as I haven't spent more than £50 and I have got some really lovely presents for my nephew, sisters and mum. I have dedicated one of my unnecessary but totally necessary at the time notepad purchases to keep track of what I am buying and to prevent excessive purchases.

I still need to buy a few more things for close family.Youngest brother wants a candy floss machine so I am waiting until Black Friday/Cyber Friday to see if there are any good deals.

I'm not going to wrap just yet because I love doing it. I am worried that if I am not wrapping up presents in December I will end up buying token presents just so I can wrap them up. Completely sad I know but I know deep down that is why I buy "just one more gift".

Frondorddu

I hope this is the right place to post this idea - if not let me know where to put it.
My teenage daughters like advent calendars and treasure hunts so this year I am going to draw a 1-24 grid on a whiteboard, and each day will write a clue to somewhere in the house where a small advent present is hidden. No point writing the clue in ahead of time as it will get searched!
Each little present (chocs, lip balm, little scented candles etc) will have an identifying label tied to it made from cereal box cardboard covered with used Xmas wrapping paper so there is no confusion. By looking for little items now I hope to keep the cost below the £10 plus which filled advent calendars are in the shops.

VeronicaMars

describes wrote: »

I have pre-ordered my turkey!

I've only came back to MSE for this thread!! LOVED it last year

Where did you pre-order from? I'm looking to get this sorted and would love to have it sorted by end of November!

We are also hosting Christmas this year, just us and our in-laws. I've went on a bit of a strike on Christmas with travelling round peoples houses after years of trying to please everyone and wanting everyone together! I feel better this year as we have the table cloth and charger plates and all that jazz from hosting last year so will be nice to relax this year knowing its only the food we need to sort. Also want to start my traditions like going walks in the morning and coming back and having hot chocolate etc.

Sooooo i'm almost finished shopping. Got a V-Tech thing in Tesco half price for nephew. Picked up a bunch of unicorn stuff for my three nieces from Asda (onsies etc). Got my daughter (2) LOADS of playdoh on offer in Tesco and ordered her some Peppa pig cooking/playdoh wooden rolling pin, wooden spoon and cutters etc of eBay along with dinosaur cutters. Also bought her a big lego thing half price in Tesco so thats her finished.

I have a baby who will be 9 months and i'm thinking to just NOT buy her anything and put £100 in her bank account? She literally needs nothing and i know family will buy her toys and she gets all her sister hand me downs and we really do not need anything - thoughts anyone? I'll let her play with the wrapping paper :rotfl:

On Christmas cards we will be making the ones for family and i'll be using up random leftover ones for everyone else. They have been hanging around for years so im really wanting them out my house this year!! Everyone and anyone will be getting a card from us

nic2075

Frondorddu wrote: »

I hope this is the right place to post this idea - if not let me know where to put it.
My teenage daughters like advent calendars and treasure hunts so this year I am going to draw a 1-24 grid on a whiteboard, and each day will write a clue to somewhere in the house where a small advent present is hidden. No point writing the clue in ahead of time as it will get searched!
Each little present (chocs, lip balm, little scented candles etc) will have an identifying label tied to it made from cereal box cardboard covered with used Xmas wrapping paper so there is no confusion. By looking for little items now I hope to keep the cost below the £10 plus which filled advent calendars are in the shops.

That sounds like fun. Avon do those little sample lipsticks and perfumes, they might be nice too.
I do the hanging stocking bunting style calender for my 3. I fill it each night with chocolates and the odd small treasure in between. My girls love crystals, so I try and put a couple of new ones in each year. Would love to hear what things you buy.

Coxy, well done on your sealed pot challenge. I always start one and never get far. I use all my change for parking


A few more things I've picked up are some cute headphone that have car ears that light up. My dd always has her tablet for when we go to long dance comps, so always needs headphones. She will love these.

I also like to wrap later in December. I love to get the Christmas music on and a couple of Baileys to help me through:rotfl: