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

princesskitty29

Mrs Ryan wow your OH is one lucky man!

Alja, lazysheep, my little one was 6m last Christmas and we bought him this book:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Babys-First-Touchy-Feely-Christmas-Books/dp/1409595390

He really loved it, he’d sit on our lap for ages looking at it. He still plays with it now and he’s 16m!

So I wrapped three presents last night! Go me! DH made a hot chocolate and I put some Christmas music on, it wasn’t quite the same without all the decs up though. Normally when I put Christmas music on I get all cheery and happy, but for some reason last night I was feeling all nostalgic and emotional. I was thinking about past Christmases with grandparents who are all no longer here, and about future Christmases where my parents won’t be around. I don’t really know what came over me, I was probably just really tired. I think also as you get older you realise everything changes, suddenly I’m now the responsible parent! :eek::rotfl: Anyway, enough of being sad. It transpires my in laws might be coming to ours Christmas day so I will have to get planning the food and start adding some bits to my food shop. We’ve got a few things planned for tonight; we’re going to light the chimnea and roast marshmallows, pop some cake fountains in the ground and light them and perhaps do some sparklers. I’m making sausage casserole and a self-saucing jaffa pudding for afters, can’t wait for the pudding as I love a bit of chocolate orange!

shoei

Nightowl wrote: »

Hi,


I seem to have set myself a bit of a challenge this year. I watched 'Drowning in plastic' on BBC Iplayer and I can't look at anything in the shops without imagining it all floating down a river or causing problems to the wildlife. So I've become a bit more aware of packaging and have been listening to a great Podcast on my Spotify account called 'The minimalists'. They've made me realise I don't real need much, and after years of trying to declutter and not being able to fully I've realised my time and headspace is more important that the cost of stuff in my house. I could go on, but to keep it simple... how do I buy stuff for others when I see it all as unnecessary or bad for the environment ?
I've been on Amazon all day looking at recycled and environmentally friendly stuff, but it's really limited.


I'm thinking maybe experiences (Groupon, Buy a gift) will be the way to go. Perhaps find out exactly what my niece and nephew would like and give cash if they don't know. To be honest I'm in a good position this year in that I don't have to watch every penny... but I do want to spend wisely and mindfully. Would be happy to buy from Charities like Oxfam but haven't seen anything that inspires me yet.
Can you buy someone a kindle book and add it to there account? Rather than just giving a gift voucher if you have seen a book you would like to give to them?

Why don't you do food gifts? I do these and they are always greatly received! You can either make the food, there are loads of easy recipes or go to a local farm shop and get some nice cheese and bits. All our local butchers and farm shops are happy to use your own containers and there will be less food miles on anything you buy.

Gettingtherequickly

Gosh, we are a-moving now! Heard my first Christmas ad in car this morning.

Trying to find time to get myself sorted, but did manage to pick up a couple of packs of conserves at the garden centre yesterday, it is closing, so everything half price or less. Didn't see much to float my boat there but they are nice token gifts.

In the process of putting together the families hampers, must have wondered what was going on in B&M as I bought so much deodorant! Collection is working quite well this year, we want them to collect on 16th December, this will hopefully give them a chance to buy their own preferences while at the same time, allows an extra week for the food collection which can be given to those we don't know about. We have spoken to the school, they agree that there are people who need help, but too proud to ask, plus the fact kids can be quite vicious about things like that, although there is no malice intended. Think the school may post a notice about contacting one of us directly, that way they can maintain self respect, while at the same time, allowing us to add to the list which we know should be longer, sad reflection of the times we live in. The school has lost the additional budget payable to a deprived area, cost of property has increased dramatically, but an awful lot of the kids don't live in these properties and actually get free school dinners, go figure!

No idea what to get my mum, think will speak to my brother and sort it between us.

girlinayellowdress

Everything is wrapped. Advent calendars filled and house is tidy. Something is so going to go wrong ...

kerri_gt

princesskitty29 wrote: »

Normally when I put Christmas music on I get all cheery and happy, but for some reason last night I was feeling all nostalgic and emotional. I was thinking about past Christmases with grandparents who are all no longer here, and about future Christmases where my parents won’t be around. I don’t really know what came over me, I was probably just really tired. I think also as you get older you realise everything changes, suddenly I’m now the responsible parent!

You're not alone princesskitty29 I think every year i get a bit more like this. I think it's just getting to a stage in life where you realise that some of the fond memories you have of past Christmas' are when parents were ages we are now, and then start realising how time has past etc etc...oh goodness you've got me at it now too :rotfl::rotfl:

OH has decided he wants some new trainers for Xmas...he is very picky about footwear and has so far sent me links to two pairs that are either going to be impossible to find, or very expensive if I do :eek:

I managed to tick another thing off the xmas list today - finally P0undstretcher had the 3 pack of rectangular foil roasting trays in for £1, so I grabbed 2 packs. Not sure what i'll really need now I have ordered from Cook! but it's not like they have a BB date. I also have a big turkey roasting dish from last year so no running around last min for me for those this year (must remember more wrapping foil though). It's those kind of things I always forget / leave to the last min so rather pleased i have those sorted already #smallwins (might even get some for next year...they're only going to either go up in price or get smaller...or both).

Mrs_Ryan

I swore and vowed no more presents..
But I went over to Birmingham today and thought that I would treat my friend who I like to spoil (she so deserves it) However while I was there OH got yet more gifts (Boots 3 for 2 in my defence)
I bought my friend 3 Superdry Sports body sprays (she loves stuff like that) and a Jack Wills mug, hot chocolate and socks set. I also bought her a large jar of the coffee I bought her for her birthday and she loved so I thought I would get her some more.
I got OH a Jack Wills beanie and body wash set and some Jack Wills boxers.
That is seriously it though
(I did treat myself though- I bought myself 2 tops, a pair of jeggings, 6 pairs of undies and 6 pairs of socks. And I’ve ordered my wedding ring which I’m very happy about)

radioactivepig

Hi, long time lurker coming out of hiding.
Been reading since the days of OMO's white stag collections
I'm normally getting excited for xmas in July but it's been a rough year so trying to get into the xmas spirit here with you lovely lot if you'll have me!:o

princesskitty29

GTQ it is sad that you have to do these things in this day and age, but thank goodness for people like you providing these items, it will make all the difference to some people.

GIYD wow go you! No everything is going to be fine, you’ll be able to put your feet up and enjoy Christmas now! :rudolf:

Sorry kerri! Although you’re right, I’m thinking of Christmases where my parents would be my age. Well done on getting so organised!

Mrs Ryan I’m a bit like that, I buy early but then keep seeing more stuff that would suit people! I know there's no need to go mad but I really do enjoy buying gifts for people.

radioactivepig good to have you here! Oh I miss hearing about OMO’s white stag collection. Sorry to hear you’ve had a rough year, I hope things improve for you and you can find some Christmas cheer here. :santa2:

Squeak is having a nap so I’m going to try and get on with some more of the cross stitch picture I’m doing for my auntie, although I’m starting to worry I won’t have it ready for Christmas as I don’t get to do much each day. I’ve got another shopping trip planned on Monday as my MiL is having Squeak so hopefully I can get another chunk of things off my list. Here’s hoping!

mandco

just a quick one

asda have 20% off selected kids clothes which includes some of the xmas stuff
matalan have 25% off xmas gifts & decorations not advertised on the main page but comes up if you click on the xmas section

Peppapig

Ooh thanks for the Matalan heads up MANDCO

RADIOACTIVEPIG that’s a blast from the past and a long time to lurk. Glad you’ve made yourself known now - hope this will be the start of your Christmas spirit coming back.