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

Beshki

pixielottie wrote: »

I have also booked a trip to Leeds for January for part of the boyfriends Christmas pressie... though I'm pretty sure it's more a gift to myself. I went to uni in Leeds, and all those on this day 10 years ago things on facebook are showing me freshers week, and making me miss leeds I've only visited 3 times since uni, and the last of those was 5 years ago! I can't wait!! :j :T :j
Is anyone in here from that area? Any advice on where to go what to do? I know so much has changed since I lived there, the Trinty center was just being started back then! X

I live in Leeds :-) What would you like to know/do? X

princesskitty29

Hello all! It’s a Saturday morning lie in for me today as DH is going out at lunchtime to watch the football then on to London afterwards for BiL’s 40th birthday celebrations. I haven’t made much progress on the Christmas front lately apart from buying a Thomas the Tank Engine advent calendar for DS1 yesterday. He’s mad about trains at the moment! Also, I realise I am old as it’s no longer known as Thomas the Tank Engine is it? It’s Thomas & Friends these days I think!

I was also quite excited and surprised to come across the Boots Christmas catalogue, I’m pretty sure it doesn’t usually come out until October? I’ll try and have a mooch through that later. I’ve noticed a few Christmas magazines in the shops, but I tend to find the specialist Christmas magazines aren’t that great, I much prefer the Christmas editions of magazines like Prima and Good Housekeeping when they come out.

Happy belated birthday spendless and whtesatin! _party_

missmoose welcome back! Yes turkeys can be really expensive, have you looked into just getting a turkey crown? They can be a little cheaper and less faff!

Peppa how about an activity advent calendar for your husband that you can do together? Little things like ‘have a hot chocolate’ and ‘go for a winter walk’ etc?

mrsinvisible

lie-in for me too, DGS is with his dad, so no 'music' to distract me.
On the Christmas front, l have all the main presents for the adults, except for the 2 M&S hampers for BFF and Bro and DSIL and they are on their way to completion now. Just waiting for the christmas goodies to go on special offers. The nibs, tho, although l got their PJs in last sale, other than that, no ideas. DGD is getting a nomin@tions bracelet, DGS got his posh leatherman multi tool, so just needs bits now, DGS2 l am stuck for, he is nearly 11 now, -funny age- does he still believe in you-know-who?
Got darling Nephews wedding a week today, still havent got a bag, and l need to start making my buttonholes. They want Erigeron as it is a tartan themed wedding, and as l have some still growing l will get cracking with it.
This coming week also l will start on the christmas cards, and organise the christmas bedroom ready to start wrapping presents etc.
Now, time to get moving l think, glad to see returnees and newbies, lots of good ideas cropping up on the board now, too. xx

kerri_gt

Mrsinvisible I would guess by nearly 11 he prob won't, but don't take that for granted. I recall my eldest cousin getting a severe telling off from her parents for breaking the news to her younger brother ... her argument was that it was for his own good...he was about to start secondary school! There's 6mths between him and me age wise and I had already known from about aged 8-9.

Is he into Fortnite or Minecraft or anything like that?

pixielottie

Jewels1207 wrote: »

My sister also asked me what she could buy my DSs and said she'd quite like to get them a joint present rather than two smaller things. They're 5 and 2 and I've no idea! Does anyone have any suggestions please as I quite like this idea of one bigger thing between them

Me and my sister always had a joint boxing day present, from Santa! Something to keep us occupied, and usually chosen by Dad so something he secretly wanted to play with... haha!

I'm trying to remember what we had now, things like duplo/lego, remote control cars, scaletrix, board games, jigsaw puzzles.
Some would have worked out a bit young for one of us and a bit old for the other as I'm 7 years older than my sister but it was always made to work


Popped into JTF this morning, for loo rolls, and they were putting the Christmas stuff out so a few gift bags, and a pack of little chutneys for the lady up the road came home with us and a huge pack of tape... isn't it crazy how much selotape costs, 1 roll of the branded stuff was the same price as 6 none branded! 6!!
I'm a bit of a wrapping snob anyway though, I love scotch tape, the matte stuff, I just think it's beautiful.... and it peels off and I'm a peeler not a ripper lol.

My whole reason for popping in was because a matalan advert just showed up on instagram, with dinosaur Christmas wrapping paper!!!!! :rotfl: I love it!

pixielottie

Beshki wrote: »

I live in Leeds :-) What would you like to know/do? X

eek, I don't know... to be honest as for what to do I'll probably just drag my boyfriend round and show him all the places I used to live, not sure we'll actually have time for doing much else haha. I've already made the mental plans to park where I used to live and walk to the hotel, not told him that yet though :A

Some recommendations for somewhere a bit different to go for food on the Saturday evening would be really helpful, please And anywhere good for tea and cake? I'm a bit more of a tea addict than I was back when I lived there :rotfl: Thanks x

mandco

Happy belated birthday spendless and whtesatin

peppa - for advent calendar fillers I often use things like mini toiletries, anything related to an interest, mini gadgets as well as the odd treat really depends on how much you want to spend. For the older ones I've even added mini bottles of their fave drink. Girls are def easier & cheaper though.

thanks for the suggestions for the red tree

poundland had some annuals in paw patrol, minecraft, match attack and something girly - I really should pay more attention but tend to focus what the boys would be interested in

The works have small wooden sleighs for £3 - not sure whether to use it as an elf gift and let taz decorate it or do it myself & fill with little gifts??

Sainsburys were setting up the xmas shelving today so guessing the stock will be out tomorrow or monday

VintageHistorian

kerri_gt wrote: »

VintageHistorian how about a 'night in' hamper for them....no not THAT kind of night in :eek:

Something like a pizza voucher (do Domnioes do anything like that?) or to be healthier something like an M&S card for a dine in dinner. You could add a nice candle and then some popcorn and a DVD or NowTV cinema voucher or something for a film after dinner? Perhaps some silly bits like cosy socks for each of them or a throw to snuggle under?

Or if they are saving for a house, a Groupon for a meal out might be nice so they can go out without feeling guilty about spending?

pixielottie wrote: »

Last year the range had popcorn packs in a fancy box that came with a movie download code... not sure if they will have the same again but they were perfect for those sorts of hampers x

Ooooh those are good ideas, thank you! I might look out for some cheap DVDs in Tesco or on Amazon to go in it. My brother won't eat pizza (doesn't like cheese) and there's no M&S near my parent's, but Tesco do "Finest" meal deals so I might put a card with some money for one of those in it!

missmoose

pixielott i go to Leeds annually with my mum, always end up (i say "end up" we pre-book it and it is the main reason we visit) in the alchemist, food is good but the cocktails are amazing.

murie

Wow its suddenly become very busy on here!
Welcome all newbies and returnees alike.

This is the home stretch now- woohoo!
Im loving it that the Christmas goodies are starting to appear in the shops (I know not everyone feels the same) but it does make me feel all tingly when I see it.
Ive got a stash of matchmakers and whiskeys (special offers) stacking up in my wardrobe- if I get hungry or thirsty in the night I would be ok!
Ive got Dh's present sorted (and his birthday pressies as its his birthday early November), Ive bought him a ballpoint to match the fountain pen that we all chipped in for last year (and the pen saga was nearly the undoing of me I will admit!) and the kids and I have bought him a ticket to see England V Italy next year at Twickenham.
I think the kids will be having a cash present each as they don't really want anything in particular (28 and 22), although some of the whiskey selections are for DS and I have bought DD a limited edition Charlotte Tilbury make up set.
I bought my sis a small Kate Spade bag in the 60% summer sale and have been putting a little cash aside each week for her, She never has anything girly or just for her so I know she will appreciate it. I have even wrapped it so I cant dip into the cash in case I am tempted ! Im not keen on giving cash as presents but this year I think its the best way to go.
I really wish the weather would make up its mind, although I am enjoying the darker nights because it means I can light my candles and enjoy their twinkle .