NST December: Festive Fun

lcc86

Count me in please for December! I did so badly in November that I REALLY have to sort myself out this month. Didn't even spend a lot but completely lost track of my money which makes me angry!

Foodbank/charity donation - I have my normal DDs to charity but am also going to do the Sally Army Xmas appeal as I normally do at this time of year.
Eat well - I know it wasn't technically December but I had three social meals out since Friday and feel like I've overindulged already. Only have the work Xmas party left now and then the big day itself so I shouldn't be going too crazy.
Savings/debt repayment. Done. Really need to stick to budget this month. I use the goodbudget app but if I don't record a spend straight away I get off track.
Treat yourself - definitely feeling this one after the last couple of days! Have a lovely candle I've been saving (why? Why not just use it!) and want to read a bit more too, I've stopped reading over the last year or so. I have a week off over Xmas so that's the perfect opportunity.
Invitations - my work Xmas do is in a couple of weeks (already paid for) and I also have a night out planned with a friend. I think the bulk of my Xmas outings took place this past weekend which is good as I budgeted well and should have plenty of money left for the rest of the month.
Very merry Christmas - budgets are set but haven't finished shopping yet, just need to find time. Should probably prioritise this!
Exercise - aiming to go go the gym/exercise four times a week every week throughout December. Today will start with horse riding this morning and a yoga class this afternoon.

Fun - will have to have a think on this one but I'm sure I can find something.
Understand what motivates you - I'm saving for a new car and I'm really motivated to buy it without getting into debt as I've never bought a car with my own money before. This will be a big achievement for me. I'm also working towards promotion at work which would be really good.
NSDs - aiming for 15. Today should be the first.

delta13

Hi misstara, could I please join for December? It's a good exercise to keep me in check with my spending!

Foodbank/charity donation - at work we collect toys for local children who will likely have nothing for Christmas, so I will make sure I collect something for them.
Eat well - will be tough but I will try!
Savings/debt repayment. - 1st of the month is when I pay into my savings accounts, so that has been done this morning. The way I have made my most recent purchases on my CC, they won't actually reflect on the statement until January so I have plenty of time to pay it all off! Part of it is pre-booked drinks packages for the Work Christmas party, so once everyone's paid me their share (this week) that will be getting settled straight away.
Treat yourself - Started a day early and pampered myself last night :rotfl: I have plenty of toiletries I need to get through, and a £10 book voucher to get myself something nice, so will make some time for myself.
Invitations - Accept a maximum of 2 invitations during December. Works night out, panto, girls night out, whatever you have planned, set a budget and stick to it. - Well, I've already accepted to attend way more than 2 so already know I'll fail this one! Works night is already paid for at least, and I think one is a night in with friends which should be cheap.
Very merry Christmas - I have been saving up all year for Christmas present ££. I've bought probably half, and I know what I want to get for the other half, just haven't got round to it yet. :xmassmile
Exercise - I'm going to continue to walk to work every day, despite the cold! And this morning I am going for a quick walk round the block to pass the time - waiting for a parcel to be delivered but they haven't confirmed a time slot yet.
Fun - I think I'll watch some Christmas films this afternoon whilst I start gift wrapping
Understand what motivates you - Think about what you want to achieve next year and why. How will you achieve your goals? - I'm lucky that I'm quite a reflective person, and I'm encouraged to do this all the time in work. What's motivating me at the moment (saving wise) is wanting to buy my first home - the amount I've wasted on rubbish that I no longer have/ need of over the years is ridiculous; and when you add onto that the amount I've spent on rent and fees, when it could have gone on a deposit/ mortgage payments, it's quite embarrassing and humbling really. So I've told myself no spending on clothes between now and New Year (already achieved in November) - I'm hoping to stretch it out into next year too, maybe up until my birthday in March. I have plenty of nice clothes, for all types of events/ weather. Determined to do it!
NSDs - Aim for 15 NSDs. - I am going to struggle with this in December (as per afore mentioned Christmas invites I've already accepted). I've set myself a target of 12 NSD's in the December NSD thread - any extra will be a bonus. I won't be counting days where I do my Christmas shopping as I have the money saved ready, so it's not "new money" being spent. Being a bit cocky this morning and claiming today as NSD 1 though, hehe.

Karmacat

Foodbank/charity donation - add a few items when you're doing a food shop or buy a gift to donate. A local charity here collects gifts to give to deprived children at Christmas so going to buy something to donate.
Can do.

Eat well - It can be very difficult to eat well over the festive period with all the lovely food around so enjoy but don't over-indulge.
Will do - over-indulgence doesn't attract me any more, these cruises I've taken over the last 18 months cracked it for me - the only dessert that didn't upset my stomach was fruit (melon, pineapple, whatnot).

Treat yourself - Make sure you take time for yourself during December. Relax and read a book, have a bubble bath, light some candles, etc.
I'm going to use this to start looking after my skin properly - lots of cleansing etc. I might go back for a couple of laser treatments for milia.

Invitations - Accept a maximum of 2 invitations during December. Works night out, panto, girls night out, whatever you have planned, set a budget and stick to it.
I have 2 little events: a meetup with an old colleague, a local arts concert of handbells, plus Christmas lunch itself. I do want another celebration.

Exercise - At this time of year, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to get out the house and exercise. Aim for at least 10 minutes outside, even just a short walk around the block.
Really important to me, I'll definitely be working on this.

Fun - Think of fun things to do during December, preferably free. Wander round a Christmas market, watch a Christmas movie, make mince pies, etc.
I'm heading to the local city for one of my events - I'll be checking out the Christmas stuff there.

Understand what motivates you - Think about what you want to achieve next year and why. How will you achieve your goals?
This is the last month of the decade for my purposes, so this is a really good item to take on board.

f0xh0les

Good Evening and Welcome to December everybody.

Today was not a NSD.

Local community street fair for Xmas. I did not buy anything, but the kids had cake, and it was supporting local businesses, and they had a lovely time. I wanted to buy a loaf of bread from the local bakers, but they are so posh and hipstery they do not bake bread. Like Marie Antoinette they are all about the cakes, and vegan croissants at £1.70 each. :eek: More a cakery than a bakery.

Lunch was all the leftovers so the fridge was cleared out ready for this afternoon's ys shopping haul.

Going to try and finish the shopping tomorrow - all the heavy stuff, get it out of the way and into the pantry.

The cloth advent calendars are up, and the pixies have left nice things for the children. There is time for them to end up with reindeer poo, I am not being complacent.

Lovely cold nip in the air today. Winter has arrived!

apple_muncher

Started the month with an nsd, and spent all day in my jamas!


Today I am grateful for time with my big sis + niece, for my dh who always runs to help people, for getting some coats onto naked penguins, for fresh water, for another pretty frost, for sparkly fairy lights, for giggles with dd.

crazy_cat_lady

Not a nsd for me today - started the month with a brief trip to Mr M for a couple of essentials to keep us warm during the freezing but beautiful days. We were all out of milk, which I cannot be doing with on a winter's day - need my cuppa tea in the mornings else I will never get to work. Tomorrow will not be a nsd either as I'm off work and fully intending to finish my Christmas shopping, but I fully intend to make this month the best one of the year.
Me and the kids have put the Christmas tree up this afternoon and I almost got lost in all the wool lurking in the loft - must make a resolution to use all of that up.

Plans for the month ahead...

Foodbank/charity donation - add a few items when you're doing a food shop or buy a gift to donate. I already have a SO to Cats Protection, and I am doing a reverse advent calendar for the food bank with my form class.
Eat well - I rarely manage to eat very well but will always do my best with this. I can't afford to go overboard this season so I won't - pretty much business as usual.
Savings/debt repayment. Pay to your debt or savings first and live off what is left. Definitely won't be paying any extra this month unless a miracle happens but all of my debt payments will be gone out of my account tomorrow.
Treat yourself - Make sure you take time for yourself during December. Crochet as always, and half an hour of quiet reading before sleep in the evening.
Invitations - I actually have 3 in December, but one is paid for by my mam (big family Christmas dinner at the pub on Christmas Eve). Not going to my works do but will have food and drinks after work one night, and have arranged a night out with bestie between Christmas and New Year. This is actually a lot for me...
Very merry Christmas - Don't get sucked into all the consumerism that surrounds Christmas, set your budgets for presents, food, etc and stick to them.
No fear of that at all - I don't have any spare money. I've already ordered my meat from the butchers and veggie box from the grocers. Much of my shopping is done and I have 5 things left on the list to get tomorrow.
Exercise - At this time of year, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to get out the house and exercise. Well I've been out during the day today - hopefully I'll maintain that if I can.

Fun - Think of fun things to do during December, preferably free. I love a Christmas film and can motivate myself to bake and make in the run up to Christmas.
Understand what motivates you - Think about what you want to achieve next year and why. How will you achieve your goals?
All I want is to get this legal situation sorted out, but a lot of that isn't anything I can work towards. It's a lot of waiting but when I get there then I need to sort my finances out - urgently.
And I need to use up my massive wool stash.
NSDs - Aim for 15 NSDs. Usual rules apply, you won't lose a NSD for ys items, petrol or medical reasons.
Will do

dolly84

f0xh0les - I agree with you about Christmas jumpers, such a waste of resources, there are tons in the charity shops to choose from.


delta - I know how you feel about money wasted, we've done the same in the past but at least you've learnt from it and will make better decisions going forward.


This weekend has been spendy, DH & I broke the back of our Christmas/Birthday shopping yesterday, had pizza last night for DD's birthday on Tuesday, went out shopping today at DD's request but as we always buy in charity shops the spends weren't too bad.


Last night DS brought a full pint of blackcurrant squash into the lounge and put it on my very old blanket box and then started to mess about with our rather large dog right next to it, the entire pint ended up in the box and all over the carpet, I store my tree lights in the box - I went mad, I am hot headed and don't know when to calm down, the end result was a smashed up china Christmas village - I am not proud .

Deni_debt-free_dreamer

Hi everyone
I have been shopping today in actual real shops Got a few things off my list including walking boots for DD1 which were reduced (Black Friday thing) plus additional 10% off via my friend as she works at a uni, all helps. Went for a quick walk when got home to Mr C and bought a few supplies. Did a 10 minute exercise session too. Going to prep packed lunch for tomorrow, all from supplies. Keep warm everyone Dx

lcc86

Going to check in again even though I posted earlier as I don't always get the chance to post every day when I'm at work so I'm making the most of the calm.

Foodbank/charity donation - DD's will go out soon, just need to organise myself to do the Sally Army donation.
Eat well - was good today, just had a lovely homemade spinach and ricotta lasagne for dinner which went down a treat.
Savings/debt repayment. All money transferred to savings already. Almost gave in and ordered some workout clothes just because there's a 50% sale on, but told myself not to be stupid because I have plenty already so despite the savings I'd still be spending money I don't need to spend!
Treat yourself - just sitting with fairy lights on with my rabbits as I type this, sometimes it's nice to just turn the TV off for a bit and relax. Going to have a bath in a minute too.
Invitations - I remembered a third and fourth invitation during the course of the day - breakfast at my cousin's next week (should be cheap) and carolling with a friend in London (slightly less cheap).
Very merry Christmas - enjoyed looking at the lights up in people's windows as I came home this evening.
Exercise - went horse riding this morning. Got accidentally headbutted in the nose by said horse and now my nose is rather swollen and sore :eek: hopefully no bruises tomorrow as I'll have to explain it to everyone at work! Also went to yoga this afternoon which really hit the spot today.

Fun - the first thing I can think of is to decorate the house, but that'll have to wait until next weekend.
Understand what motivates you - already done.
NSDs - Aim for 15 NSDs. 1/15 today. Did get petrol but as it's exempt I'm not counting it.

abundant1972

Happy 01st December!!!

Thank you Misstara for running the challenge this month too!

Please can I sign up? November I became very derailed so will do better this month. I'm going to do my budgets this evening...

Today = NSD number 1

Pay day on 20th this month then a long January so will need to make sure I still budget for thew whole of December and not break into my early wages too soon.

Hugs all x