* Step into Christmas * & 2020 - It's the 2020 Christmas Chatter Thread

freespirit66

Morning Everyone, 
Im up as have a thumping headache, so tabs, toast and coffee. I’ve already switched my two Yankee lamps on to get it smelling cosy and Apple-y. I’m still waiting for my poundshop.com order, it’s been 10 days since I ordered and it still hasn’t been been dispatched but of course money has gone out!! I know we are spoilt by next day delivery but I think this is pushing it a bit. I’ve got £40 of stocking fillers and bits in it. 

NIC I just came on to tell you about autumn garlands on amazon 😂 but you have already got one. I follow an author on Twitter and she put a video on YouTube of her decorating her fireplace. WHO KNEW you could get these autumnal beauties on amazon, garden centres and HB?? I’m probably late to the party 😂 Yours looks gorgeous, I’ve put a couple of bits on my wish list and I’m going to get them with birthday money

BESHKI I already couldn’t get T Roll and water last weekend, it was worse than Christmas. We aren’t even in lockdown!!!

MANDCO have you looked in HB? I have had a cheap Hulk costume on my list for ages, it’s never in the ****** stores obviously 🙄 It’s just a stocking filler for Thumper and it’s only £3.99. Thumper is exactly the same as Taz with clothes, he won’t wear some things because of material etc. So it’s hit and miss whether he will wear what you buy 😂

Samiire

Gift buying has finally started, albeit just small things for now, but I feel relieved  to at least have something for everyone who will be at ours for Christmas this year (just me, DH, Mum and Dad). I was/am worried a second lockdown could mean it’s hard to get out to the shops or get delivery slots so getting in as much as I can now so I can sit tight.

Best present so far is some Boots own brand shaving cream. It’s my Dad’s favourite but they stopped making it three years ago. I managed to find someone selling some online! Hoping he’ll be as pleased as I am!

I’ve also made a start on the Christmas food cupboard too with a random selection of things like shortbread, cranberry sauce, mini marshmallows, chocolate orange, stuffing mix, and a tub each of Quality Street And Heroes (2 for £7 at Asda). Crisps coming on tomorrow’s grocery delivery will also be added to the stash.

Ive made a list of everything I want from the Matalan and JL Christmas sites but most things aren’t in stock yet. This will be our second Christmas in our house and the dining room is only recently set up so that’s a whole new room I need (want!) to buy decorations for. I’ve already pre ordered some Christmas lights online, you know the traditional ones we had when we were younger with the shaped glass bits around the bulb that make such a satisfying noise as the clang together when you untangle them, but do smash if you step on them!

rachsecret

 I’m still waiting for my poundshop.com order, it’s been 10 days since I ordered and it still hasn’t been been dispatched but of course money has gone out!! I know we are spoilt by next day delivery but I think this is pushing it a bit. I’ve got £40 of stocking fillers and bits in it. 

My onlinepoundshop order came in only three days. Odd that there's that inconsistency.
I've been loving having a nosey at all the stock coming online and have placed quite a few orders where stock is available to order.
This morning I have ordered one of my DHs gifts; an alpaca walk in the Lakes at Twixtmas as we are up there for a couple of days. Suppose it is a bit of a gift for me too lol. I bought a cheap llama bauble from onlinepoundshop (he'll not notice as it looks like an alpaca) to go with the gift certificate so I can wrap it in a box.

I noticed today that Costco have their Christmas stuff online and have included lots in their online grocery delivery scheme if anyone is interested. The stacking treats one is available for delivery too.

My DS is now 23 and still lives at home and said this week he still wants an advent calendar so I ordered some of those little bags from Aliexpress that you can hang up with the numbers on. I have ordered him some designer aftershave samples from e-bay to go in the bags, some chocolate and need a few more ideas if anyone has any? The bags are a decent size 14cmx10cm so that gives a bit more flexibility than just a small chocolate.

Samiire

rachsecret said:

My DS is now 23 and still lives at home and said this week he still wants an advent calendar so I ordered some of those little bags from Aliexpress that you can hang up with the numbers on. I have ordered him some designer aftershave samples from e-bay to go in the bags, some chocolate and need a few more ideas if anyone has any? The bags are a decent size 14cmx10cm so that gives a bit more flexibility than just a small chocolate.

How about a gift card, keyring, cufflinks, pair of Christmas pants or socks rolled up, travel size toiletries, nail clippers, miniature alcohol bottles.

mkgirl1981

nic2075 said:

Ok that was easier than I thought 😂 I’m sure it used to be harder to add a pic so I never did it. The second picture looks pretty dark, but it’s really nice when you are sitting in the living room and I also have Fairy lights on some twigs I put on every night in the other corner.  I’m not lighting the pillar candles until near the end of autumn, I’m happy just burning my jar from home bargains. 

Looks great 🎃 

I went to look in home sense today for some autumn / fall candles and was so disappointed 😔 there was nothing there. 

There was hardly any choice in general. 

Mrs_Ryan

Hello everyone  
I hope you’re all well. It’s been a flipping awful year and I’m dreading Christmas. My beloved dad passed away in February, 5 days after my wedding. First Christmas without him, and he absolutely loved Christmas. Just not in the festive mood. 

For that reason I’ve done all my shopping in one fell swoop. I went stupidly overboard last year but this year I’ve cut back hugely. I’ve had 5 birthdays to buy for as well between the end of this month and the end of next but I’ve managed to sort it without too many issues. I feel bad that I haven’t got a huge amount for hubby- who I always spoil as he never gets much from his family- but it’s his 50th in February and I had to draw the line somewhere. 

Here’s my present list- 
Mum- cashmere cardigan from Autograph at M&S. PJ’s from Next. Skechers slippers. Willow Tree ‘Mother and Daughter’ Ornament, Box of Lindt Lindor Chocs, Lap Tray with a ‘Mum’ verse. 

Hubby- Jack Wills PJ’s and boxers, Champion hoodie from JD, black Adidas hoodie (I have my eye on this- it may get ‘borrowed’ a gorgeous blue long sleeved Superdry shirt (outlet bargain) Car vac (he asked for this, was going to get him a Shark one but it only had 8 minutes charge on it so I got him a more expensive one that’s got longer on it) 2 books, a new phone (I usually change his phone when I change mine every couple of years. It’s a Doro same as he’s got but it’s a flip phone as I’m fed up of him pocket dialing me) Some thick work socks, and a Leicester Tigers training wear polo shirt.  I’ve got his Dove set and calendars to get. 

Sister- 2 pairs Pj’s, thick socks, dream catcher, Sanctuary set. I need to get her some champagne as well- I ordered some but for some reason it got sent back. 

Brother in law- Art supplies (he’s an artist in his spare time, I got some last year and he absolutely loved them) and a Next mans toiletries set 
Nephews x 2, niece and brother’s partner- Next shower gel sets 
Other nephew- Boss polo shirt (another outlet bargain). 

Brother- Princess Leia figurine from the Bradford Exchange 
Friend- Elemis shower cremes and some handmade Scottish soaps
Best friend 1- I need to get her some Snow Fairy stuff from Lush when it comes out, I saw a post the other day it’s coming soon 
Best friend 2- Coffee, 2 Victoria’s Secret body sprays and my brother in law does pet portraits and is going to draw a picture of her beloved Staffie. 

So I’ve still got a couple of things to get- OH’s calendars, friend’s Lush stuff and my bro in law is going to do the drawing for me next week but I’m pretty much done. I have wrapping paper (from Studio) so I can make a start on wrapping too. 

vulpix

Crumbs Mrs Ryan how organised and generous are you,you can relax now you have almost finished .I am so sorry to hear about your Dad xxx
Nic,your "Autumn" display looks lovely.I have seen online today someone has painted ceramic pumpkins from poundland to match their decor.I might have a go at spraying some gold to match mine.I am resisting putting my halloween stuff out until October but I could call it "Autumn" like you.Yes it is so much easier to post a pic now with the new format.
All of you are doing well with your shopping.I just haven't been near any shops this week so I might travel to a town tomorrow to look for inspiration.Do any of you have doubts about gifts after they are bought? I buy stuff then think it wasn't such a good idea after all,doh!
I don't know if I said my nephews wedding cancelled in March is now in November.Yikes! I hope they don't have to cancel a second time.My son has booked his wedding for next April,fingers crossed that will happen too.
Take care all Vx

princesskitty29

Hi all, I’ve managed to do a bit of Christmas shopping this week. I bought a friend an eco box from Etsy which contains reusable face pads, nail varnish remover pads, washing up sponges and a beeswax wrap as she is trying to swap to eco products now. I also bought a novelty chocolate wrapper for my brother with a naughty word on it that I won’t repeat on here, it’s just a bit of fun and he’ll find it funny! My friend is a Body Shop consultant and she sent me their Christmas catalogue the other day so I’ve ordered some Festive Berry hand creams and shower gels for people, and I’ve ordered two Festive Berry hand washes for my downstairs toilet. Although at this rate no one will see them but us! But it will make me happy. I had hopes of picking up a few bits in the Next sale but it was hopeless, every time I tried to add something to my basket it just kept saying it was sold out. I don’t understand why things don’t just come off a website if they’ve sold out?? Perhaps it’s not as simple as that. Although the Christmas shop is now open on there so I’ll have a mooch through that in a bit.

 

I don’t normally buy any food yet for Christmas but I feel I should do it this year as I worry about not being able to get hold of things. Right I’m off to see if I can do a bit of Christmas shopping!

 

slm that’s a good idea about buying some stuff now to stash in the freezer, I might do this too!

 

mandco I’m so glad you had a nice time away, it sounds like it was just what you all needed. Ha, yes I get asked a lot if I’d like to have more children! You’re right it will be a lot easier for me now to do a bit of Christmas shopping, wrapping etc which is definitely a bonus. Before lockdown I noticed a new Home Bargains was being built nearer to my home than the others, I shall have to take a trip to see if it’s finished! That is so annoying about the PS5, I don’t know why companies do things in the middle of the night it really isn’t fair.

 

Sammy I love that idea – just send the hubby in shopping! Sorry you’ve been having your dizzy spells again, it must be an awful feeling to have all of the time, I hope you managed to get it sorted out with the doctor.

 

Redrobin oh noooo, sorry you didn’t get to see your parents! It is so hard at the moment not knowing what’s going to happen all the time.

 

nic your autumn display looks lovely!

 

rachsecret and DayDreamer for mens stocking fillers how about screen wipes, scratchcard, keyring, phone case, hot choc sachet, if he drives a credit card windscreen scraper or air freshener? I’m not always good at thinking of these things on the spot, will let you know if I think of anymore!

 

Mrs Ryan good to see you back! I’m so very sorry to hear about your dad, it must be very hard for you and I can understand why you’re not in a festive mood. Well done on getting all of your shopping done though, that’s impressive!

princesskitty29

A few years ago now (actually I remember it was 2013 as I was pregnant and ill!) we did a Christmas card swap and I was wondering if anyone would like to do that again this year? I am happy to organise it. I would pull names out of a hat and match pairs to send Christmas cards to each other. Not a problem if you guys aren't keen but thought i'd check as it was a nice thing to do xx

Treasurequeen

CJ – I second the Sherpa backed throws, I have one and its  so warm. I got mine in TKmaxx but sometimes b&m and home bargains have them in.

Nic- love the autumn display looks so cosy.

Mrs Ryan- I am so sorry to hear about your dad, glad to see your back posting on here. 

Lakeland Christmas shop is now online they have some different gift options on there that you can usually find in other shops. i noticed they had the hot chocolate bombs on there for £2.49 in dark, white or milk chocolate. I also noticed that they are doing white chocolate meringue bites (stocking filler). 

In wilko they sell a pack of 10 reusable face pad/wipes for £2.99 again a good little stocking filler. 

I went into town on Friday but could only cope with two shops with my anxiety and i had an aura migraine due to the stress. Hoping to go into town again next week but the high street part, hopefully it won't be too bad. People don't seem to be listening to social distancing. I am face mask exempt and wear a sunflower lanyard but the looks and comments on Friday were awful and vile. Hope everyone is doing ok xx