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

Gettingtherequickly

vulpix said:

GTQ,watch the add,it is heartwarming.x

I did Got to say, the ads that I have seen so far are actually not focusing that much on materialism which is really nice. If there was a positive to Covid, we have changed our views on important things in life, which can only be good.

aimeemum

HI all, nice update from me. 

Spent some money over the last couple of days and ordered some bits and bobs so feel like I'm making progress. Ordered 1 of my eldest's list items which means I'm now on 1 each! I like to get to that stage as it means that they'll all defintiely get something they want . Also ordered a jenga set as a joint present (going to make it from the Guinea Pigs ) and a card game for each of their stockings......a happy families style game for middle, Uno for eldest and a set with snap and ordinary playing cards for youngest. They've all asked for a little TY toy as a stocking filler so will get them as soon as I can. 
Last week my Tesco man brought choc coins and figures for stockings, and I only need to get 1 more selection box (for middle) and we're done with them too. Still need Christmas Eve PJs, books and the rest of their list items, plus a few more stocking fillers.....reckon I'm about a quarter of the way there which isn't bad for a week and a half's progress  

Still not sorted family gifts. I need to get these photo's taken but I never seem to find the time......maybe I should make it a priority today. 

Spendless

The only independant card shop in my town centre never re-opened after the first lockdown. It had been there for 35 years and it was the place to go for different cards. Whether enforced closure meant it was no longer financially viable or whether they decided they wanted to retire I've no idea. I did think on about xmas cards and bought just before stores had to close again. That's only because on side of the family is very keen on personal cards. Fortunately we have no imminent arrivals and no birthdays until January.

 I see many independants are opening this time if they can. The small cafe/sandwich shop in my village that remained closed last time, this time is doing take aways. The independant bakers I discovered in the summer, who has said they were only just starting to be ok, has remained open. I don't blame them tbh, they are struggling for survival. I do wonder what's going to happen as and when the non essential stores re-open with limited trading time and more people shopping. I have never been so thankful to be an 'early shopper'. This started back in 1997 when I got almost a year's notice that I'd likely be made redundant at the end of the year (completely correct, I ended up finishing the job on boxing day) so that year I planned for Christmas months ahead and it's remained with me since. 

I'm not confident about what will happen when lockdown ends re more restrictions imposed. DS as a student could travel back to our house in his 'travel window' likely to be early December. However he house shares with 2 others. One is his girfriend and she can't return home due to the medical treatment her mother is undertaking. It did get talked about, even DS going there for Christmas but if they do they have to isolate in the house for the whole duration, not even being able to go to the local shops, so girlfriend's mum said it wouldn't be ideal for them. The other housemate is estranged from his very small family. Last year he didn't go anywhere on Christmas day. My house isn't big enough to have all 3 of them back for several weeks. In the sumemr when they came they camped in the garden for most of it, that's not a possibility in December. So, son won't leave girlfriend and travel back alone and even if I felt we could put the pair of them for a few weeks, it would mean leaving the 3rd housemate on their own. I see no way round this other than to have all 3 of them for a few days either side of Christmas and leave them in the student accommodation until then, but this is all dependant on what is allowed then.  

princesskitty29

kerri_gt said:

Princesskitty i know what you mean about the delivery drivers, most of ours are pretty smiley - I think they like our house because I'm generally in to take parcels for our neighbours which means they don't need to do a redelivery which apparently they don't get paid for. One Hermes driver did used to reverse up the drive at speed, wind down his window and throw parcels out over the fence which annoyed me, he doesn't seem to be about any more though. 
That's a lovely gesture to get your driver some biscuits. I'd have to get some for the postman, DPD,  Hermes, UPS, and DHL with all the deliveries thay come to my door 🤣

Haha! I know what you mean, I was actually going to do the same for the postman as we've had the same one all year and all through lockdown, but in the last month it has been various different people and I haven't seen him at all. I realised I must only shop at all of the places that use Hermes as I very, very rarely have a different courier turn up!

princesskitty29

To those of you who are taking part in the Christmas card exchange, I’ve drawn the names now and sent you a PM. If you said you wanted to take part but haven’t got a message just let me know. Equally if you didn’t say you wanted to take part and you’ve got a message then let me know and I’ll figure out what I’ve done wrong!

 

Spendless blimey it sounds like your DH had a lucky escape! Oh what a quandary for you, it’s so tough to decide what to do when it might mean leaving one of them on their own. It really does make you realise that not everyone has someone at Christmas.

 

GTQ that is such a lovely idea with the advent calendars and it will certainly brighten their days up!

Peppapig

Has anyone noticed any change in the Home Bargains Gingerbread candle this year? I’ve bought them for the past few years and from October have one burning all day. Up until this week I’ve been burning my stock from last year but the last two days I’ve been burning the one I bought this year and it definitely isn’t as strong either burning or when I’m putting the lid back on afterwards. Has anyone else noticed? I’m wondering whether they’ve changed the formulation or maybe I’ve just got a duff one.

skogar

Hello everyone, sorry I've not been on the thread for a bit so had missed the chocolate station info. Sounds fun but I have to admit that my sisters and I would have probably also polished it off in one sitting. On the hot chocolate front I've noticed that there seems to be a trend for chocolate balls with little marshmallows inside. being the cheapskate I am I wondered if anyone had tried making any.

i had looked at Hotel Chocolate but as people have said the online selection is very limited and the few things I wa interested in were either not there at all or only available in bigger sets - disappointing.

Pan scourers and toilet seat - those did make me chuckle.

Really must get my mincemeat made this week - as OH doesn't like Christmas pudding or cake there is no call for those here. Makes life simpler.

Ordered a couple of bits for presents this week - I noticed that superdrug had some little 12 day minnie mouse calendars reduced to £5. For young girls not teenagers - I thought they were quite cute so I got one for one of my little friends. Thought I'd mention in case they are of any interest to anyone.

Treasurequeen

Peppapig said:

Has anyone noticed any change in the Home Bargains Gingerbread candle this year? I’ve bought them for the past few years and from October have one burning all day. Up until this week I’ve been burning my stock from last year but the last two days I’ve been burning the one I bought this year and it definitely isn’t as strong either burning or when I’m putting the lid back on afterwards. Has anyone else noticed? I’m wondering whether they’ve changed the formulation or maybe I’ve just got a duff one.

The red berry Christmas one isn’t as strong this year I think they may have changed it. I’ve got the large jar and can hardly smell it. 

Peppapig

Thanks  TREASUREQUEEN, I’m glad it’s not just me although I’m really disappointed that they’ve changed. I’ve always loved their candles but I don’t think I’ll be buying any more now. I wonder if the wax melts would be any better?

I’ve finished all my pressie buying now for Christmas and the numerous birthdays between now and January - I’ve wrapped everything too. I’ve also done my usual and eaten the Christmas sweets I bought because they were cheap and had to replace them.  Unfortunately I’ve started on the replacements now too. I must develop some willpower.

vulpix

Hahaha Peppa.I lost count of the christmas cakes I had to buy with my ex.I worked in a childrens home and every time I slept in he would set about the replacement for the replacement. I have found some will power, 2 stone lost in the last 11 weeks.Spurred on by the thought of photos at my son's wedding next year!
I seem to be just about there with pressents,still waiting for some bits to be delivered.If it rains today I will start on the wrapping.If it is fine I need to get in the garden! Some cold weather on the way so some tidying needed.
When is everyone sending the card exchange? Is there a date or just whenever?
Take care all
Vx