* Driving Home for Christmas * - It's the 2021 Christmas Chatter Thread!

3forholidays

‘I'm driving home for Christmas
Oh, I can't wait to see those faces
I'm driving home for Christmas, yea
Well I'm moving down that line
And it's been so long
But I will be there
I sing this song
To pass the time away
Driving in my car
Driving home for Christmas’

Hello and welcome to the 10th Christmas Chatter Thread.

Another year almost gone but I’m guessing that 2020 will be unforgettable but for all the wrong reasons.

The Christmas of 2020 wasn’t the same due to various restrictions but we hopefully made it the best that it could be.

But we are still on the rollercoster of life living with a pandemic (full of ups and downs, as well as the bits in between) so just a reminder that this thread is more than just Christmas chat, we chat about anything and everything as we journey through the year.

NOTE - For all new people please don't lurk, but come and join in with all the chatter. We are all a little mad (about Christmas!), but not dangerous.

The following posts will be made up of all the links saved from last year with new ones added as we go.

This will hopefully make it easier in October/November when we are all looking for them.

Please let me know if any become out of date or if you would like your birthday added to the list

Thanks to all posters on the previous threads – the thread is only a success because of your contributions!

So on that note it is over to you and roll on to a new year and Christmas 2021

3forholidays

Elves

100 Elf ideas
http://www.designdazzle.com/?s=100+elf+ideas&submit=

Elf colouring pages (& much more)
http://www.hellokids.com/c_23563/col...-coloring-page

Elf Magic
http://www.elf-magic.com/

 

Free Printables

The Polar Express Party Pack
http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/...arpartykit.pdf

Polar Express Tickets
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kedward...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kedward...n/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kedward...n/photostream/

Free Games and more
http://www.tipjunkie.com/category/printable/

Labels and Tags
http://justsomethingimade.com/freebies/

Labels, tags and games (for the whole year)
http://www.chickabug.com/blog/freebies/free-printables

135 sheets of labels, tags and games
http://burdart.blogspot.co.uk/2009/1...gift-tags.html

Animal Sewing Cards
http://justsomethingimade.com/2010/1...olor-giveaway/

Free papers (all year)
http://catholicconvert.wordpress.com...crapbook-pdfs/

101 Pretty printable
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2011/0...intables-free/

Funny Tags (well I think so)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M8iIoWUayM...D4/s1600/a.jpg

Numbers 1-24 for Advent
http://moxiepear.com/Freebies/Colorful-Christmas.pdf

Just Something I Made Labels and Tags
http://justsomethingimade.com/freebies/

Free Tags, Boxes and more (all Year)
http://katehadfielddesigns.com/blog/freebies
http://www.chickabug.com/blog/freebies/free-printables

 

Hampers and Baskets

MSE Hamper Sticky
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...d.php?t=414524

2013 Hamper Thread
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/....php?t=4750954

Homemade Gift Baskets
http://www.homemade-gift-basket-ideas.com/

 

Knitting and Crochet

Free knitting and Crochet patterns (all year)
http://www.straw.com/cpy/free_patterns.html

Directory of free patterns (all year)
http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/directory.php

Free pattern of the day (all year)
http://www.dailyknitter.com/day.php

Crochet Pattern Central
http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/

Crafty is Cool - Wanna make a monster (& more)
http://craftyiscool.blogspot.be/2011...e-monster.html

Cut Out and Keep
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/crafts/knitting
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/crafts/crochet
also check out the book page, as some have free patterns available.

Crochet Me
http://www.crochetme.com/media/p/90002.aspx

 

Handmade Gifts

Santas Workshop (susan42)
https://www.christmascraft.co/Home_Page.php

Skip to my Lou
http://www.skiptomylou.org/handmade-gift-ideas/

Handmade Gifts and More
http://www.the36thavenue.com

101 Handmade Gifts for Men
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2012/0...s-for-men-diy/

101 Handmade Tutorials
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2013/0...ift-tutorials/

101 Handmade Christmas Ornaments
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2011/0...ent-tutorials/

101 Simple Handmade Gifts
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2011/0...ift-tutorials/

101 Green Handmade Gifts
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2011/1...ift-tutorials/

101 Handmade Gifts for Females
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2012/1...s-for-her-diy/

101 Handmade Gifts for Kids
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2012/0...ifts-for-kids/

101 Homemade Holiday Ideas
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2011/1...day-tutorials/

Thrifty Gift ideas
http://pinterest.com/freexmascrafts/thrifty-gift-ideas/

Survival Kits (& more)
http://www.budget101.com/frugal/fun-...vival-kit-156/

Cut Out and Keep
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/

Art supplies
http://www.craftycrocodiles.co.uk/

3forholidays

Food and Drink

Christmas Recipes (lovely site) (includes some printables)
http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/christmas/index.htm

No-Cook Fudge
http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/641035

Spoonful Desserts and Biscuits
http://spoonful.com/recipes

Diabetic Christmas
http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/b...only=all&mh=10

All Year Recipes
http://www.hollyclegg.com/recipes.cfm

BBC Recipes by the Month
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/seasons

Nigella Lawson- Chilli Jam & more
http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/chilli-jam-2692

Mulled Cider
http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/sear...rm=Mulled+wine

Flavoured Sugars & more
http://www.food.com/recipe/exotic-fl...and-tea-309969

Chilli Oil
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/ho...illi_oil_54985

BBC Good Food Biscotti
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/search/re...query=Biscotti

BBC Good Food Christmas
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/seasonal/christmas

Cut Out and Keep
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/crafts/cooking

 

For the Kids (Big & Small)

Activity Village Christmas & more
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/printables

Elf Colouring Page (also on Elf post)
http://www.hellokids.com/c_23563/col...-coloring-page

Christmas Countdown
http://www.xmasclock.com/

Portable North Pole
http://www.portablenorthpole.com/home

Animal Sewing Cards
http://justsomethingimade.com/2010/1...olor-giveaway/

Northpole.com
http://www.northpole.com/

Primary Games
http://www.primarygames.com/holidays.../christmas.php

 

Let’s Get Organized

Get Organized
http://christmas.organizedhome.com

Ultimate Christmas Countdown
http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-e...153/index.html
http://search.realsimple.com/results...earch_btn.y=12

Better Homes (has everything - could be in all lists)
http://www.bhg.com/christmas/

 

Let’s Go Shopping

camelcamelcamel (Amazon price tracker)
http://www.camelcamelcamel.com/

MSE Grabbit Board
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...aysprune=&f=36

MSE Freebie (no spend required) Board
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...aysprune=&f=37

Find DVD compare prices site
http://www.find-dvd.co.uk/

CeX(UK) Buy and Sell
http://uk.webuy.com/

I Want One Of Those
http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/

DotComGiftShop
http://www.dotcomgiftshop.com/just-arrived

Past Times
http://www.pasttimes.com/

Really Good Shop
http://www.reallygood.uk.com/bright-side-c-517.html

Menkind (Mens Gadgets)
http://www.menkind.co.uk/

Campus Gifts
http://www.campusgifts.co.uk/gifts-by-department.html

Half Cost
http://www.halfcost.co.uk/webapp/wcs...atalogId=10001

Everything £5
http://www.everything5pounds.com/

Home Bargains
http://www.homebargains.co.uk/

Not On The High Street
http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/

B&M
http://www.bmstores.co.uk/

That's Entertainment (cds, dvds etc)
http://www.thatsentertainment.co.uk/index.asp

Candy retailers in the Uk
http://www.americansweets.co.uk/
http://www.americansoda.co.uk/uk/Ame...y/default.aspx

Just Miniatures (drink)
http://www.justminiatures.co.uk/chri...8sp7os2tn8s9t1

Uniquely Christmas Trees
http://www.uniquelychristmastrees.co...mas-trees.html

Cake Boxes & more (baking goods)
http://www.cakescookiesandcraftsshop...d-cookie-boxes

Traditional Toys
http://www.mulberrybush.co.uk/

Collectable Figurines
http://www.dragonalley.co.uk/acatalo...6_Village.html
http://www.christmasatdawsons.co.uk/lemax-villages.asp

American Folk Art
http://www.oldeglory.co.uk/christmas.html

The Christmas Boutique
http://www.thechristmasboutique.co.uk/

Tesco Christmas
http://www.tesco.com/christmas/

Marks and Spencer Christmas
http://www.marksandspencer.com/Christmas/b/44386030

Disney Christmas
http://www.disneystore.co.uk/christm...omSearch=10002

Mamas and Papas Christmas
http://www.mamasandpapas.com/range/c...id/size-medium

John Lewis Christmas
http://www.johnlewis.com/christmas/c5000025

Superdrug Christmas
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...4357703&page=2

Lakeland Christmas
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/Christmas

Paperchase Christmas
http://www.paperchase.co.uk/promo/ch...post-christmas

Next Homeware
http://www.next.co.uk/homeware/christmas-collections

Boots Christmas
http://www.boots.com/en/Christmas/

BHS Christmas
http://www.bhs.co.uk/en/bhuk/categor...r-2214497/home

 

Books

Christmas Book Lists
http://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/christmas

WHSmith Book Bundles
http://www.whsmith.co.uk/Books/Book_Bundles&rst=1

Bangzo Deal of the Day
http://www.bangzo.com/dailydeal.html

The Book People
http://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webap...051&langId=100

 

Candles

Yankee Doodle
http://www.yankeedoodle.co.uk/

Kringle Candle Company
http://www.kringlecandle.co.uk/

The Official Yankee Candle
http://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/?pressID=163

The Yankee Shop
http://www.theyankeeshop.co.uk/offer.aspx?OID=8

Scented candle Shop
http://www.scentedcandleshop.com/

White Candle
http://www.whitecandle.co.uk/

3forholidays

Our Pinterest

http://pinterest.com/fleecefun/christmas-ideas/
http://pinterest.com/pin/399413060672580526/
http://pinterest.com/mojoworking2005...tmas-everyday/
http://pinterest.com/freespirit39/pins/
http://www.pinterest.com/chibichidesigns/boards/
http://pinterest.com/leannej86/christmas/
http://pinterest.com/princesskitty29/christmas/
https://pinterest.com/littlesparrow1/christmas/
http://www.pinterest.com/boulton1586/
http://www.pinterest.com/eljaycock/
http://www.pinterest.com/athomeatherapy/boards/
http://www.pinterest.com/madvixen83/christmas/
http://www.pinterest.com/madvixen83/leftover-recipes/
https://www.pinterest.com/grosvenorraine/


Our Instagram

Princesskitty29 - @rebekahlovesteaandcake
MoneyMission2015 / LMG1305 - @lmg1305
Newthrift - @tiffanylouise01
GinaYD - @grosvenor_raine
Treasurequeen - @queenoftreasures13
murie - @mpb192

 

General Ideas and Information

General Ideas And Information

Jar of Nothing
http://www.craftbits.com/project/a-jar-of-nothing-gift

Sugar Scrub
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/...ugar-body.html

Christmas Card Messages
http://www.imag-e-nation.com/pages/C...ms-Quotes.html

Candy Cane Sleighs
http://ellynsplace.blogspot.co.uk/se...istmas+sleighs

Removing Smells from Bottles and Jars
http://www.getsmellout.com/how-to-ge...s-and-bottles/

After Eight Site
http://www.aftereight.co.uk/home/

Sliders Tutorial (I do more than just Hot Chocolate)
http://www.kerryspapercrafts.com/?p=804

Post Pals (put a smile on a childs face)
http://www.postpals.co.uk/

Smooth Christmas Radio
http://www.smoothchristmasradio.com/

Royal Mail Posting Dates
http://www.royalmail.com/greetings

Track Santa
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/
http://www.google.co.uk/santatracker/#/tracker/world

Amy Powers - let's get inspired
http://issuu.com/inspired-ideas/docs/christmas

Christmas Nail Art
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DLv7zxea1lI

 

Jacquie Lawson

Shining Star
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcar...2&source=jl999

The Twelve Days of Christmas
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcar...2&source=jl999

White Christmas
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcar...2&source=jl999

 

Christmas TV

True Movies
http://www.truemovies.tv/tvguide/ind...cID=3&selDay=3

BBC
http://ukchristmastv.weebly.com/bbc-2021.html

ITV
http://ukchristmastv.weebly.com/itv-2021.html

Channel 4
http://ukchristmastv.weebly.com/channel-4-2021.html

Channel 5
http://ukchristmastv.weebly.com/channel-5-2021.html

(the links will be checked nearer the time)

3forholidays

Food List by Quidsy

Originally Posted by Quidsy

Meat
Turkey
Beef Joint
Pork Joint
Ham Joint
Sausage meat (to make stuffing)
Sausages wrapped in bacon (or cocktail sausages & bacon)

Fish
Salmon side
Prawns (for prawn salad starter)

Vegetables
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Peas
Carrots
Potatoes (for mash & roast)
Mushrooms
Parsnips
Lettuce for salad starter

Fruit & Nuts
Satsumas or tangerines (for stockings)
Chestnuts, Nuts in shells and shelled nuts
Cranberries for sauce
Lemon to garnish drinks

Condiments
Piccalilli
Branston Pickle
Red Onion Chutney
Cranberry jelly
Bread sauce

Breads & cakes
Bread, loaf, rolls
Mince Pies
Christmas Pudding
Christmas Cake

Ingredients & dry goods
Stuffing mix
Crackers for Cheese
Turkey Gravy granules or ready made
Beef Gravy granules or ready made
Mincemeat (to make mince pies)
Puff or filo pastry (for pies tarts etc)
Goose fat
Cooking oil
Bread making ingredients
Glace or maraschino cherries to garnish drinks
icing sugar (to dust mince pies)
marzipan for Christmas Cake
icing for Christmas Cake
Ready made yorkshire puddings

Dairy
Cheese selection board
Custard
Single cream
Double cream
Butter
Fresh Milk
UHT long life milk

Confectionary & snacks
Chocolates
Pringles
Shortbread/other biscuits
Chocolate orange
Twiglets

Soft Drinks
Pop: Juice/Squash
Cranberry Juice
Orange Juice
Tonic
Soda
Shloer (or other grown up non alcoholic drink for any drivers)

Alcoholic drinks
Wine: Red & White
Vodka
Whiskey
Gin
Brandy for setting fire to the pudding
sherry (for santa)

Medicine cabinet
headache tablets
calpol (if you have littlies)
antiacid tablets
spare toilet roll
Kitchen roll
Cling film
Foil

3forholidays

For Old Times Sake

 

Step Into Christmas

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6086406/step-into-christmas-2020-its-the-2020-christmas-chatter-thread/p1

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=5942037

 

Rocking around the Christmas Tree

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=5763929

 

I wish it could be Christmas every day

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=5577055

 

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?p=69782434

 

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=5140845&highlight=walking+in+winter+wonderland

 

Let It Snow

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=3935899&highlight=let+it+snow

The Holly and the Ivy
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/....php?t=4357703

Stop The Cavalry
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=4853442

Peppapig

Thanks for the shiny new thread 3FORHOLIDAYS, it must have taken you ages adding all the new links. Christmas 2021 here we come! 🎄

lazysheep

Yay shiny new thead  Thank you @3forholidays

3forholidays

Happy New Year and all the best for 2021.

rachsecret

Happy NY everyone and thanks @3forholidays for setting up the new thread.

I have already started planning for next year as hoping to make up for lost time with loved ones.   I've ordered some things from an online florist supplier (Country Baskets). They do huge rolls of paper for wrapping flowers but it is really good for wrapping gifts and my last roll lasted two years and that was used for all kinds of gift wrapping. I have gone for an eco brown paper roll with red stripes this time. Also ordered lots of Christmas bits in their sale.

Taken decorations down today and house looks so much bigger now......and rather glitter sparkled! 

nic2075

Happy New year 🥳 and happy new thread 🥳 thank you 3forholidays for setting it all up. 

Well we ended up having a great night last night. Stayed up to 4am dancing and singing with my girls. Got knows how my 9 year old managed it. I would have happily of been in my bed by 10pm, but they wanted to see in the bells and kick 2020 out the door. We played Outsmarted viz zoom and apps with my dad, sisters and their families then  We had buffet food, appletiser in Champagne glasses and real Prosecco for me 🥂 I’m very tired this morning, but I’ll look forward to a nice early night. We are planning a nice walk after lunch. We still have lots of snow lying, so it’s a pretty picture out there. 

I’m keeping my decorations up until Sunday. I did consider taking them down tomorrow, but the kids want to enjoy them a bit longer. I’m back to work on the 5th, so I want the whole place back to normal for that.