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

Spendless

I've wrapped quite a lot of presents and debating whether I should also wrap DD's stocking ones. I usually keep this as a last minute one as I use up all odds and ends of paper, whereas main presents for what I call 'household' members  are wrapped in specific ones as I stopped putting gift tags on for them a few years ago as it became too time consuming.

I thought about my 'if it was Christmas tomorrow' indicator this morning, to judge where I am gift wise and I'm almost there. We can't buy FIL anything else until his granny flat is finished and we can see what he needs and that won't be until early December.

DS - Hasn't had anything main bought and that will have to wait till payday at the end of the month. I'm passing this on as DH's job.  I do have a very large stocking that's not in general use and I thought it might be fun for him and gf to pull out items when they come. I don't have much of a budget left for this though, so will need some really bulky items to fill it. I'm thinking along the lines of large selection boxes.

DH - I realised I need to stop giving away the very few gift ideas I have for him to another people. It was Kerri's bailey post that made me realise though he now has several bottles of flavoured rum he has no baileys. Last year he became fascinated by the ad where they poured baileys into a chocolate reindeer. I bought him one, then left it on the back seat of the car, braked too hard when traffic lights changed and it fell off and smashed - couldn't get another and it had cost me a fiver!

DD - Compared to other years she hasn't got a great deal. However I did tell her this would be the case with her choice to take an unfunded drama course. I have started wondering how she'll get it all back to Scotland and then I started thinking about the suitcase I bought her initally for her hol, then decided not to give as she broke up with her boyfriend so not going anymore and wondered if it might be a good idea after all to give her and just keep quiet about it's original purpose. 

 

MSE_Laura_F

Thanks for the cheap Baileys spot @kerri_gt. 

We've got a dedicated thread for cheap Baileys spots, in case you see any other deals in future:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6312815/baileys-1l-for-10-check-the-regularly-updated-deal-share-your-own-spots 

Gettingtherequickly

princesskitty29 said:

Hi all, I haven't been on here in a while as i've been busy with the boys and had various things going on. My mum was diagnosed with cancer last week, which was a bit of a shock but they say they've caught it early and it's looking positive at the moment so fingers crossed. Unfortunately for her Christmas falls right in the middle of her radiotherapy treatment so i'm not sure how she'll be feeling, we'll have to play it by ear. At least Christmas day is on a Saturday so she'll be having a rest from the treatment!

I've still been busy getting organised for Christmas and i'm really pleased with my progress this year. I haven't read back yet, i'm going to read back now but just wanted to say hi in case I ran out of time to reply once i'd caught up.

I feel for you PK, my mum is in the exact same boat, hugs & make sure you look after yourself also.

kiss_me_now9

Beshki said:

My OH is the person I haven’t bought for yet, and I’m struggling for ideas. He’s allergic to everything so can’t get any useful sort of toiletry gifts, doesn’t like sweets and chocolate so no good there, doesn’t read although I did actually order him a book I thought he would like as it was only £3 and I figured if he didn’t read it, it could go to the charity shop. He doesn’t need anything to my knowledge so I’m a bit stuck. 

Really pleased with everyone else’s gifts though so I’m doing ok. I’ve bought small this year, only a small box is containing everyone’s presents - but I feel like each gift will be enjoyed so I’m happy with that

I have this problem with my Dad - and to some extent my OH! Not allergic but doesn't want or care for fancy shower stuff, doesn't need sweets and chocolate, doesn't read, his only hobby is the local non-league football club which he's obsessed with but because they're non-league they don't do much merch, he's got mugs and notebooks and slippers galore. Literally nothing that he wants or needs. 

My OH is slightly easier because he runs and plays computer games but he buys all the stuff he needs for that himself.

Beshki

kiss_me_now9 said:

Beshki said:

My OH is the person I haven’t bought for yet, and I’m struggling for ideas. He’s allergic to everything so can’t get any useful sort of toiletry gifts, doesn’t like sweets and chocolate so no good there, doesn’t read although I did actually order him a book I thought he would like as it was only £3 and I figured if he didn’t read it, it could go to the charity shop. He doesn’t need anything to my knowledge so I’m a bit stuck. 

Really pleased with everyone else’s gifts though so I’m doing ok. I’ve bought small this year, only a small box is containing everyone’s presents - but I feel like each gift will be enjoyed so I’m happy with that

I have this problem with my Dad - and to some extent my OH! Not allergic but doesn't want or care for fancy shower stuff, doesn't need sweets and chocolate, doesn't read, his only hobby is the local non-league football club which he's obsessed with but because they're non-league they don't do much merch, he's got mugs and notebooks and slippers galore. Literally nothing that he wants or needs. 

My OH is slightly easier because he runs and plays computer games but he buys all the stuff he needs for that himself.

It’s difficult isn’t it. How about a gift voucher for a pub or something you can do together? And a box of Chocs or something if you wanted something to wrap up. I’ve gone that way with a few people because I really don’t want to spend money on stuff people don’t want x

mandco

H&M have 20% off via the app today so ordered a few bits I've been watching 
argos have a double sided checked scarf on offer for £3.60 plus another 20% off with the tu code  
asda have the galaxy selection packs on offer for £1.50 
primark have some lovely xmas stock in though its very hit & miss. Popped in to look for Pjs for the grandkids but they didn't have their sizes though did find a baby grogu fleece for Taz
trying not to spend much else this week -she says as she browses the black friday deals   I've spent far more than planned due to things on my list going on offer at the same time and I'm taking taz to butlins next week so need to keep some spends for that.

Taz decorated the tree by himself it does need some more decs added and tweaking a little but he did a really good job considering his age and the fact he can't reach the top- I'm trying to do it slowly so he doesn't notice too much
we stared putting the outdoor decs out yesterday we won't put the lights on till dec but I'd like to have it all set up before we go

Spendless

Have started a new job and it's long hours so no further on Xmas updates since my last post.

But regular contributors to these Xmas threads this year and last will be aware of the story of HM2, so I wanted to update.  He came into a chunk of inheritance recently - still tip of the iceberg stuff, but beyond the wildest dreams for most working mature adults let alone a Uni student and he has gifted £2K to DS and gf (HM1) towards their wedding. I am so touched at his generosity. 

kerri_gt

@Spendless that is so kind of HM2. He really does sound like a lovely, thoughtful young man, I know he hasn't had things easy family wise and you should feel very proud of the positive effect your kindness and support has obviously had.

In other news, had a panic this week that I'd not written a single xmas card. Now most are written. Forgot I'd already bought DM one 🤦‍♀️ stampage covered by RM surveys earlier this year too...which is handy as I had to buy my own cards at full price this year 😳

Treasurequeen

I’ve not posted for a while and am reading back catching up. 

Hello Peppa it’s so good to hear from you. 

Glad the rake is as good as expected. 

Pudding traditions in my family= Arctic roll, mini meringues, vienetta. The older generation except grandad have Christmas pudding and hot custard. We used to have a roulade but my grandad can’t eat it now so We have  Cornish ice cream or Arctic roll. Last few years we have had hot sponge puddings with ice cream, cream or custard and that went down very well with everyone. Even the dog who loves cake was sitting watching each of us eating the puddings with Labrador eyes and dribble from his chin. Then was disgusted he had to smell the puddings but not get to try one and had a sulk for rest of afternoon. 

 @princesskitty29, I’m so sorry to hear about your Mum, I know you must worry but please take care of yourself. 

In Sainsbury’s they do some lovely ceramic planter bulb gift sets, star shaped full of iris bulbs, watering can full of daffodils bulbs or hyacinth bulbs, a dog shaped one  full of Russian snowdrops. they had other sets too but I can’t remember what they were.  Priced from £5.00. I bought my grandad the one shaped like a dog as it looks a bit like a jack russell which he will love as he has a jack russell. I wish I bought myself one but knowing my luck when I venture there again they will be sold out. Also picked up a starburst solar light for him from a garden centre outlet as it looks like a sparkler when on and he loves his solar lights. Picked up some M&S mints and some shower gel to go with it. Overspent slightly but he’s worth it and he’s finished he’s so hard to buy for. It’s his birthday in January too but I think I will get him a voucher or a jumper. 

Picked up milk chocolate fingers and a box of dairy box this week. Going to a Christmas craft fair today, I’ve already been to one last weekend but it wasn’t very good. This one is free entry so I’m hoping I can find some unique gifts from the local sellers. 

Christmas decorations got put up at the beginning of this week, I usually would put them up this weekend but I needed cheering up. The cat has already been up it twice and keeps removing specific baubles. Now The tree just looks like it’s had a few gins and can’t stand up straight. 

Kerri I’ve just read your post and panicked I’ve not written a single card, I’ve bought them and put them somewhere safe and now can’t find them. That’s a job for this afternoon find them and write them. Thank you for reminding me. 

Spendless

Laughing about the sulking labrador. Our 2yo mongrel has a present obsession. He got into my Mum's back bedroom where she has all the family presents laid out wrapped on the bed, jumped on there, worked out the one with dog toys that were wrapped and in a gift bag, took it on to the floor and had part unwrapped it before he was caught by my Dad. He'd only got one thing wrong the present wasn't for him, it was for my parents dog.

We have invited HM2 for Christmas Day. We did talk about this before his gift this week. He's got other invites though so we've said we're not offended if he doesn't come, just don't spend the day alone. Another relative isn't coming as they have been invited elsewhere. That potentially takes the guest list down to a more manageable 6/7.

I'm struggling finding gift tags. So is my Mum. Fortunately I do a lot in certain wrapping papers instead and only put them on extended family presents. Haven't even started to look for cards