NST December A - Z

apple_muncher

Will you exchange for a punch pinch, first on the plinth?

f0xh0les

Now I feel mildly threatened..... are you going to have me stuffed and mounted apple?

Still not been paid

mothernerd

Wednesday 1st December 2021
National Human Rights Month/ Spiritual Literacy Month
December 1st
National Pie Day
World Aids Day

Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way
Edward de Bono

IMPROVISE 
Despite what the adverts tell you, you do not need a new couch/ table or other expensive item for Christmas. You may actually need one, but unless you have already done your research, know exactly what you want and have the cash to buy it impulse buying could be a costly mistake that you will have to live with for a long time. Buying an expensive new tree will not transform your life or turn your home or family into the one on the telly box (complete with silver haired, twinkly eyed grandparents). Research should include measuring the space to make sure it will actually fit without people having to perform gymnastics to draw the curtains or read the meter or hitting part of their anatomy on a corner.

If you don't have the money (if you do check out places like charity shops first) then improvise. If the table isn't big enough then use two (garden table, side table, I used to have a mangle table which added a couple of extra feet). If you only have a small table, you could put a board or an old door on top. Most of us will be covering it with a cloth so it doesn't matter what it looks like. Small children will happily sit on cushions around their own special table - coffee table, picnic table, upturned toybox or sturdy cardboard box.

Not enough chairs - the smallest of mine always sat on the kitchen step stool (the old fashioned step'n'fetch) which brought them up to the same height as everyone else. At birthday parties I've put a board across two chairs, so a third child could sit suspended between the two (sit the ones at either side first). Garden chairs can be very comfy and often stack or fold to save space when not needed. You could borrow from neighbours who are celebrating elsewhere.

Saggy or uncomfortable chairs (springs sticking out) can be fixed in a number of ways. The 'old people' catalogues sell corrugated plastic boards to put under the seat cushions but you can use any suitable diy project boards, spare shelves (leftover laminate floor panels might be strong enough - I always keep a couple in case of accidents). If it's lumpy (lost stuffing or boinnngy springs) add extra layers for comfort - mum's couch currently has the cushion from the garden bench under the seat cushions on top of the base layer.

Shabby couches can be covered with throws. Odds and ends with no place to go can be put in large baskets, preferably with lids. I would tidy/ clean so far and then anything I didn't need would be stacked on the landing (handy space 4'6" x 5'3") small furniture first then boxes and baskets of bits. My grandma died in between my taking on my house and moving in, my mother has a habit of accepting other people's cast offs on my behalf, my partner's house had been lodgings so at one point we had 7 wardrobes (all old but not valuable, mostly ugly and ungainly) and I also seem to end up with all the stuff that 'must be kept in the family' but definitely not at their houses, so I usually had too much stuff, which was passed on to people who needed it as soon as possible.

Possibly my most challenging Christmas, in terms of a 'shabby' house (miserable dump in need of much renovation and care) was the one following my father's death. I found him dead on the 8th November, we were burgled on the 5th December (mostly DS1's stuff but they took all my drill bits and my keys from my pocket, so house could not be secured (someone had also previously kicked a door panel in after I'd reported them to the police for abusive phone calls). The kitchen needed replacing - it was 16 years old, the sink was just the stainless steel top propped up at both ends, I'd bought a microwave for the boys to use when I was at work because flames reflected on the floor when the oven was on, the ceiling needed replacing (I'd knocked most of it down because chunks were continually dropping off), DS1 was using the front room as his bedroom, I was sharing the large room with DS3 with a row of wardrobes down the middle and DS2 had the small bedroom because he was doing 'A' levels. The kitchen only had heat from the boiler and when the oven was on.

So I decided our Christmas would be based in the large upstairs bedroom. I had a large length of red velvet so I cut 2 pieces and tacked them onto the top of the existing curtains (avoiding having to negotiate curtain fittings) adding a tinsel trim. The wardrobes moved to the ends of the room, both the beds went toe to toe on the outside wall (warmer and cosier because of the red velvet layer). Made up the beds, covered them with throws so they were essentially huge couches (actual couch was in the yard, chopped up and covered by snow). Leftover bedding was folded into squares, then wrapped in red velvet tied up with wide gold ribbon to make huge parcel cushions (I used something different on some of them but can't remember what).

The gate leg table came upstairs and was placed facing the 'bed couches', by the bannister rail. I leant a piece of board against one wall, covered by a piece of green baize and sellotaped the outline of a Christmas tree onto it with coloured lights and stuck a star on top. The kitchen was cold enough to keep food fresh. I had a row of large terracotta plant pots on the windowsill with all the fresh fruit and veg in (beautifully chilled) and I remember making up plates of turkey and gravy, covered with a second plate for cat prevention (we still had all 4 then) which could be heated in the microwave in a few minutes. DS1 and DS2 both had pub jobs so I was dab hand at making up pots of their preferred veg to order when they came home (sometimes they were fed at work).

The table was laden with crockery, cutlery, candles and glassware and I had the best Boxing Day ever , spending all afternoon twining twinkly lights up and down the bannister spindles (really must check the proper word - I know I know it but it's hiding in a corner of my brain). Balluster - thought it might be but sounded strange.

About the burglary. They stole my present for my mother. It was wrapped because my brother was going to pick it up in his car. It was a very large rectangular box - they must have thought it was a table football or snooker table. I kept imagining their faces when they unwrapped it (we know they were on foot because some of DS1's CDs were found at the end of the next street) and found a garden bench.

Seasonal comment from last week. What Southerners are wearing today, coat, jumper, big thick socks, hat scarf, gloves, extra jumper, more socks, big coat. Northerners - you might need your coat. Ds1 commented that he actually felt a bit soft for wearing his coat (he used to jog at 5 am in his vest and shorts).

mothernerd

Latha feill Anndrais sona dhuib - sorry Scottish turtles. happy St Andrews Day

ditty1234

Here comes my goals and targets ....
A - I am the true incarnation of imperfection, so this is a good one for me. 
B - I do kind of have a budget for Christmas, but to be honest I am more worried about January. Gifts are mostly scrapped, just want to get something nice for ds1 and ds2 and would like to donate a shared surprise for family on other country - but on e shared thing, not sure what to organise. 
C - I did have a Christmas saving, but it got absorbed in various bumps since ds1 illness, I do have a christmas accounrt now - but it will mainly be for next year. 
D - I have made my debt and savings payments for December. 
E - WOuld like to do 5 k a day in December, but cant quite face the Darkness, am contemplating gym. 
F - Food will be spicy and simple, lush but basic, home made and yummy. I will start the cookies this weekend. 
G - Christmas is rootsy - we will have lots of rooty vege and clear water, alcohol will be limited, due ds1  medication and ds2 doesn't usually drink much (at home).
H - home cooking - tick
I - will use old Christmas tree and make or bake most decorations. 
J - I will just buy some old country specialities, luckily available in W4itr0se
K - Kindness is everything. 
L - we are starting our family afresh, new capabilities, new responsibilities.
M - There will be no Martyrs in our family, no room. 
NSD's not sure how this will pan out as tend to drip shop.
O - Never mis an opportunity to be kind, it might never reappear. 
Planning - I really try, but then I loose the list and plan something else - there is usually some overlap.
Q - question old traditions and rituals, we will start new ones this year. 
RAK - I find this hard, I a too indecisive. Will have to practice more. 
S Sickness - I can't afford this, I will try to keep all on track and avoid 'situations'.
T - I shall have a time buffer every day - walking, reading or just with a closed door - I shall not be available 24/7.
V - Very Merry Christmas - It is probably to late to organise, but I would like us to go to a live show of some sorts, although I hope things will not get shot down in the next few weeks. 
W- I shall look forwards to not work over Christmas, and shall try not to make work for the people who does, and if I go out, I shal tip a bit extra. 
X - Have already xed a few things and expectations off the list. 
Y - No desire for chain shops, might catch a coffee in the park!
Z - our zhit hit the fan in July, and ever since we have been picking up the pieces, that work will continue, and fingers crossed there will not be any major set backs. 

I am really looking forwards to this holiday, and I will not be strong, I will be soft and kind, and as emotional as I get, as that is how I am. 

lcc86

An early check-in for a change from me! Sadly no NSD to report as I forgot I have a massage booked later. Much needed as my back is starting to play up, it's part of my self-care to try and keep me somewhat limber! 

Most bills have gone out today. Also got my expenses through from work so paid off my new glasses with that money. They've definitely made a difference so am glad I bit the bullet and had my eyes re-tested. Plus I was very MSE and used an online optician Martin recommended for the glasses, saved a fortune

I've decided I want to try and save as much additional money as possible this month, I've worked out when I want my final day at my current job to be and I might just hand my notice in next week so would like a buffer just in case there's a small gap between finishing this job and starting the new one. So I'm going to try and be extra careful with money, never easy in December but I'm sure you turtles can keep me on track!

apple_muncher

Ballustrade, mothernerd??

DawnW

Can I join?

A   Abandon perfection. I did this many years ago

B   Budgets (R) will be set before the start of the month. Done.

C   Cost of Christmas. I don't anticipate it costing too much. I have plenty of food in, though may get a few treats - not many, as I make most of what we eat. I have little grandchildren to buy for, but our family do a secret santa for all over 18s, have done for years. Each family member buys a present for one other. Sometimes there is a fun theme. DD2 is always in charge of organising this. What I will have though is lots of family birthdays in January and February!

D   Debt or Savings (R) No debt these days. Savings organised.
E   Exercise (R) Walking is my exercise of choice. I will do more of this.

F   Food Eat simply and frugally in the early part of the month. You'll enjoy the 'feasting' more and it will help your body work at its best. Will do.

G   Good things to do for your body. Drink lots of water. Eat lots of fruit and veg. I must drink more water and less coffee. Hmmm,not sure how that will go!

H   Home cooking from scratch (R) is normally recommended (saves money, you know exactly what you are eating). I mostly cook at home.

I    IMPROVISE Despite what the adverts tell you, many things are non-essential. You can substitute, use things you already have, borrow.  In the past I have bought a 'real' Christmas tree (with roots). Not every year, as they live for several years in a pot in the garden, but eventually get too big, so get passed on to a family member who has room to plant them out. I don't have one at the moment. I do however have a nice little bay tree in a pot. I will fetch that in and let my grandchildren decorate that instead. Why not? They might find it a bit funny, but they will have a 'proper' tree at home, and they will still have the chance to get my decorations out and play with them
J   Just buy food your family loves (make allowances for guests with specialist dietary requirements or if someone will never let you hear the end of it, if something is 'missing') Will do. We don't waste food.

K   KINDNESS  Be kind, be polite, try not to lose your temper. Be kind to yourself and accept offers of help. Will work hard on this. 
L    Let it go (don't sing, please don't sing). Forgive old quarrels, hurts and slights. Not for the offender, but for yourself. They are not worthy of your head space. Very true!

M   Martyr Don't be one, especially don't be one for Christmas. If you're overwhelmed and feeling taken for granted, TELL people what you need (simple instructions)  I have certainly been a martyr in the past, for sure. Not now though.

N    NSDs Choose your own target. If you have to do sneaky shopping, fitted in around school drop offs and pick ups, you may need to shop little and often. YS goods, medicine, travel and small regular costs (children's activities, window cleaner) do not incur loss of an NSD (should be in your budget and/ or set aside at the start of the month)  I am not good at NSDs, as I tend to shop little and often
O   Opportunities for good surround us. Do what you can, even if it's holding a door open for someone. Give time, money or just your thoughts. I will.

P    Planning and preparation are your friends. Many things can be prepared ahead and having a plan keeps you calm. Must get better at this!

Q   Question everything. Every spend. Weigh the cost against time, if you're short of both. Don't miss your child's play because you 'have to' decorate the cake or make 100 sausage rolls. And this!

R   Random Acts of Kindness. I will be doing the Reverse Advent Calendar for the food bank. You don't have to but I find that RAKs are an antidote to all the commercialism Agreed! I will buy extra for the food bank this month.
S   Sickness Pets and children will eat things they shouldn't. Older children will do the same but add in alcohol. Children will be poorly and miserable - stock your medicine cupboard now for inevitable illnesses (genuine or self inflicted) Will do.
T    Take time out for yourself. Time to relax, time to think, time to just 'be'. Yes.

U   (Un)wanted guests  Even welcome guests can be tiring. We all have relatives who are 'difficult'. Try to set limits on visits, have a quiet word if it will help One 'difficult relative' certainly springs to mind
V   Very Merry Christmas  There are lots of ways to have fun for free but if the family visit to the the pantomime is part of your tradition, don't stop just to save money   
W   Work doesn't stop for many essential workers (from health care professionals down to bar staff, shop workers and cleaners) Spare a thought for them and thank them Absolutely.
X   X is for Cross it off. Cross it off your list(s) when it's done. cross it off for next year if it didn't taste good, you didn't enjoy it, if it was a waste of time and money Yes
Y   YOU should (R) refrain from using chain coffee shops, vending machines, takeaways etc. I'm relaxing this rule, just for this month. If you are meeting a friend for coffee and a cake or a light meal and this helps one or both of you with recovery from illness or with your mental health, go ahead. There are many reasons why you might need to do this. try to use local shops, if available. I rarely do this, even less so since covid

Z   When the Zhit hits the fan  If you have someone in hospital or in their own home, who is sick dying or needs help and support, do what you have to. Your budget may go out of the window but that is not important at times of crisis. Remember that people will get ill, have heart attacks, serious falls and may even die in December as in every other month. One or more of the people you meet this month will be in this situation. People already struggling with poverty, homelessness, job loss, their mental health are put under increased pressure by Christmas. Be kind. If this is you or you have the anniversary of the death of someone close to you at this time, please be kind to yourself, seek help or support if you need it and take a break if the festivities get too much - go for a walk or rest in a quiet room.

Thank you Mothernerd. Lots to think about in this challenge.

FamilyOfSix

Hi everyone. I absolutely love this, please can I join? I am trying to have a more organised and stress free December as well as desperately trying to save money, so these goals and targets are ideal for me. Many thanks to the Mothernerd. 

mothernerd

apple_muncher said:

Ballustrade, mothernerd??

It's the proper name for all the spindle bits that run from the floor to support the bannister rail.