What's the least expensive Christmas thing that's given you the most satisfaction?

Gem-gem

My friend crocheted me a tortoise. 

I have named it Esio Trot. 

Homemade presents are the best. They have a little of the person who made it in the present. 

Rosa_Damascena

I've had a very peaceful Christmas and have enjoyed having time to myself instead of being at work (have been putting in 70 hour weeks and it is taking its toll!). Getting up when I want to as opposed having to at a certain time, and going to bed when I want to is creating a different reality for me.

Just chilling in front of junk TV and came across this - anything but OS!!  I have a bit of sympathy for the first protagonist, its what the super-rich do with their money that got my goat. Skip to 10 minutes to the Candian oil tycoon and simpering wife, a real eye-opener. The way they both make their money and spend it is utterly disgraceful.

Rosa_Damascena

Gem-gem said:

My friend crocheted me a tortoise. 

I have named it Esio Trot. 

Homemade presents are the best. They have a little of the person who made it in the present. 

Which makes me feel dreadful about getting rid of HM stuff! Consumables are always the best choice (for me).

Siebrie

The family christmas service, where dds and I all have our parts. It just takes some time, and absolutely no cost.
The decorations in our christmas tree, which are a combination of whatever dds made in school through the years and any baubles I bought at heavy discounts in January over the last 30 years. It's a wondeful mishmash.

deannagone

I KNOW this is very corny.., but like a lot of people, I've known some very difficult times, homeless, abuse, not enough food, worries about my special needs children, feeling very very alone in difficult times. 

Nowadays the best present I have is having my family around me, with lots of hugs, safe and secure, with the ability to choose what we eat, seeing their smiles, and recognising what we have.  We don't need a present, we just need the love of our family for Christmas.

Even when there is no family, I can still appreciate what I have and when you've been threatened with having nothing, just having four walls you feel secure in is a daily present.

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MSE_Laura_F

Last year you let me know about some of the least expensive Christmas things which gave you the most satisfaction. Do you have any more to add?

I'll go. My partner made a Christmas tree topper a few years ago out of a bit of cardboard box, glue and leftover gold paint that had been sat in the cupboard for a while. It didn't cost anything and looks great (in a shabby chic kinda way), and it's now also stood the test of time - it's lasted three Christmases and has remained sturdy.

mumf

I am a very ill man right now. Christmas will be family coming round,having a meal and just enjoying company together.  All that ‘stuff’ means absolutely nothing. 

sarahj1986

My daughter is almost 4 and although she understood a little last year. This year she has a much better understanding. The best gift is gonna be her opening her gifts. Presents she is gonna love, MSE though, all secondhand 

MSE_Laura_F

I'm very sorry to hear about your illness @mumf. Wishing you a happy Christmas with the people you love.