A Jolly Holly Christmas - It's the 2022 Christmas Chatter Thread!

princesskitty29 · 31 December 2021 at 8:34AM

Hello and welcome to the Christmas chatter thread 2022! Don’t be shy, come on in, take the weight off and enjoy a little chat! We are all Christmas lovers here and Christmas can be talked about at any time of the year, but there is also general chat from our day to day lives and it doesn’t always have to be Christmas related – even we think of other things from time to time!

Well Christmas 2021 was yet again not the bright time we had hoped for, but here’s hoping with everything we have that Christmas 2022 will be bigger and better and not so full of worry! This is a great place for sharing ideas or asking advice and generally trying to make the festive period a little bit easier.

I have had a tidy up of the links at the start of this thread and removed some that no longer work but you will still find lots of Christmas inspiration and ideas in the posts below, also if you know of any websites that would be of interest to others please let me know and I will add them! Even I had forgotten how good some of the websites and ideas are and have taken a few nuggets away for next Christmas! Also, if you’re new to the thread and would like me to add your name to the birthday list then please let me know.

Let’s try and take a little bit of Christmas sparkle into 2022 and look to brighter times ahead! I wish you all well for 2022 and look forward to chatting with you all again for another year.

princesskitty29 · 31 December 2021 at 8:37AM

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/

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/

Hampers and Baskets

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

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

Knitting and Crochet

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/

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.

Handmade Gifts

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

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/

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

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

princesskitty29 · 31 December 2021 at 8:44AM

Food and Drink

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

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

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 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/

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

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/

Rex London

https://www.rexlondon.com/

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

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

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/

Music Magpie

Books

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

WHSmith
https://www.whsmith.co.uk/

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

Waterstones
https://www.waterstones.com/

Wordery
https://wordery.com/

Candles

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

princesskitty29 · 31 December 2021 at 8:47AM

Our Pinterest

http://pinterest.com/fleecefun/christmas-ideas/
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

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

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/

Festive Studio
https://festivestudio.co.uk/

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

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

Christmas TV

Radio Times
https://www.radiotimes.com/

princesskitty29 · 31 December 2021 at 8:47AM

Food List (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

princesskitty29 · 31 December 2021 at 8:49AM

For Old Times Sake

Driving Home For Christmas - 2021

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6322972/a-jolly-holly-christmas-its-the-2022-christmas-chatter-thread/p1?new=1

Step Into Christmas - 2020

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

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - 2019

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

Rocking around the Christmas Tree - 2018

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

I wish it could be Christmas every day - 2017

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

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - 2016

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

Walking in a Winter Wonderland - 2015

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

Stop The Cavalry - 2014
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=4853442

The Holly and the Ivy - 2013
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/....php?t=4357703

Let It Snow - 2012

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

princesskitty29 · 31 December 2021 at 9:09AM

Our Birthdays

JANUARY
Newthrift 18th
Clumsy42 28th

FEBRUARY
murie 24th
junior_j 25th

MARCH
vulpix 12th

APRIL
quidsy 23rd
princesskitty29 29th

MAY
pixtotts 4th
Opee92 13th
Girl in a Yellow Dress 21st

JUNE
Nic2075 1st
04624181 13th
dropsofjupiter 22nd
msgigglewick 23rd

JULY
sammy_kaye18 17th
mrs-moneypenny 17th
Hanley25 19th

AUGUST
Treasurequeen 12th
patentgirl 30th

SEPTEMBER
Spendless 28th
whitesatin 28th

OCTOBER
freespirit66 1st

NOVEMBER
Peppapig 1st
mrsinvisable 7th
pinknfluffy28 28th

DECEMBER
FeistyFidget 14th
3forholidays 15th
CHRISSYG 25th

Treasurequeen · 31 December 2021 at 11:04AM

Thank you for the new thread princesskitty. I’m loving the new name for this year.

3forholidays · 31 December 2021 at 11:40AM

@princesskitty29 Thanks for the new thread! Looking forward to ‘chatting’ about Christmas and other things throughout 2022. 😀

mandco · 31 December 2021 at 1:06PM

Princesskitty thanks for setting up the new thread

we had a lovely if quiet xmas with minimal drama. - Taz refused to sleep xmas eve finally giving in at around 6am we had chat about how santa leaves the present in another room for the mums & dads to put under the tree if the children are not asleep

and dd's time keeping was not great. She stayed at her BF xmas eve and asked if wed wait to do presents till she got back but didn't get here till nearly 2pm taz was still asleep but ds1 was waiting to open his gifts. They were then due over boxing day for dinner and I said I'd do it for 2pm and they ended up being late so I was trying to keep things warm. It was really odd not having her here but I guess its the start of a new chapter

Ds1 absolutely loved his picture and couldn't believe I'd actually got it so while it was expensive it was well worth it.

This year for I think the 1st time ever I actually asked for a specific gift - I've been debating about getting an instant pot for ages but the price was putting me off I saw one in the sale 1/2 price so asked if they would chip in towards it. Its great makes cooking so much quicker I've used it everyday so far

I've browsed the sales online but not brought anything so far I've seen lots of bits I know I'd probably use but nothing that I probably won't find on offer later in the year so haven't bothered. I did pick up some reduced crackers in sains as Taz is obsessed with them still and a new tree topper that I'd really liked but refused to pay full price for but that's about it.

anyone got plans tonight?
we're just having a quiet night- in might do movie night then watch the fireworks
sdd did ask if we wanted to go to theirs as they are having a combined new years/birthday party with all extended family but as several of them have had covid recently I didn't want to risk it. Plus we did already did a birthday tea for dgd xmas eve incase they brought in restrictions for new years.

Spendless · 31 December 2021 at 2:31PM

Thanks for new thread. We are going to sis-i-law's tonight. She is hosting for the very first time. It's always been us or a friend's house and I refused to host both Xmas and NYE.

God I can't say I miss those days of non sleeping children. I must have missed the post where you explained but is Taz one of your children or a grandchild?

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