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

alir2018

Evening all, Im probably weeks behind, but I noticed Tesco have a lovely Robin themed bag for life? Im looking for 6 of them. Do you think I have any chance of finding them in store, or have they been out for months? I lost my Mum earlier this year and Ive taken such comfort in robins. xx

Spendless

@alir2018 - I buy the Tesco Xmas themed bags every year. I picked up some the weekend DD was in her pageant final which was mid October, so they've been out for at least 6 weeks. I don't think they have them in months in advance though, but the earlier you buy the better. Not sure I've seen the Robin ones but if they're at the dearer end  of the bags they're more likely to still be plenty in stock. I buy the cheapest ones, as different as I can get because this is how I sort my Xmas presents for family members once wrapped. It tends to be the cheaper and/or popular designs that go first. I'd look as soon as you can, everyone will start gearing up to Christmas this week with December starting.  Sorry to hear about your Mum.

I'm another who also thinks I'm behind if it's not done or almost done by Dec 1st. I tend to be a nightmare with cards though. I've known me hand deliver on Xmas Eve! 

@C_J - Glad the tip helped. I'd have completely missed it if DD hadn't said. 


DD came home for the weekend. I found I quite enjoyed her being 19 - old enough to go out for a prosecco bottomless brunch, still young enough to enjoy going to watch Matilda The musical film. We also visited Nan, her bruises have just about gone. She pretended to be asleep for the duration of our visit, but DD caught her having a crafty glance  when she thought she wasn't looking. Her interest had piqued because DD showed her her phone with a photo of Harrods all lit up with Xmas lights from a few weeks ago. Nan worked there not long after leaving school when WW2 was on and she lived in London, so clearly couldn't resist looking even if she didn't want to admit it. 

The Xmas tree is up, decorated by DD and Dil2b. I have got this week off work as I need to use hols before the end of the year. Later this morning I am taking Dil2b Xmas shopping. She wants some things for DS as well as getting something for DD.

Coxy11

Hello all,

Gosh I've missed loads of posts! I've been in the office the last 3 days as we had a big IT data migration and I was one of the departments 'champions'(!) so have spent time sorting people out and signposting for help with issues - very draining. So happy to be WFH today!

@alir2018 Sorry to hear about your DMum x I have bought a couple of those Tesco BFL robin bags to use for SIL and BIL's foodie hampers. They are lovely quality. Quite a few left in my Ts - if you are having an issue getting some let me know and I'll send some on x

@Spendless thanks for the Mark Hill tip off. Have ordered a set for DD this morning. She has lots of little gifts from us but nothing substantial. We went to Brighton to see her on Saturday and she chose a swarovski ring and a faux fur hat at the Christmas market. It was a lot better than last year when it was just food and drink!

I will ask DS1 or DD to get towels for DS2 - thanks for the suggestions - I'm thinking stripey or geometric as our 'home' towels are plain. I have this weekend ordered him a PS5 game, some Vans shoes, plus The Witcher book set, so he is almost done.

DS1 is proving tricky. We bought him and DIL2B a new oven last year as theirs had given up the ghost. We have suggested paying for their stair carpet this year as they've just decorated the hallway and landing. I currently have a book, some chocolate, nandos sauces and measuring spoons/sea salt for him to open! Not very inspiring!

Haven't bought anything for DD's BF yet - yes they are still together despite not seeing each other in person since October. So much for him making an effort. I'm afraid I was quite vocal when we saw DD who will make every excuse under the sun for him. Could kick myself. Will probably get him some JD and some smellies. Really CBA'd!

DS2 has announced he is going to GFs aunts for Christmas dinner. I've always said I'm not precious about things like that but meant more for when they'd left home (like DS1). He will stay Christmas Eve, have breakfast, open presents and needs to be gone by 1pm. Says he's returning with GF for a Christmas buffet in the evening. We NEVER have a buffet on Christmas evening as usually just us 5 and we just pick at cheese and crackers etc. Now need to cater lol!

DH and I have both booked next Monday off work to go to DNephew's grave (would have been his birthday on 7 Dec) and then go finish our Christmas shopping. I haven't wrapped a single thing and not even sure if I have any wrapping paper or cards...??? Just need to get up in the loft and assess what I've got (or not!) before then.

Still need to get a present for 2 DNieces who live abroad with their mum. They are 15 and 14. I have seen some 3D fidget type gadgets (they both have ADHD) which might be suitable and will get the usual chocs etc. They come for NY to stay with BIL.

Only other person not bought for is DS2's GF - I'm thinking a nice hat and scarf from Accessorise plus some smellies/perfume. Will look on Monday in person.

Think that's it - sorry I think I've missed several people already have their trees up!!! Ours going up 10 December as that's the next weekend day I'm at home. Busy both days this weekend with a friends 60th meal in London on Saturday and BF and her DH coming over for a pub roast on Sunday.

Spendless

I went shopping with Dil2b yesterday. She got some items for DS and part of DD's present of a mini pink fizz and chocs. DD will like that she prefers to take mini bottles to parties and will eat the chocs at home! She struggled to find something to go with it, so I've suggested a £5  Costa card.

Coxy - Glad that offer is still on at Boots. A few years back DD not going through a great time acquired an 'unsuitable'  boyfriend.  He was 17 nearly 18, she was 15 and we weren't overly happy. I remember asking 2 of my male workmates (who had daughters/step daughters themselves who were now adults) how a parent could get rid of a less than ideal boyfriend.

Workmate 1 - 'You can't - pause - well not legally anyway'.
Workmate 2 - 'Tell her you adore him and think they should get married' 

I still laugh at their answers. 

I think I'd buy the boyfriend something generic like you've thought of that can easily be put back into general present cupboard stock and gifted elsewhere at some point should he not be on the scene by Christmas.

We've bought DD a new iphone (not the latest model!), hers had had 3 or 4 repairs since summer. She's only had it a year and it was a replacement for the one she had stolen at Kings cross station last year. Thankfully DH was able to work something out with a deal and a contract of his almost being up. It does mean she has very little else except bits plus the MK coat and shoes I was able to buy earlier this year at a discounted price. I think she's forgotten about them tbh.  

Spendless

DD started being a bit worried about not being able to afford presents for people. In a way I'm sort of glad she's come to this realisation, because she's never been good at managing money and got through far too much of her student loan at the beginning, leading to words between us over it. At the same time I don't want her stressing about being unable to afford gifts. I've made her the following suggestion because DS and DIL2b have very little money too.

Both my  Nans + FIL - I add all names to the presents I have bought them. They are the most difficult to buy for anyway due to ages/situations. FIL isn't really participating anyway. He's just getting a gift for DH sister and BIL and that's only at DH's suggestion because FIL lives with them. He's housebound, so DH is getting it on his behalf and FIL giving him the money.   

DS & Dl2b- Who have bought her a gift, a choc and prosecco set plus a £5 costa card - I am sure that I can conjure something up out of the present cupboard.  I'm leaning towards filling a nice empty unused  stemmed sweet jar that I bought a few of in HB a few years ago and this is the last one left, up with either sweets or something like bath salts - suggestions welcome.

A while back  DD was sent from her  Uni a  growing pencil that you plant in the ground once used and it becomes a plant, this one is Thyme. I am toying about adding a plant pot making it a bit 'more' of a present. This would suit both DS who would like the science behind it plus like plants, it would also suit my Mum who is more likely to use it as a pencil  first than DS is and more likely to use Thyme than he is. That leads to the dilemma of what the kids do for my parents.

My Mum likes Christmas as much as I do. She doesn't shop all year round as she's not as good as me at thinking of items that would come in for people, so asks me what family members would like. I tend to pass on to her the ideas that are within her budget but would take a large chunk out of mine, so Mum has the Mark Hill bundle for DD, a rucksack full of toiletries for DS because he walks to work and has no bag of his own and got Dil2b some comic books plus a set of matching perfume and toiletries as she seems to like smellies and doesn't own much.
My Dad is incredibly  difficult to buy for even Mum struggles. That gives the situation that the kids will receive thoughtful gifts they'll appreciate and possibly on Christmas day if my parents visit as they often do   but haven't bought a gift back. I know my parents will be understanding of the situation but I don't want kids feeling uncomfortable. Dil2b who is doing the shopping is oblivious that my parents will buy her something and I have no wish to flag it, as money is tight DS won't have thought about it at all and DD realises and is worried about cost.

An idea that has formed is for me to buy something like an M & S dine in , think they're around £12 (I've bought them in the past for parents anniversary and they've enjoyed them) on behalf of all 3 of them keep it in our spare fridge and on Xmas day give it parents when they call or send it round with kids (they live within walking distance) on behalf of kids. Beyond that I'm struggling, any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Me and DH - Unsure she'll take any notice but I've told her not to bother. I've said that us knowing she's learnt to budget and manage is far better than any gift she's buy us - which is true. If she gets stuck though for DH you know his fondness of bar soap and my stack of lynx hahaha. I have wrapped a set up for him supplemented by sending off for some freebies as part of the £50 challenge between me and him, but I'm willing to let DD have it and and  get him something  else. 

That just leaves her best friend and new boyfriend

Best friend - I have suggested  that DD gifts her one of the boxed Wine glasses I bought. I have 3 left and had already decided to give  DD hers for her birthday, rather than Christmas . I said we add some inexpensive plonk to it. DD was up for that idea.

Boyf - The most tricky.  He lives in Essex where she studies. He's not a  fellow student, just lives around there. He finds  a Yorkshire saying she's used, hilarious after he had it explained what it meant. DD hadn't realised it was a regional rather than national slang phrase. I have been tasked with finding something with it on - lol. I live in a city which has a lot of national chains and very little independents so unlikely to stock something. The few independents that were left, a lot shut down after the lockdowns otherwise I'd have known exactly where to try first. However Me, DH and my parents  are going to where Dil2b is from to look at accommodation for when DS gets married there next year. It is very 'last of the summer wine' there and full of gift shops, very little else though, which is why DS and gf moved to nearer us. I've said I'll (hopefully)  find her something suitable to post and then she uses her money to buy him a gift having sorted out everyone else as above. At her age I too wanted to spend my cash  on my boyfriend.  

Coxy11

I agree that consumable gifts are the way to go this year. Loving the idea of an M&S dine in meal for your folks - that's a really good idea and something nice to have over the Christmas period that isn't turkey!! 

I'm intrigued about the Yorkshire saying - spill!! Great idea to look in the gifts shop in that area to find something suitable. Will you buy a gift for boyf or is it too soon?

Went into Boots near work yesterday and they had Fuzzy Duck handwash and hand lotion on a wooden plinth at half price (£5) and also the bubble bath cracker half price at £3.25. I bought one of each with Boots points - bubble bath possibly for DNiece and hand stuff for us to have in the bathroom over Christmas. Just wanted to mention in case anyone looking for a small gift.

I'm WFH today and about to venture into the loft looking for wrapping paper and cards - back later.....

Coxy11

Okay I have 3 rolls of paper - one is navy with little gingerbread men on and the other two are brown with white HOHOHO and white Christmas trees on. I think they came from the WHS sale and I definitely don't have enough or particularly like them (apart from the gingerbread one!). Also found loads of special cards from the same order, so okay for those. Have stashed all in my new Christmas wrap and card zippy up storage caddy I recently bought. 

Advent starts today so will get the stitched panel down later and fill with sweets for DH and I! It's the small things!!

Beshki

@spendless what about some nice bits from M&S made into a small hamper from all three of them? I’ve been in today and picked up the stuff for mine and honestly if you choose selectively you can get plenty enough to make a hamper for £15. I’ve got tea bags, fancy champagne jam, two packets of nice biscuits, sponge microwave puddings, some savoury biscuits & mini Christmas pud - can’t think what else but feel like it would be well received by an older person  

Beshki

Struggling for a gift for family. I want to avoid buying separate gifts and to stick to a gift to share - but it’s a tough one. Almost adult son, not close to rest of family, two adults and teenage daughter. I’ve done all the usual choc hampers etc. They have lots of money so ‘treat’ type pressies are a waste. Was trying to think of something different but not coming up with much. Budget around £30

Mrs_Ryan

Well, I swore no more presents until I happened to be in London on Black Friday. 

Oh dear… 
Mum was complaining that her feet always get cold. (She has stone floors and laminate) so I decided to get her some cashmere socks. I was going to go to JL but they had them for the same price in the White Company (as they had 20% off) and they wrapped them up in tissue and put them in a lovely bag tied with ribbon, so I didn’t have to wrap them up. 

I got step MIL another candle. I’m ashamed to say that when mine ran out I took the one I had bought for her. I also bought another bar of chocolate for my brother’s GF as I gave the one I had bought her to my friend for her birthday as I couldn’t afford a gift for her. 

I bought my mum the most beautiful dressing gown in John Lewis. It’s from the Anyday range and is blue and white check Borg fleece with a hood. However it turned out to be the wrong size (they didn’t know what size it equated to but it fits me. I’m a size 18/20. Mum is a size 12!) I had to ask what size she needed so I had to tell her 🙈I got a telling off and told she already had three or four dressing gowns and didn’t need another. So I kept it for myself and it’s been worth its weight in gold. It’s sooooo warm and cosy. 

My friend was telling me that she was gutted that she couldn’t get her usual favourite tin of biscuits when she was in Ireland. I took another trip to the Irish butchers when I was in London and I located a tin so I bought her some. 

I’ve also got my brother a Harley Quinn calendar and a Cookie Monster t-shirt for OH. I did get a bit cross with mum though when she said that me and OH shouldn’t have bought presents for each other as we’re so short of money and she’s ‘bought us plenty’ I pointed out that OH doesn’t have family like I do and most of what I’ve bought him is stuff he genuinely needs.
The bills are just about paid now and it’s been a real struggle but we’ve got by. 

I‘ve managed a few treats for myself- I got two lots of River Island activewear from the store in Westfield London for £29 (2 x t-shirt and leggings) the price tag on one of the t-shirts alone was £28 so I was pretty pleased with that to say the least!