Jingle All The Way - It's the 2023 Christmas Chatter Thread!

Gettingtherequickly

Bit late I know, but happy new year everyone!  Not had time to check things out since I got back, so have had to do my catchup!

Had an amazing time in Canada, didn't realise how much I needed the break. Loved the cold also, wear layers and not a problem.  Warmest day I had was New Years Day, a balmy -9, coldest was -29, with an additional windchill of 12, so although it felt like -41, it was fine

Unfortunately, my uncle died the day after I went to Canada, we knew it was coming, but had hoped he would make it to the new year, so had his funeral here on the 5th and he was then flown home to Dublin the next day for burial. As that was on the Saturday, I flew home for that, it was a long day!

I was gobsmacked at the amount of work that had piled up while I was away, I had cleared my desk before I went, so long days in office to clear and get up to date for the first couple of weeks back. Finally in a position to actually sit back and take stock about all things Christmas.

I was thinking that I may start on the cakes now, would love to have them done by Easter!.

Sammy, amazing result at Go Outdoors, nothing like an unexpected bargain.

PK, hope DH is on mend

sammy_kaye18

Gettingtherequickly said:

Bit late I know, but happy new year everyone!  Not had time to check things out since I got back, so have had to do my catchup!

Had an amazing time in Canada, didn't realise how much I needed the break. Loved the cold also, wear layers and not a problem.  Warmest day I had was New Years Day, a balmy -9, coldest was -29, with an additional windchill of 12, so although it felt like -41, it was fine

Unfortunately, my uncle died the day after I went to Canada, we knew it was coming, but had hoped he would make it to the new year, so had his funeral here on the 5th and he was then flown home to Dublin the next day for burial. As that was on the Saturday, I flew home for that, it was a long day!

I was gobsmacked at the amount of work that had piled up while I was away, I had cleared my desk before I went, so long days in office to clear and get up to date for the first couple of weeks back. Finally in a position to actually sit back and take stock about all things Christmas.

I was thinking that I may start on the cakes now, would love to have them done by Easter!.

Sammy, amazing result at Go Outdoors, nothing like an unexpected bargain.

PK, hope DH is on mend

Sorry to hear about your uncle GTQ but I am glad you had a nice time in Canada. Were you stuck in that artic freeze that hit them or were you in an area that deems those temps the norm? 

Spendless

That's sad about your Uncle GTQ. It was my Dad's friend's funeral yesterday. He had died of a heart attack and when he was found my Dad's Christmas gift to him was opened on his bedside table. My Dad had called round with it Xmas Eve, friend said he was really tired so it was just a doorstep chat. Obviously we'll never know but it's possible friend took Dad's present to bed with him and opened it that morning before dying later. 

Yes, I don't think people are always aware that certain jobs, definitely office based ones but others too  aren't you go on hol and someone else does the job whilst you're away. You come back to it and have to catch up. A bloke I worked with said that was why he was happy he'd re-trained as a HGV driver from his previous job.

mandco

GTQ sorry to hear about your uncle 
glad you enjoyed Canada despite the cold - its surprising how quickly the work piles up when your away and how long it takes to catch up once you add in your daily work on return too.

Sammy great bargain at go outdoors - I really should check out if ds gets any student discounts too.

Spendless I think having a list of ideas for the charity shops is probably a good idea to save you time - its nice to have a rummage sometimes but easy to end up buying things you don't really need which defeats the object 

Princesskitty hope your all doing ok

not off to the greatest start this year as now oh is off work indefinately. he slipped at work injuring his back and giving himself concussion which has triggered what they think is pots meaning he can't drive and is currently on bed rest He's waiting to see a specialist at some point - hopefully it wont be too long a wait but if his symptoms don't resolve he'll lose his job    ssp means a big drop in income too. 

Treasurequeen

mandco I have  PoTS I  diagnosed in 2013 if you want to talk I’m here. 

GTQ sorry to hear about your uncle. 

I’ve restarted cross stitching and embroidery. I’m hoping to make embroidery hearts filled with lavender from the garden this year and give as gifts. My aunt loves lavender so I will definitely be making one for her. 

I hope everyone is ok. 

mandco

Treasurequeen said:

mandco I have  PoTS I  diagnosed in 2013 if you want to talk I’m here. 

GTQ sorry to hear about your uncle. 

I’ve restarted cross stitching and embroidery. I’m hoping to make embroidery hearts filled with lavender from the garden this year and give as gifts. My aunt loves lavender so I will definitely be making one for her. 

I hope everyone is ok. 

Thanks I've sent you a pm

princesskitty29

Hello all, I’ve been getting my head down and getting on with some jobs this week, DH went back to work so we’re hopefully getting back to some normality again now.

I had to go to our nearest big shopping centre in the week to get some bits for DS1’s first residential trip, I wasn’t going with the intention of buying any gifts as I thought I’d missed all of the good sales but came home with some and I was quite pleased! I managed to pick up a Bulldog moisturiser in a cracker shaped box to go with my brother’s razor for £4.40, John Lewis Christmas scented candles for friends and family, Cath Kidston hand trio sets for a friend and my SiL, socks from Accessorize for a friend and SiL, a lovely pastel ombre woollen scarf for SiL and pink floral weekend bag for a friend from Accessorize and Neom body butter for a friend from Next Beauty, all reduced. I was really pleased with the Bulldog moisturiser, I got the razor and moisturiser for £8.40 when a razor alone costs £12! The weekend bag from Accessorize was a fab bargain too, £11 reduced from £37 and I was really pleased with the Neom body butter as my friend loves Neom but it’s quite expensive. So all in all I was very pleased with my haul. Spreadsheet duly updated!

Sammy thanks, weirdly I never thought to look at Go Outdoors online! I always like the look of the beard grooming sets but alas I don’t have anyone with a beard to buy for. I like the idea of decanting the aftershaves, this is the kind of thing people don’t notice so I say go for it!

GTQ glad to hear you had a great time in Canada and you got some well earned rest, I’m not sure I could cope with that cold though! I’m really sorry to hear about your uncle, it is always sad but especially so at times like Christmas.

Spendless yes I agree, with something like charity shops it’s a good idea to have a list. Sometimes you just spot things that you know will be great for someone but it can help to have an idea of what you’re looking for.

mandco Oh no what a nightmare for you all. It’s bad enough DH is injured but the stress of him potentially losing his job must be a lot for you to bear. I really hope he gets seen soon and that his symptoms improve, it’s not easy when one of you are ill.

Treasurequeen those hearts sound lovely, what a nice gift to give.

Coxy11

Hi all, 

SIL's birthday today and she has sent a message to say she loves her gifts (mug from CS and pashmina scarf). I sent them using the Post Office collect service. They print the label, come and collect the parcel from your house and deliver it fully tracked for £3.99. Perfect. Saved me a 60 mile round trip.

DS2 birthday as well today - he is home from uni for the weekend. He had some money from us plus a gaming mousemat and some 'snacks' - he is easily pleased!

I popped into Boots yesterday and took a look at their 50% sale. Got nephew a Fila set of 3 different body and hair wash for his birthday in May - £6.50 opposed to £13. Will also give him some money as he's saving for a new phone.

I found a F&M small red jute bag in a CS yesterday - look barely used and only £1! I've popped it on Ebay as I'm raising funds for MH charities and already have an offer of £4.51 plus postage. I also found a Peter Pauper journal - gorgeous bird/flower design and so want to keep it for myself - but have also reluctantly put it up on Ebay.

Sorry to hear about your DDad's friend @Spendless x
Hope you're doing okay @sammy_kaye18 x Great bargains in Go Outdoors!
Glad you had a nice time in Canada @Gettingtherequickly but sorry to hear about your uncle x
Sounds like you had a good haul @princesskitty29!

For those who stitch/craft - you should pop into the virtual Cross Stitch and Craft Cafe on the Crafting board to share your makes and get some motivation! We are a friendly bunch

Coxy 

Gettingtherequickly

sammy_kaye18 said:

Gettingtherequickly said:

Bit late I know, but happy new year everyone!  Not had time to check things out since I got back, so have had to do my catchup!

Had an amazing time in Canada, didn't realise how much I needed the break. Loved the cold also, wear layers and not a problem.  Warmest day I had was New Years Day, a balmy -9, coldest was -29, with an additional windchill of 12, so although it felt like -41, it was fine

Unfortunately, my uncle died the day after I went to Canada, we knew it was coming, but had hoped he would make it to the new year, so had his funeral here on the 5th and he was then flown home to Dublin the next day for burial. As that was on the Saturday, I flew home for that, it was a long day!

I was gobsmacked at the amount of work that had piled up while I was away, I had cleared my desk before I went, so long days in office to clear and get up to date for the first couple of weeks back. Finally in a position to actually sit back and take stock about all things Christmas.

I was thinking that I may start on the cakes now, would love to have them done by Easter!.

Sammy, amazing result at Go Outdoors, nothing like an unexpected bargain.

PK, hope DH is on mend

Sorry to hear about your uncle GTQ but I am glad you had a nice time in Canada. Were you stuck in that artic freeze that hit them or were you in an area that deems those temps the norm? 

No, that is their usual weather so well prepped for it. My favourite signs were at traffic lights, with an arrow pointing to the road, saying stop line here!

Coxy11

Hi all,
I popped to the Post Office earlier which is in the rear of our WHS. Spotted all Christmas roll wrap at 49p each so picked up 4 rolls on the way out. Didn't manage to place an online WHS order in the end so this will be stashed away.
Coxy