Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - it's the 2024 Christmas chatter thread!

princesskitty29

Hello and welcome to the 2024 Christmas chatter thread! I honestly cannot believe it's now 2024, time really does fly! If you're new to the thread please pop in for a natter, pull up a chair by the fire and get yourself a hot chocolate - we all love Christmas but are also here to chat about anything else going on in our lives and offering each other support along the way. Everyone is welcome, we'd love to hear from you but you are also welcome to just read along and hopefully enjoy the thread!

A little bit about me, I have two little boys aged 9 and 6, a cheeky 2 year old cockapoo and I love Christmas! It really is my favourite time of the year.

It is now the new year and i'm ready for the ride, the ups and downs and a bit of Christmas prep in between! It's always good to hear how everyone else is getting on throughout the year and great to have some help when we get stuck for ideas. I have included all of the links from past threads to help with ideas or just to give a little bit of Christmas inspiration.

Thanks to everyone who continues to contribute to this thread, long may it continue! I really do enjoy having a space to chat about Christmas whenever i'd like to (we all know lots of people don't like to talk about Christmas outside of December ) and to also know I can chat about anything else going on in life at the time and there's always an ear to listen.

So here's to the new year ahead and Christmas planning 2024, I look forward to sharing it with you all again!

princesskitty29

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

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
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/414524

2013 Hamper Thread
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/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

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
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/quick-grabbit-while-you-can

MSE Freebie (no spend required) Board
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/freebies-no-spend-required

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

https://www.musicmagpie.co.uk/

Candy retailers in the Uk
http://www.americansweets.co.uk/

Traditional Toys
http://www.mulberrybush.co.uk/

Collectable Figurines
http://www.christmasatdawsons.co.uk/lemax-villages.asp

American Folk Art
http://www.oldeglory.co.uk/christmas.html

Tesco Christmas
http://www.tesco.com/christmas/

Marks and Spencer Christmas
http://www.marksandspencer.com/Christmas/b/44386030

Disney Christmas
http://www.disneystore.co.uk/christm...omSearch=10002

Mamas and Papas Christmas
http://www.mamasandpapas.com/range/c...id/size-medium

John Lewis Christmas
http://www.johnlewis.com/christmas/c5000025

Superdrug Christmas
https://www.superdrug.com

Lakeland Christmas
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/Christmas

Paperchase Christmas
http://www.paperchase.co.uk/promo/ch...post-christmas

Next Homeware
http://www.next.co.uk/homeware/christmas

Boots Christmas
http://www.boots.com/en/Christmas/
 

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

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

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

For Old Times Sake

Jingle All the Way - 2023

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

A Jolly Holly Christmas - 2022

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

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/discussion/5942037/have-yourself-a-merry-little-christmas-its-the-2019-christmas-chatter-thread

 

Rocking around the Christmas Tree - 2018

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5763929/rocking-around-the-christmas-tree-its-the-2018-christmas-chatter-thread

 

I wish it could be Christmas every day - 2017

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5577055the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - 2016

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/69782434#Comment_69782434"nofollow" href="https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5140845">https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5140845The Cavalry - 2014
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4853442Holly and the Ivy - 2013
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4357703

Let It Snow - 2012

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3935899/let-it-snow-christmas-2012-chatter-thread

SkyeD

Thanks @princesskitty29   I was a late-comer last time, but hope to be on here a bit more this year.
I've already snagged a bargain or two for my granddaughter and am expecting deliveries sometime this week.  Some great MyFairyGarden finds - got a couple for a fiver, previously twenty quid.  Now I reckon I'll have to look for fairy things during the year.

lazysheep

Thanks for the new thread @princesskitty29. We de-tinselled our tree yesterday (my 5 year olds description!) as he was on an inset day and back to work/school today so everything is back to normal..

princesskitty29

Happy New Year all! May it bring you all good health and much happiness to you and your families.

We went to my parents on the 29th until New Years Day and we had a second Christmas which was lovely. I hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year? DH and I surpassed ourselves with our New Year celebrations this time – we were sat in bed in my parents spare room! My parents live in a tiny 2 bed bungalow and our usual sleeping arrangements are I sleep in the spare room with the boys and DH sleeps on a blow up mattress in the living room, however now the boys are older we thought they could go in the living room (my parents always go to bed early) and we could have the double bed in the spare room – but this obviously meant they’d be in there NYE. I think we peaked with the glamour, I don’t know how we’ll top it this year!

I haven’t been to any shops yet but I did get the following from Boots online:

Totes moccasin slippers for my brother - £9 reduced from £18

Joules Winter Walks gloves and hand cream set for a friend - £10 reduced from £20

Star Wars Chewbacca slipper socks for my brother - £5 reduced from £10

So Eco make up brush set for a friend - £20 reduced from £40

Happy Place Calm body wash – £4.25 reduced from £8.50

Like you Spendless, I really liked the look of  a soap dispenser and soap set (I think it was Joules) and I was so tempted to buy it, but had to be realistic about not really having anyone ideal to give it to so I left it.

My TKMaxx treasure of a dinosaur dig kit turned up today, obviously too late to give to DS for Christmas! It’s actually really small so would be ideal for a stocking, I’m going to pop it in my presents stash and see if it will be suitable for him next Christmas.

Our Christmas decorations are still up, we keep them up until Twelfth Night so will be coming down on Saturday.

Spendless I’m glad your DD  was well enough to make it to Sweden.

Mrs Ryan wow, well done on your amazing win!

Coxy glad to hear you are covid free and back to getting bargains.

SkyeD we’re happy to have you here and look forward to hearing more from you in 2024. Glad to hear you’ve already snaffled some bargains!

lazysheep little ones say the cutest things!

Spendless

Thanks for the shiny new thread princesskitty.  Though I haven't bought any gifts in the sales, DD wants to get her grocery budget under control (the only thing she pays for other than socialising as we pay her rent that's inclusive of bills and she can walk to her college!) for when she returns late Jan. I've been picking up some Christmas goodies. She told me she'd think 'more' of a box of biscuits than a packet, so I've just bought her some from the reduced Xmas stuff and a couple of bars of choc. Intend hiding them round my Mum's house.

Crazycatlady2

I will read along for ideas but now our kids older and not so many relatives to buy for I don't start as early or plan as much 😀