Frosty the Snowman - it's the 2025 Christmas thread!

princesskitty29

Hello and welcome to the 2025 Christmas chatter thread! Better late than never I say! 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 boys aged 10 and 7, a cheeky 3 year old cockapoo and I love Christmas! It really is my favourite time of the year.

We're now in 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 2025, 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

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - 2024

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

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/5577055

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

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/69782434#Comment_69782434

Walking in a Winter Wonderland - 2015

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5140845

Stop The Cavalry - 2014

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4853442

The Holly and the Ivy - 2013

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/....php?t=4357703

Let It Snow - 2012

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3935899

princesskitty29

Sorry this is late everyone, we came home from visiting my parents over half term and now my little one has the sickness bug that has been going round everywhere. I wait with baited breath to see if the rest of the household get it!

I didn't do any sales shopping after Christmas and in the new year as I wasn’t doing so well, but I have managed to pick up a few bits in the last couple of weeks. I popped to Boots and got a shower gel set with bag and wash mitt for my auntie for £4.50 reduced from £15 and two Sanctuary hand cream baubles for some friends for £2.55 each reduced from £8.50. I also looked at the online Next sale and got a Cath Kidston floral cross body bag for a friend for £13 reduced from £38 and a Cath Kidston Miffy foldaway shopper bag for my SiL for £8.50 reduced from £16. So I’ve made a start!

I got quite stressed just before Christmas with still having things to wrap (as I do every year) so I honestly feel like wrapping things as soon as I get them even if it’s in the height of summer! I never seem to start wrapping early enough despite promising myself I will every year. We’ll see how it goes.

I hope you are all well and look forward to hearing from you!

PennysIntoPounds

Thank you for setting us up for 2025 @princesskitty29

I ate the last mince pie from Christmas today so it's perfect timing! 

So far I have got three bottles of nice red wine for gifts from aldi's wine of the week offer, which is well worth checking weekly if there's one nearby 

Auti

Hello, I don’t say much but enjoy reading. At the moment I am doing a christmas card cross stitch of a little owl (and a lot of unpicking when I go wrong - just started cross stitch).

Thank you for this thread  

mandco

Princesskitty huge thanks for continuing to run the thread 
xmas wrapping is one of my biggest stresses too every year I say I’ll be done early and it never happens though last year for the first time I think ever I actually finished Xmas eve day time rather than ending up still wrapping in the early hours of Xmas day. 

sorry to hear your youngest has been poorly fingers crossed the rest of you manage to avoid it - sickness bugs are awful 

Spendless

Thank you for the new thread princesskitty. Christmas cards are my weakness. This year I gave up and wrote family ones only. Every year I claim I'm going to be organised with it - I never am!

I have a few things in my present cupboard already. We are on the brink of March, my expensive bday months as both kids were born in it. Thankfully at either end. Not as expensive as it once was either as there was 5 bdays and 3 mother's day presents to buy, nowadays there's just 2 bdays and 1 mother's day gift as sadly we lost MIL and my maternal Nan and no longer buy or send cards for the others.

My parents dog sat yesterday and my Mum fetched out the gift she has bought DS for his bday next week. Whilst it was in a box the dog ignored it, once she tried wrapping it, well it became a present and regular readers will know of the dogs obsession with presents, so he believed it was going to be for him and kept pestering about it. Mum ended up giving up and put it away to wrap another time when dog isn't around! Today my parents are hoping to make use of the Nandos card I bought for Dad's bday. Nan has a relative visit with a fish and chip lunch so is occupied and so is the dog which is at the groomers so no dog sitting duties for them today.