What would you do differently Xmas 2008?

SugarSpun

Keep better track of what I've bought so I don't end up overspending, and send off for free stuff to bulk it out throughout the year. My brother's favourite gift was his poker set (free from Guinness) and my dad's was his beer stocking (€1 for the stocking, free 6 cans of Guinness and a whisky miniature).

And bring back German stuff this time too.

luxor4t

Do more of what I did this year:
- use MSE as much as possible
- buy every present in advance (+ 2 bland extras)
- make a menu and stick to it

New for 2008:
- keep a cost record so I can stay on track / enjoy the bargains!
- make more HM gifts
- persuade Mom & Pop to change to 1 small gift each (we end up swapping money + 'something to unwrap' which is nerve wracking)

mrs-moneypenny

instead of wasting money on big christmas carriers to give family presents out in. I'll buy the reusable shoppers in a christmas design, it makes a useful extra pressie and stops people using so many plastic bags if they use them.

I put the hamper i'd made up for my mum in a shopping bag instead of a box so she could reuse that

cassey1

buy christmas presents throughout the year.
all christmas cards to be written by end of nov.
find time to read mse more often for all the great tips and advice.
to use free gifts as presents.
use for presents or sell competition wins,and use money towards presents.
to have all presents bought by end of nov and wrapped in first week of dec.
to shop around for best bargains throughout the year.

savvy

shellsuit wrote: »

OMG why haven't I ever EVER thought of doing that before

I always moan come December when I have to buy birthday cards, but there are hardly any in the shops because they are full of Christmas Cards....DOH!!

I'm gonna make a list and vouch to get a couple of cards every month, then come December, I'll already have them all!

I must be as thick as pig shoite to have never thought of that....THANK YOU! :rotfl: :rotfl:

LMAO but don't do what I did last year, bought in advance and forgot where I stashed them, and on some I'd written on the back who I'd got them for ........ but when it came to it, I forgot to look on the back and gave them out as 'spares' to youngest for his friends!!! So STILL wasn't organised when it came to the family's cards DOH!!

This book has rectified all that now though, I'm WELL chuffed, and have even got round to sending my bro in USA, his card in time :T :T

rammy007

try and wrap things as i get them or dont leave any till xmas eve we were up till 4.30am finishing wrapping them,the kids woke at 6.30am!write this in my diary for december to remind me,i already do this if i need something getting or doing cos u get to xmas and forget.

sethsgran

Would do lots the same, tons of folk for christmas dinner even more on boxing day, we had a great time However............
Found Money saving about a month before christmas so will check out the bargains more,
Buy less presents per adult, there are grandchildren now and they will be the focus ofcourse
have a big family party for my side, don't spend as much time with them, I plan to get all little ones decorating gingerbread houses at the party to put the focus on the children not just us getting together to eat loads.

dotchas

Well I am not going to get plastered for Christmas 2008














No not plastered drunk ,plastered as in Plaster cast!:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

This was the 2nd Christmas in a row that I have had my right foot in plaster following an operation.Last year my op was on 19 Dec and this year (2007)it was 20 November.
This year was worse as I wasn't as organised as I had hoped so had to rely on OH to get the last bits and pieces!!:eek: And he had to do the food shop and cook the dinner (with plenty advice though!)
He cannot go to Tescos without phoning to ask "what sort of carrots?" or similar.He also expects a round of applause when he brings the shopping in and proudly shows me what he has bought!:rotfl:
So next year I am going to be fit and able to do it all myself (its easier!)
And I'll be able to hit the sales...........I miss the shops the most!

garty

not eat as much:j
we brought enough cakes/chocolate/sweets/crisp
for our whole street :j and l have ended up eating most off it:eek:

sarah*a

dotchas wrote: »

He cannot go to Tescos without phoning to ask "what sort of carrots?" or similar.He also expects a round of applause when he brings the shopping in and proudly shows me what he has bought!:rotfl:

Haha - my hubs does the same - I've been in bed sick for the past couple of weeks and everytime he goes to the shops its like 'show and tell' as he lays it all out on the duvet and stands looking proud - bless him :rolleyes:

This year I will not be tempted to buy 'little extras' for DD 'cos 'they're cute' at last minute - yet again this year she had far too many gifts