OS Christmas Support thread & timetable

Lalaladybird

They are exactly the sort of ideas I am looking for Hawthorn, thanks.

Anyone got anymore? There is so much to talk about with Christmas... cards, wrapping, pressies, food, dinner, crackers, tree, decorations, parties, getting dressed up, traditions....

Hawthorn

Oh! Reusable advent calendars, for sure. get one with big pockets if you have a few kids, then put a treat in for each of them, every day!

98jdougl

i usually just buy one set of new decorations a year, have the same part frock i wore last christmas- i bought the same pack of 50m of wrapping for a fiver from studio in october and is lasting well!
A lot of people buy sooo much food it is ridiculous, at my mum's we have chicken rather than turkey (i prefer it, sister is a veggie) no sprouts, little bits bought up to fill freezer each week when they are on offer.

Make a list and stick to it lol

Caterina

98jdougl wrote: »

no sprouts

WOT??????!!!! Christmas with no sprouts? :eek:

I am sure my DS would come over to spend Xmas with you, but I might cut down on anything, gifts, sweets, cake, EXCEPT sprouts, sauteed in garlic, olive oil and with flaked almonds!

Caterina

citroennut

To echo Caterina - Wot no sprouts?!!

Ours are already simmering so that they'll be ready for xmas day!:D

fedupandskint

I will cook everything from scratch - that is my aim this year for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. I bought some bargain decs from Mr S in the sale after Christmas last year and will use those and my fake tree (sigh), have real one in the garden tho! (miss the smell at Christmas!). I have enough cards left over from last year to use for work and friends and I'm having a go at making them for my nearest and dearest (that's only 3 I have a small family now). Wine is sorted as got a box of 12 from M+S on 20% off day last week as just cracked a bottle open to try! It was the wine plan of 12 bottles of mixed red and white for £47.67 and free delivery, well might not have been as OS saving as some but I'm happy with it and I didn't have to lug it home and was delivered in 2 days!

Also not going mad on pressies - making some fun ones eg pot of gold and a photo in a nice frame and sticking to a strict budget. Also going to try making Delia's chocolate truffles to put in the freezer (as I've cleared some room with the StoreCupboard Challenge - YEAH!!)

Soz will stop rambling now, the 3rd glass of wine is kicking in!:o

Bella79

Hi all

lately me and hubby have been trying to be more o/s xmas has always been a really big thing in our familys houses. But every year it gets more and more its jst getting silly how much i spend on my nan aunts uncles mum dad etc etc
for eg the other day i was xmas shopping and got my aunt something cost £29.99 now my mum said today that my aunt had brought me soething else yesturday and my mum carnt believe how much she has spent on me therefore i said well i suppose ill have to get her somthing more then !!!!

Its jst silly every year we say were gonna spend less btu we never do if i say somthing to aunt shes lovely and will jst say "i dont buy u for what i get back" but i feel really bad then if everyones spends loads and i dont.

Like i gt my cusion a gift set for £15.00 but my mum said here put that with it a eyeshadow set i was like "no mum this is enough" but my mum said nooooo go on take it for her she thinks shes helping bless her but its jst getting me down a bit .

sorry for long moan phew lol

whu

Hi-just explain to your mum that you have a budget and that you don't want to put yourself under unnecessary financial pressure during these credit crunch times - hopefully she will understand

[Deleted User]

owens3116 wrote: »

Hi all

lately me and hubby have been trying to be more o/s xmas has always been a really big thing in our familys houses. But every year it gets more and more its jst getting silly how much i spend on my nan aunts uncles mum dad etc etc
for eg the other day i was xmas shopping and got my aunt something cost £29.99 now my mum said today that my aunt had brought me soething else yesturday and my mum carnt believe how much she has spent on me therefore i said well i suppose ill have to get her somthing more then !!!!

Its jst silly every year we say were gonna spend less btu we never do if i say somthing to aunt shes lovely and will jst say "i dont buy u for what i get back" but i feel really bad then if everyones spends loads and i dont.

Like i gt my cusion a gift set for £15.00 but my mum said here put that with it a eyeshadow set i was like "no mum this is enough" but my mum said nooooo go on take it for her she thinks shes helping bless her but its jst getting me down a bit .

sorry for long moan phew lol

It made me really sad reading your post - I really feel for you. There's nothing worse than feeling guilty because you think people will perceive you as being 'mean', but I sure this isn't the case.

Don't let ANYBODY bully you into spending more than you can afford - it sounds like you're already spending a small fortune. I don't expect your mum realises how guilty she's making you feel - try explaining firmly to her that you're trying to spend a little less money (and remind her - nicely - that Christmas is not all about how much money you spend). If necessary, don't shop with your mum, or discuss with her what you're buying for anybody.

It sounds like the rest of your family don't mind how much you spend anyway, from what you said about your auntie. It's an old but very true saying that it's the thought that counts.

I realise it must be a difficult situation, but just try to be firm and stick to your guns, but without having a huge fall-out with your mum(!)- good luck. x

rchddap1

I spend on people what I want to. If people moan then that's up to them. My sister and I have decided this year to stick to the kids and ignore each other. They're the important ones afterall. I always try and make sure that my gift is either useful, or interesting.

I have my xmas budget and I will stick to it. Besides we have more fun spending time with the family anyway...and that's what really counts afterall.