* I wish it could be Christmas every day * - It's the 2017 Christmas Chatter Thread

Picked up a 900 piece Lego set for £18 for my grandsons having seen the deal online. Over the years I have gone OTT and pretended that Santa came to my house too but I think I will cut back a bit on the pile of presents this year. Maybe just one big (ish) gift for my six year old and eight year old grandsons and the same for my (by then) 9 year old granddaughter. They all still believe but not sure how long for. My two little grandsons are too young at (by then) 2 and (almost) 3 to know how OTT I once was. It's difficult but with the extended family, they get so much "stuff" and it can't go on or they will run out of space. I know I've got some "bargains" in the loft I've collected in the sales but I will definitely cut back this year and make that the new rule. I am going to go more for "experiences" than toys, e.g. take them places.

Hi all!
Well I’m pretty much done! Not much left to get. Have sat and wrapped everything and written cards out tonight. I’ve spent what I think is an obscene amount of money although when I’ve worked it out it’s actually pretty much the same as previous years. Usually I buy mum and dad lots of little presents but mum told me just to buy one each this year. Pretty relieved as mum especially is so hard to buy for! I’ve actually bought them both two presents each- one ‘big’ present and a little present each. I’ve gone OTT on OH again but only because he doesn’t get many presents as he doesn’t speak to his family. He usually gets a gift from his brother and his wife and his nephews but that’s it: me and mum always try to make sure he has plenty of gifts. I’m off to London next week- just need to get OH the tea from Fortnum’s and Harrods that he likes and tea, biccies and a mug from Harrods for my friend’s hamper and I’m sorted. All ready to be transported home in 6 weeks.

What I’ve bought so far:
Mum- £50 Theatre Royal voucher (buying this was a nightmare as my card kept getting declined- rang bank to find out they had blocked my card because for some reason they think Lush is fraudulent- not the first time it’s happened! The voucher was sent to my email so will literally just be a piece of paper- I’m going to put it in an envelope and wrap it nicely, just worried it won’t look much) Dove set from Boots

Dad: A bottle of Jameson’s Black Barrel Irish Whisky. He loves Irish Whisky but only ever gets it as a gift- this cost £48 so I hope he likes it! I bought it from the Whisky Shop in Nottingham and they gave me a copy of their Whisky magazine worth £3.50 with it- I also got a set of Whisky miniatures free in the Boots 3 for 2 so I’ve wrapped it cleverly- laid the box down with the magazine underneath and the minis around it. I’ve also got him some gentle grip socks.

Sister- PJ’s from Sainsbury’s sale
BIL- Baylis and Harding sport smelly set from Boundary Mills
Nephews 1 and 2- Jack Wills body spray and body wash sets from Boots
Step-niece- Jack Wills minis tin from Boots

OH- has had his main present, a Dyson vacuum as we didn’t have a working vacuum cleaner! He’s also got a Leicester Tigers rugby shirt, a Tigers mug, some Dove for Men stuff, a u2 tour mug and i’ll be getting him some tea from Harrods and Fortnums. I’m hoping to get him a half season ticket to the Tigers as well, if not will get him a couple of tickets to random matches.

Best mate- is obsessed with Lush Snow Fairy so always gets loads of it at Xmas. I will make her up a hamper- I have the contents which consists of:
2 x 500 ml bottles Snow Fairy shower gel
2 Make a Wish Snow Fairy bubble Wands
Snow Fairy gift set- 100ml shower gel and bath jelly
Snow Fairy soap
Snow Fairy body conditioner (it was buying the last few things online that the bank didn’t seem to like- the young lad in the call centre who sorted it thought it was hilarious- he said maybe the system didn’t like the smell I did find it funny once he assured me the order was fine and he’d unblocked my card)
Friend from rugby- 3 x Jack Wills body sprays
Friend from church who lives in my street- Harrods and Fortnums tea bags, biccies and mug in a hamper
The rugby player I sponsor: Stella Artois gift tin from Boots and a Mo Bros beard care kit (from a little stall in Leicester Highcross. I think it’s pretty awesome!)

I don’t know why I just don’t seem to be feeling Christmas this year! I may do once I get past my graduation on November 16 I think.

Finally just caught up once again after yet another hectic busy week...so lovely to hear everyone's plans and present buys!


Week has been so busy again so haven't had a chance to think of Christmas, but I did by OH's Christmas card in Card F. yesterday. Is it me or are they charging more than usual for their Christmas cards? The one I bought is still a lot less than I could pay at £1.49 but so many seemed around that price. I think it's just because I'm so used to all their well under £1 options during the year that I always grab.


I have a little hospital procedure this week so I am off work for the day I have it and the next day to rest up. So I think I will use that sofa time to plan extra presents.


Most of my presents are now wrapped which is great to help me feel organised quite tempted to write out my friends' cards today to just get those done too...


Vulpix, I'm doing the same this year with using up wrapping paper. I have a few rolls to use up but once they're done and I need to restock I want to keep to more of a theme across the paper I buy.


Where do you all buy your wrapping paper from? Are there any particular good places to buy decent enough paper for a good price?


Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

murie wrote: »

(on the hunt for those cocktail baubles and couldn't find any),

Apparently they also have them in Sainsburys - cant remember if I read that here or on facebook but wanted to pass it on :-)