Call me an old misery

Petra exactly, mine would be the same, they would never get around to it!

My ex-MIL always used to give me a huge pack of American Tan tights. When I eventually tactfully suggested that thicker ones were now more fashionable (this was around the 80s) she got me some lisle ones...

I don't want smellies, scented candles, creams or lotions. Give me something practical every time.

The best present I ever got was a load of old sh1t - sorry, I mean well-rotted manure (for my allotment). My late sister-in-law's face was a picture when I told her

Happy with most things, but I have a growing collection of body lotion I don't use as my skin is oily enough!

Hubby knows I like......Christmas jigsaw, cherry liqueurs, nice calendar, cd (I've requested), ( he likes to surprise me with a couple of other things, which to be fair he does well ??). I quite like treats like afternoon tea vouchers too. .....easily pleased

I have far to many smellies for the bath and most of the time I just use plain old water. What I would like though is perfume and a table tennis bat!

We did this one year amongst ourselves.

Stationary
The wrong books
Nightwear

I expect new slippers for Christmas day the family sort out between them whose buying them each year.
I also like, book tokens, jigsaws, certain food stuff, a good bottle of wine, vouchers for hotels, jewellery.
I don't want smellies, chutneys, anything household, hankies, ornaments.

Many years ago when I was still married, my MiL used to give me something practical for the house. Before I was married I was living on my own so had everything I wanted- ditto with OH so we had at least two of everything. When my parents died I inherited everything but she still insisted in filling up my kitchen with sometimes a 4th item that I already had. Such a waste of money but as she obviously applied little thought to the gift, she obviously did not care.

Dear Santa

I dont want anything at all...

I am quite happy with my library books
I dont have expensive taste in food
I dont eat chocolate,or use expensive lotions ,my GP prescribes them all for my skin
I am happy with the radio

what I would really like if at all possible is a magic wand....

I would cure my brothers health problems
I would cure my OH,DS,and DG of their depression
I would flit around like a magic fairy spreading happiness where there is none,curing lonliness where there is plenty.....that would also be my gift to them ....priceless

thank you santa....love from downtoearth...
(sherry and mince pie in normal place)

My DSs have bought some brilliant presents now they are adults, such as helicopter flight and various shows and theatre trips. Unfortunately due to numerous health problems, operation and accident, last year's hot air balloon ride and special meal out have had to be delayed so I'm still looking forward to them.

One of my best presents ever I still have, a slip of paper with the words 'piece and quite' written by my middle DS when he was about 7 years old. Yes - exactly what I asked for 'peace and quiet'!

Lovely posts, downtoearth and Grandma2213, what Christmas is really about!

Don't suggest someone gives a donation to charity ...it's too impersonal . Ask them to provide an Oxfam gift / adopt a donkey / pay for a rescue hen's keep, etc. That way they get a warm , fuzzy feeling , and you get a certificate / news letter / photo , etc.....to keep . Satisfaction all round .

My friend once got a tin of processed peas from her son who was about 8 at the time

seasider did she say she wanted some peas(e) and quiet

This is something I did last year and will do again in this Christmas.
Mary's Meals is a charity I support and I like their idea that, by donating the cost of a Christmas dinner (approx £15 I think) you are setting a place at a virtual table. By going online the recipient will see their name on a plate, decorated with their name, and set on a table.
That donation will feed a child at school for a year.
It was a good visual way last year to explain to my little DGCs about giving.

Having just checked Mary's Meals Christmas Table online, I was reminded that this year all donations made for the next month or so will be doubled by UK government so you'd be feeding not 1 but 2 children for a year.

I shall give that a go mcem.