Why talk about xmas in September!

Sorry but I'll be the first to say it, ^anyone got the sprouts on yet??^??

Counting down to Christmas in July
Yes that would be annoying to see Grandmadinosaur
I would definitely have to ignore that thread.

What’s there to stress about? To me and DH Christmas is just like any other Sunday. But then we don’t have family nearby. We make the most of it. ?

I consider I’m quite organised, I make lists, I write down everything I buy, who it’s for and how much it cost, so that I know I’m being fair.
But with one daughter and three grandchildren living here, I’ve lost all my hiding places, and I used to set up a pasting table in a spare room, get everything out, sort it out, wrap it up gradually.
Last year I had to take a day off work, and do everything in a day.
So the little gains I make in autumn, don’t make much difference in December.

Well, we booked the pantomime tickets in March, several stocking presents have been secreted into my underwear drawer and with all the forecasts of shortages, I will start buying the cooking ingredients for the pudding, cake, mincemeat, marzipan, next week. One or two items a week, with allowances for shortage weeks.

My Christmas is organised around a spread sheet. Its purpose is a slow and steady approach to Christmas without panic, anxiety and rush. It works!

I have already started thinking about Christmas - but that is mainly because I love to cross stitch, and often give cross stitched items as gifts. Cross stitching takes time, so I have to get started early.

I admit to buys few things, I buy clothes for the little ones if I see an offer, Boden currently 30% off selected lines, and I’ve bought a few odds and ends for my adult daughters, but it never seems to make a lot of difference, I’m still running around panicking in December.

I adore Christmas always have I start shopping September it spreads the cost.

Bea65

*Blossoming*couldn't help myself could I? its other people's stress about it in September!!

Has telling someone not to stress ever actually worked though?

Galaxy

To be honest if I didnt have some discussion in Sept about Christmas, the activities that I want to book would all be booked up.

My family always planned early. My inlaws a week before. Despite being reminded that we needed dates, none were forth coming. We then would get told off that we favoured my family.

Some things, as you say, do need to be organised early.

Usually don't think about it till October but have bought DGS1 a football game in Sainsburys on offer - not expensive - for either birthday (November) or Christmas. He has been keen on football for several months (7yo) and having SFA course for 6 weeks then maybe joining junior local team if still keen and wants goals for birthday or Christmas. He is keen as goalie and quite good. Been buying mini Disney cars for DGS2 (3) for advent truck from marketplace - need 24. Smyths catalogue is out so kids looking at it. DGS2 has stated he wants a green gate and green ball - still (don't ask). DS has said going to Devon to spend with fiancee's Mum who has moved recently from Scotland. That's fine as she will be alone but up here in Scotland we have definitely not yet planned the actual day. And yesterday had call from orthopaedic department saying bunion op is being farmed out to a private hospital in Edinburgh from NHS so might be before Christmas not in 90 weeks! So maybe I will be sitting with feet up while everyone else has to run after me. Here's hoping

I start buying now too,. A friend mentioned 'cyberjammies' and their sale recently. I've bought a lovely pair of long sleeved pj's for my best friend and saved £20.

Next Sale rumoured to start tomorrow!

I've had carefully organised Christmases and last minute Christmases. Christmas abroad and Christmas ill in bed. They come and go.
I agree with Spice that the planning is part of the fun, so whatever happens on the day I will at least have enjoyed the build up. I don't do anxiety.

I tend to buy gifts throughout the year especially if we have been on holiday pre-covid and I get my eye on something unusual, so much nicer than buying from chain stores. Usually don't think about where we will be spending Christmas and food shopping until nearer the time. However this Year we are treating ourselves to Christmas day lunch at a lovely restaurant and have already booked as it is always popular. We are looking forward to indulging ourselves spending some of the money we would normally have spent on a holiday.

I have a large family and without a discussion in September we simply wouldn't be able to organise the events around the Christmas period. This year my sons and their families are coming to stay, my lovely daughter-in-law is coming as soon as school breaks up, and I have been told they're going to do all the shopping and cooking. They're really handy in the kitchen and each has a speciality or two so I'm terribly excited.

I was in M&S yesterday, purchased Christmas biscuits and sweets along with Christmas decorated kitchen rolls and toilet rolls (I know, the AC and GC laugh at my festive loo)

Have been buying books, puzzles and a few games over last few months, I have eight GC and two nieces to buy for along with five AC, their partners, my sister and brother-in-law. I like to everything to be wrapped, cards sent, puddings, cake, sausage rolls, stuffing, cranberry sauce and mice pies all made and where necessary frozen by the first weekend in December. Then I can sit back and enjoy the festive season.

I’m one who buys a present throughout the year if I see something suitable for a certain person. Rather that than scratching my head and buying something in that last minute panic just because “it will do”.

I also do not want to be around the shops after the first week of December it’s too busy.
This year we have a grandchild due just before the big day anyway and we will be on call for childcare a fair bit due to Covid rules and only ds being allowed to visit as mummy (dil) will be in hospital for a few weeks before and after.
I really do need to be organised this year.

What annoys me is people ( I know of one) who post memes on FB with the days to Christmas countdown in something like July ? . Definitely a hide this post for me.
Each to his own.

Each to their own, in my case it is necessary to get everyone sorted out as to what, where and when. That takes time to plan and arrange. As with many things the planning is part of the fun.

Obviously Christmas there I said the word is not a great time for some people and they don't want to think about it but that is no different than other posts that may be upsetting for other posters.

I realise a lot of people need to budget, and if you want to see shows or go to events you do need to think about booking.
But my grandson has come home from school this week singing songs for their nativity, and yesterday he said they had started on their Christmas cards, that really is madness.

I agree with Grandmabatty, if you have limited income it’s common sense to to spread the costs.

I don’t start thinking of C until November when I make C cakes, order presents and cards, but am happy to see mince pies or any other C goodies in the shops, doesn’t bother me at all.
We have a fairly low key Christmas in any case.

Blossoming

If you can’t stand chat about Christmas why have you started a chat thread about Christmas chat?

? good point.

My GD, her friend and I have our Christmas lunch booked already.
Only managed to be squeezed in as we are only 3.
Several popular venues already booked up.
If I were to be completely truthful it is not my choice to go out on Christmas Day, we did it last year for the first time ever but with a dysfunctional family it is the easiest thing to do.

I am on a restricted budget so Christmas starts whenever I begin to buy presents. September is a good month for me to begin. I've already bought a few gifts. If you don't like people discussing Christmas then ignore the posts.

I simply don't mind whether Christmas is mentioned or not. Doesn't make a whit of difference to me. Much more to get excited about in my little life. Do enjoy it on the day though but that's because off the company I'll be keeping.