I've started a list, well, more than one really.

Doodledog Re decorations - I have some that the children made when they were little (one with a photo of my daughter and Mr Dog which is stuck to a cardboard Christmas tree), and others that have been around for years. I suggested getting a new set of more co-ordinated ones a while ago, and it did not go down well grin. They have their own houses and trees, but mine has to remain a record of their childhoods. (I don't mind at all, of course, but their reaction was hilarious).

I'm most amused at all 4 daughters spouses, who say when they see the 60 year old cardboard and photo items, "now who is this? And your mum actually saved it from the bin for 60 years?"

M0nica our eldest AS is in the armed forces, wherever he and the family are stationed they have Christmas the family way

Decorations have travelled the world, with new ones added from different countries/continents.

I took delivery of a new pre-lit tree on Monday.
Supposed to be easy set up.
On reading the instructions online, tree is still in its box, I was horrified to read, get friends to help as it takes up to two hours to set up a new tree.
So one list is to organise a Sunday when I can get family to help.
I have lots of toiletries, picked up here and there to go into the “ to open box” as all my family have money as a main gift.
We go out for Christmas lunch, not my choice and hideously expensive so meals for after Christmas have to be planned as we have no leftovers.
Although my H is no longer here I still anticipate and enjoy.

Two hours!! I thought they were meant to take the work out of it .

I know what you mean about leftovers. The groaning fridge and the knowledge that from Boxing Day onwards it is 'help yourself, everyone' is such a good feeling after all the rushing around in the lead-up time.

Christmas books for the grandsons were bought today. I had picked most of the individual Christmas cards and had them in my hand when the fire alarm went off. We were told to vacate the shopping centre. I hung about for a while until two fire engines appeared and decided to leave. No patience, I know. So another trip is needed tomorrow morning.

Norah the family, all 6 send us wish lists for presents, from those we decide what to buy, which becomes my list, I just shop for MrJ. Everyone has wrapped presents, not money and rarely vouchers.
Our weekly shopping delivery is on the 23rd December, I add and subtract items from that as the weeks go on. Christmas cards to post, or be hand delivered and any wrapping bits that need replenishing is another list.

I'm impressed by all these lists. I know our daughters do some list-like things in a type of phone diary ?? - no lost papers.

MrA nagged me into putting lists on my phone as I was always forgetting what I meant to buy when I was out. Sadly to this day I've never remembered I have a list on my phone. It's probably quite a long list now of all the things I've bought...

I’m looking out for single ornament type things, perhaps wooden rather than a set. I gave the DDs too much. Enjoy their WhatsApp banter about where they put things and who has the reindeer with a broken leg that used to go on the hall window sill. But I want to have my own again.

That’s sad Floradora but others aren’t to know are they?
This thread isn’t discussing Christmas plans and parties, just about lists of what to do or buy.

I haven’t made a list yet but must get on and start one next week if poss.
Am not all that great in the kitchen so don’t cook or bake things but you can buy good stuff in supermarkets.
We don’t have Christmas cake usually or Ch pud but love a mince pie.Not that many to buy pressies for either thankfully
Am cutting down on cards this year cos of postage and think many will do the same.
DD’s and DGC are easy to buy for, but men are just about impossible so what DP will get on Ch morning may just be a kiss.💋

No Christmas list here but they are so useful for other situations.

My list will be short.
Bank transfers to adult DC who don't want "stuff".
Card to elderly neighbour.
Pack to go to the coast for a week.

Good grief. I can't believe what I'm reading here. I do like Christmas but it is only for one day, or maybe 2 at the most. Nothing gets done before 10th December. As its always a repeat of the last 50 years, it's rehearsed well enough to need little effort. And always very enjoyable 🎄

As long as I buy the Baileys and some mince pies I’m one happy bunny.

Marthjolly1

Good grief. I can't believe what I'm reading here. I do like Christmas but it is only for one day, or maybe 2 at the most. Nothing gets done before 10th December. As its always a repeat of the last 50 years, it's rehearsed well enough to need little effort. And always very enjoyable 🎄

Yes, I was wondering whether to panic or not.
Perhaps I'll buy a new notebook for lists.

There are other events happening before Christmas that need attention.

If you write it down, it's like it's done.

Which is good for reducing stress, but only if you remember to consult the list now and again to see what still needs doing

Marthjolly1

Good grief. I can't believe what I'm reading here. I do like Christmas but it is only for one day, or maybe 2 at the most. Nothing gets done before 10th December. As its always a repeat of the last 50 years, it's rehearsed well enough to need little effort. And always very enjoyable 🎄

Our family Christmas season lasts from a couple of days before Christmas until a few days into New Year.
And if I fancy not doing much for a week after that as well, I dont!

Yes, I don’t understand the ‘it’s only a day’ thing. My lot live a drive away, so depending on work come before and leave after. I usually have a houseful for a few days, and cater for vegetarians, meat eaters and a dog. I need to remember likes and dislikes that I don’t have to consider the rest of the year. I don’t want to forget the things they like, (and I have a new DIL who I’m getting to know), or dog food and treats that I don’t usually buy.

The basics are on repeat, but it is the little touches that make it special IMO.

I’ve been using an old exercise book for a few years now - lists of things to do and buy, and by when.
We’ll be going to a dd’s this year, but I’ll still be making the stuffing, pigs in blankets etc. in advance. Probably brandy butter and cranberry sauce too. Mincemeat and puddings are already made.

We still send quite a few cards, inc. to a number of friends abroad, so I like to have them ready to post by 1st December.

One fairly major task I always have on the list for early December is the polishing of a big old chest that originally came from Zanzibar, and is covered with ornamental brass and copper. It’s become such a December ritual now that I associate the smell of Brasso wadding with Christmas! I’ll usually have carols playing while I’m at it, too. 🎄

I have made lists for years. When I was working full time and bringing up two children alone, it helped me identify what needed to be done and when. It also meant I could spread the shopping over a couple of months, longer if organised. I was juggling so many plates in the air, lists helped me not to drop any or have last minute problems. Now, I'm on a very restricted income so I have to budget very carefully. It suits me.

List Lovers Unite, we have nothing to lose but our sanity
and don't start me on The sheer Panic of the Missing List!

I used to use scraps of paper which always got lost, but these days I use a shorthand pad. Hanging on to my sanity by a thread

Doodledog

Two hours!! I thought they were meant to take the work out of it .

I know what you mean about leftovers. The groaning fridge and the knowledge that from Boxing Day onwards it is 'help yourself, everyone' is such a good feeling after all the rushing around in the lead-up time.

I do so agree! One thing I love about the week after Christmas is all the leftover ham and turkey etc. - very little cooking and virtually no shopping! (Except maybe for the odd basic like bread.)

No leftovers is just one reason I’d never want to go out for Christmas dinner. Aside from the facts that a) home cooked is invariably nicer, and b) it’s ruinously expensive.

Boxing Day was always family round for cold turkey, ham, left over sausages, stuffing and jacket potatoes, with lots of salads, followed by sherry trifle and homemade Christmas pudding ice cream.
It was so delicious, I must find the recipe again.
Lovely memories.

We are a very small family group. 9 in total and our youngest daughter and son in law host us all as they have the biggest space.

This makes me chuckle. It’s how I feel about it all. One special dinner (and yet you can only eat so much no matter how much ‘else’ is on the table). I find it all a bit daft really. Yet I’m not a Grinch.

Yes! I have thought about it and......panicked

Had to give out gifts early before housemove with strict orders to hide them away till christmas, as i couldnt move the gifts as well, or make room for them in smaller house 😐