Christmas

would it get chaotic?

I promise to try to behave.

And, if you haven't put your sprouts on already it's too late.

🤣

Time to write a few lists. 😯

I’ve bought M&S tins of Belgium chocolate biscuits for the doctors & all staff at our GP practice and for our wonderfully helpful independent pharmacy below us. Both have gone above and beyond this year for us and we are very grateful.

I've got more or less everything either bought or on order, with the exception of the fresh fruit & veg and chilled perishables. There's far too much of it, as we're a retired couple with no families and spend the whole "holiday" alone, just picking at what we fancy. We'll still be eating "festive" food in mid-January, I reckon. So it goes. All the best to everyone with family they can share their Christmas with.

💐

oh well no tear appears the word is there though LOL

escaped

Try it on GN, see what response comes in.
Volunteering is a great idea.

I already volunteer all day every day, just can't take on anymore, but will contribute when I can sorry [tear]

Norah

escaped

keepingquiet

Why does reading these threads make me depressed?
I think it is because it is still November...

Sorry, but I did say next month which is December. In 4 days' time.
It was meant to suggest a thread for keeping on track with Christmas preparations. And hearing how everyone is organised. And being prompted or reminded if anyone mentions something on the list we'd forgotten. Or just something interesting. Like a sort of group countdown.
Sago reminded me, a gift for the gardener. And also money in a card for the postman.

It is almost December 1st.. Advent. First Christmas dinner for our family. Menu planned, shopping done, wrapping done, linens changed, table to lay and food to cook.. all coming along quite well.

Would that not be depressing to people who compare themself to others and like to keep up. I cannot think of anything worse.

I have a little tree which I put loads of lights on which twinkle and looks lovely as you drive past.
I have written all my cards and they are ready to post. I have an order from Booths. Not having turkey but ordered a venison haunch. Big enough for me, DH, my daughter and her friend she has invited.
I didn't want to spend Christmas eve queuing up for hours at our local butcher in the freezing cold so have an order to collect the Tuesday before.
My and DH are having salmon on Christmas Eve and will have a buffet to ourselves on Boxing Day.
I'm quite organised this year.
Not doing presents as we buy for ourselves when needed. Me and youngest daughter have stopped present giving but have discovered my eldest has bought for us. She has just moved into a flat so will have to think of something for her.

*so

My nephew wanted to volunteer last year, (late decision because his girlfriend sadly dumped him). The rules were very complicated in terms of checks on him, do he gave up trying.

Try it on GN, see what response comes in.
Volunteering is a great idea.

Who would like to open a thread for us GNs who do not do Christmas by choice (almost) apart from volunteering.

grandtanteJE65

Can't you just post that sort of thing on this thread?

What else should it be about, granted that it is called Christmas?

I think this might be a question for me?

I opened the thread by asking if it was already a "done" item on GN each year, not wanting to tread on any toes, you understand!! It is intended to be a very spontaneous thread with thoughts being added as they come along. Also a way of picking up ideas and checking one's own progress. People can write whatever they like - last posting dates, something they've seen in a shop, past memories etc - whatever Christmas thought comes to mind.
Anyway, the thread's momentum will prove whether it is worthwhile or not. 🎄

I think we’re pretty well up to speed here. All the presents for the 3 DDs and families were collected 2 weeks ago when they came for my birthday. Ham, cheese, smoked salmon ordered from specialist suppliers tho in smallish quantities. Waitrose slot for the 23rd. Menu plan done. December reading pile sorted. Nothing else till next week.

Postman brought our first Christmas card today! I’m posting our overseas cards on Monday (Australia & Spain) and all the others in about a week.

Chrisky

I am way behind on Christmas too I am putting the Xmas tree up this weekend and making a start writing my cards out.

way behind

I haven't even given it much thought yet, apart from making a Christmas cake yesterday.
Not written the overseas cards yet.

All Christmas cards written, presents bought but have to be wrapped. Decorations going up this weekend for Advent and to make the most of them until Twelfth Night.

Can't you just post that sort of thing on this thread?

What else should it be about, granted that it is called Christmas?

I am way behind on Christmas too I am putting the Xmas tree up this weekend and making a start writing my cards out.

Decorations and tree will go up on December 1st. Cards will be written and posted this weekend.
All presents bought just need wrapping, l will do that next week.
It's just myself and Toby the dog but l love Christmas 🎄 ❤ so l shall carry on with all the traditions as if DH was here.
I'm useless at baking so will buy extra treats but not too soon.

Wow, everyone here seems to be very organised and I think I too have covered most of the early reminders offered. I'll take the advent calendars round to the DGC tomorrow. I'll be relieved to offload them as my food obsessed dogs nearly sniffed them out from the shelf last week!
Just a little poster mentioning festive hazards for anyone who has a dog, or cat too.

This morning I went to town to buy the special Christmas cards and the stocking fillers for dd and Dsil. Despite being in their thirties and parents, they like a stocking from Santa, or me. It was a very wintery journey with thick frost. I'm home and resting my aching hip. Cards will be written later