Countdown to Christmas

Enjoyed a warm autumnal day with not a thought of the festive season.

I’m envious Daddima! Enjoy your Christmas. 😊

Our local Garden Centre sent an e Mail yesterday saying ‘Christmas Is Open’. Also offering 15% discount to their card holders.

No, no, no, far too soon.

Bah humbug!

Well ladies I retire this Christmas and looking forward to it but feeling a bit nervous. Been in childcare for 24 years and think I’m done! I do love Christmas and have already bought one or two items to put in my stash of presents. I will have the usual run up to Christmas and check what I have to do week by week. Lovely thread.

Now is the time I start to avoid shops like the plague, so quite happy to start the Christmas cooking. Got the cake stuff this weekend, so next week will be cake and pudding. I don't normally make chutney but you've all inspired me to give it a go this year. Mincemeat for mince pies is already done.

Last December was when DH was diagnosed with bladder cancer, so Christmas went out of the window. We didn't expect him to see this Christmas so this year I want to make sure all his favourite things are ready.

I used to live in St. Annes and later in Lytham. Booths was my local supermarket. It is very similar to Waitrose.

Yes my DH had sepsis last November, and was still very weak at Christmas - so this year everything is crossed for a healthy Christmas.

When my children were young, my mother and stepfather were still alive and expecting to come for Christmas as usual, prep started half term week, end of October.
Cake was made, puddings were made and if I was really on the ball mince pies were frozen uncooked but ready for the oven.
That was long ago, now we go out for the main meal on Christmas Day.
I get bits in but everything is left until December.
Life is so much easier and less stressful.
I went into a shop today, a rare event, I have weekly deliveries, and I bought a pack of 9 mini mince pies.I had one with a cuppa when I got in.
A friend who FaceTimed while I was eating it was shocked and said it is only October, she is right and I might, just might, freeze the other 8 until December!!!
Some chance.

I plan to make my cake next week, looking forward to the warm spicy smells wafting through the house!
Winterwhite, I flick my royal icing into peaks and just add snowmen, very easy and homely

Royal icing is so much nicer than that roll out flat stuff.
In my opinion!

I love Christmas it's my favourite time of year. I am afraid I don't make anything myself, it comes courtesy of Sainsburys snd Marks and Spencer.
My partner makes Sorrell and we will not have Christmas cake, we will have black cake. A very alcholholic cake with fruit. A family member makes it.
Good luck with your baking everyone.

Usedtobeblonde

When my children were young, my mother and stepfather were still alive and expecting to come for Christmas as usual, prep started half term week, end of October.
Cake was made, puddings were made and if I was really on the ball mince pies were frozen uncooked but ready for the oven.
That was long ago, now we go out for the main meal on Christmas Day.
I get bits in but everything is left until December.
Life is so much easier and less stressful.
I went into a shop today, a rare event, I have weekly deliveries, and I bought a pack of 9 mini mince pies.I had one with a cuppa when I got in.
A friend who FaceTimed while I was eating it was shocked and said it is only October, she is right and I might, just might, freeze the other 8 until December!!!
Some chance.

I love mince pies UTBB but once I indulge in the taste of one that’s it so I daren’t start too early in the season!
A couple of years ago we visited various local cafes to find our favourite which I remember and even bought several and froze them. I also ordered a Christmas cake from them which was also delicious.

The sloe gin has been prepped and will be ready for Christmas Eve - I have my priorities in order….😉

My very favourite mince pie is by Sainsbury’s but I think Walkers may make them
It is an Ecclefechan topping.
You would have to Google to get the exact recipe.
I can’t possibly buy them until December ( if there are any left on the shelves)
They are delicious.
Enough now until December.
Let’s get Halloween over with.

I’ve placed an order for a meat hamper (local) which will be delivered next month and frozen.
The veg and fruit will come from our local farm shop in December - and other bits and pieces like cheeses and pates from M&S.
I’ll make a pudding and mince pies but not yet.

My sons do all the Christmas food. If I were responsible, Marks and Spencer would benefit.

I refuse to think about Christmas yet.

I've started my cross stitch cards - these can't be done the week before..

Daddima

I have bought red envelopes in which to put dosh for my grandchildren, and also ‘wee mindings’ for them all.
My flights and hotel are booked, so I am sorted.

What are wee mindings?

Usedtobeblonde

When my children were young, my mother and stepfather were still alive and expecting to come for Christmas as usual, prep started half term week, end of October.
Cake was made, puddings were made and if I was really on the ball mince pies were frozen uncooked but ready for the oven.
That was long ago, now we go out for the main meal on Christmas Day.
I get bits in but everything is left until December.
Life is so much easier and less stressful.
I went into a shop today, a rare event, I have weekly deliveries, and I bought a pack of 9 mini mince pies.I had one with a cuppa when I got in.
A friend who FaceTimed while I was eating it was shocked and said it is only October, she is right and I might, just might, freeze the other 8 until December!!!
Some chance.

Nah! Just eat them.They’re nice put in the microwave for about 5 seconds, maybe more if you want them really hot.

Countdown to Christmas in October NO THANK YOU

I've got my sparkly lights and found a couple of presents when spotted a "just right for...." I'll probably do the 20 odd cards mid Novmenber just by having them out on the table till they get done bit by bit.

I may be with my family depending on various issues in DiL's family - no one knows where they will all end up yet - just for a couple of days or be on my own:

in which case a timely visit to M n S will be enjoyed because then I can have exactly what I fancy from the Deli and have a pick and mix, a walk or cycle ride, or I may volunteer somewhere for the day.

5 boxes of cherry liqueurs purchased on Wednesday ready for hamper prep.
2 boxes remaining today, Saturday.
Couldn’t resist.
Perhaps best for me not to start too early.

Yes! I’ve had to stop buying chocolate altogether before the week before Christmas and then collect a small but delectable box from our local chocolatier as I simply demolish every bit of chocolate in the house. My self control is zero.

What are wee mindings?
Small gifts to mark a special occasion.

My family always ask "what do you want as a pressie". this year, after having seen the family in their big fun fleeces I know what I want (I have a couple already but I want a really fun silly one too).

WWM I have a simple choc solution - cheap one, too - I buy Cadburys choc Brunch bars. Just a bit of choc. but they have lots of nuts in too . Well it doesn't count as choc, does it? Its healthy, full of protein....