Countdown to Christmas

Nannylovesshopping

No Christmas thoughts for me, I’m still in my flip flops!!

Yes it’s a very mild Autumn so far isn’t it? I haven’t unpacked my jumpers yet and still wear crocs on bare feet.

No Christmas thoughts for me, I’m still in my flip flops!!

First Christmas Tree photo just arrived from my son who is in the Philippines.
Apparently already up there!

Lights bring out my inner moth too TerriBull 🤭 I think the darkness of Winter calls for it.

All the younger members of our family appear to hate dried fruited fare, Christmas pudding, cake and mince pies all met with yuk! or no thanks what's wrong with their finicky palates for heaven's sake OH and I both agree these were placed in front of us from an early age and it was love at first taste. So no! I don't bother with going to the trouble of making them anymore, because they're not wanted. I'll pick them up in Marks or Waitrose just for us and so often half a cake will be discovered in a tin somewhere from Christmas past as we move towards Christmas future. No countdown to Christmas in our house, OH is particularly bah humbug about it all, a hangover from his working days when he always complained, "so difficult to get anything done in December due to the Christmas and New Year run ups" We do our best to ignore it until after my birthday which is in December, then I start to give it serious thought. Although we've usually started on the wretched Christmas cards by then, like most, seriously cutting back on those too. I'll grudgingly admit to liking decorating the house and getting all the paraphernalia out, the Christmas lights, tree, bed linen, seasonal garlands, decorations, but particularly the lights which I'm very attracted to, they bring out my inner moth. Most of all, as much as I hated all the church going as a child, I do like to hear carols they make me so so nostalgic

Might give Brunch bars a go. Thanks😊

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....

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

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.

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.

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.

Countdown to Christmas in October NO THANK YOU

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.

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?

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

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 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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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