So.....................how many days now until Christmas 2014?

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

We need a new thread to continue the very successful countdowns of 2013 and 2012.

And before anyone does the face (or face ) take a look at some of the 'Panic Threads' at the end of December when people were "Twitching" and stressing.

Organisation is key.

(I just need to find somewhere that'll work out how many days it is )

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46 How many shopping weekends left now??

1. 15/16 Nov
2. 22/23 Nov
3. 29/30 Nov
4. 6/7 Dec
5. 13/14 Dec
6. 20/21 Dec (for all the twitches)

45

dMum hijacked the siblings to do a Kk draw yesterday. When we'd all been studiously ignoring the idea this year due to grief the past few. . Most of us have been buying for ages! (One even distributed yesterday as she won't be around!). I'm still going to do my own thing. She even changed the rules without consulting us!!

But she did bring my Christmas pudding with her, so I am sorted now with that!

My plans for shopping during the week went awry, as the clutch needed to be replaced in the car. But I should get most of those plans achieved this week instead. Which will mean Dd practically done, all except 1 DN done (I have 6), and another couple of adults signed off on too.

44

I've gone through my lists this morning again, and I am making reasonable progress.

DH was kinda grumping at me watching Delia's Classic Christmas on The Food Network last night, as I cooked dinner and he worked on his laptop at the dining table (DD was alternating between Polar Express and Flushed in the other room) - but he let me keep it on.

And DD had great fun telling him the dress code for our neighbour's Christmas party coming up (invite came yesterday). Christmas Jumpers!! (He was away so couldn't come last year).

I got a lovely surprise walking to work from the car park this morning too. The park in the city centre is having a Christmas Market built on the footpath all around the main shopping side of it - food stalls for 100 yards, and then more "shop" type sheds for the other 250 yards to the corner!! It might even be planned for opening by the end of this week, or at least in the next 10 days I reckon.

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That's six weeks in old money

It's starting to feel a bit real now ain't it,

Only another couple of weeks before I can put up my decorations in my office, and DD's advent calendar. They go up about a week before proper decorations start (sneakily) appearing at home. The tree will be closer to Christmas this year as it's a real tree year. Actually, I must investigate if the "go find and cut your own tree - or at least pick one of our nice ones straight from the forest" options will be open anywhere near enough for a Saturday afternoon adventure this year!!

Debenhams had a customer night, in the one near us at home anyway. We went to M&S to get me a "ding dinner", and DD wanted McDs (I couldn't face cooking the nice fish as I had no potatoes peeled) - and we ended up getting 2 lego sets for 2 DNephews at 10% off. I will add a small bit to both, but it takes some pressure off the toystore shop.

And I saw that Toys'r'Us are having an autism friendly day in all stores in UK on 30th November, so I might drive up to Sprucefield with DD, and also do a Sainsbo's shop while there. It's less than 2 hours. So I need to empty the freezer and cupboards in the meantime.

And we saw our first real tree up yesterday - in local village square, not yet lit up, but standing.

41

Christmas Day is 7 weeks today, at this stage I would hope to be home, fire lit, bird in oven, glass of bubbles in hand and nibbles close by, with the start of a wrapping paper collection for the bin at my feet

[fwine]? Or just

40

Forty days

I think Biddy may have been on the yesterday, , 41 days is six weeks not seven.

I thought it was 6, but after seeing Biddy's post I decided I was wrong. I obviously trust this thread more than my own mind! Also only 5 weeks left of the school run!

I am well on my way. I only really need to get my DH's present, he tricky to buy for - any ideas will be great fully received.

I was in Poundland yesterday and got a few bits for Christmas Eve hamper. I have decided to use gift bags this year so got some disney ones. I also got plastic cinema popcorn boxes which will be great to put in.

39

I wouldn't mind only I had nothing stronger than tea on Thursday.

Wiped today after yesterday's marathon. For a clothes hating person and non-shopper, dd certainly disproved herself by spending 5 hours shopping last night and coming home with 3!!!! Christmas outfits and the makings of a Christmas tree for last day of hockey (prizes for fancy dress but still need to be able to play!). And I'd already done 4 hours earlier.....

But lots of progress has now been made and only a few easy people left.

DH and I went shopping today locally then I took DD to Bluewater (must be mad ).

She didn't get what she desperately wanted so I said I'd take her out (very quickly) tomorrow.

I had a looksie through my wardrobe and discovered three things I can wear over Christmas ( don't need to spend money and try things on ) and I'm currantly sporting some rather naice red lipstick to see how long it lasts.

Still thinking about a 'proper' ie tacky Christmas Jumper. Maybe Nordic rather than Snowmen though.............

38

Bought a Christmas Jumper (well, cardigan)
I was very tempted by a navy tree and lodge picture one is Primark but it looked too warm.
So I bought a Nordic cardigan (I can undo some buttons if I wear a top underneath) and it's wintery rather than Christmassy.
I can wear my Christmas Tree earrings with it

37

Dd wrapped some of her presents yesterday, so I need to go buy more Sellotape......she's not like the Elf in Arthur Christmas who only uses 2 pieces of. Tape!!! Then we sat and watched Polar Express, which was nice.

36

Ooh I love The Polar Express

35

Five weeks

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I'm looking forward to plundering my No7 Advent Calender.
I WILL be an adult and open the correct day on the day.
Need to get the DC Advent Calender ready soon.
And I've bought them Thorntons "Gruffalo" calenders

I've never heard of No 7 advent calendar before - I'm so jealous after googling it. And it's now sold out!

Dd's school is doing a nativity and she is going to be a shepherd. Slightly annoyed as all the other girls are angels or stars but trying to tell her that it's the best part. Any tips for cheering up a 6 year old non angel will be greatfully received!!

Pretty much done present wise, although toying with getting DH an Xbox One but it's £££s! Might hold off to see if there are any offers nearer Christmas.

Aww lost my DD was a shepherdess on her first Nativity (and furious not to be a Star)
We chatted on the walk home about what an important job it is and how sheep are basically a bit dim so need alot of looking after.

So on the day she was parked on a 'hillside' with her teatowel on her head grinning and nudging her mates with the "there's my mummy. Mummmy, hello" thing that young DC do.

She never did get to be a Star/Angel/Mary but she was ok

32

Shops were busy,busy,busy,
I fancied a pair of jeggings in M&S, saw the queue and thought "erm, online to store delivery"

I went to the Ideal Home Christmas show today. It was absolutely manic. And I spent far too much money on things I didn't know I needed or wanted. Ah well...

Work have put the Christmas decorations up so it's feeling quite festive there now. And I have had 2 Pret Christmas sandwiches. Am planning on trying the EAT one next.

Still have lots of shopping to do.

31

Next weekend I'm taking my recalcitrent teenage DS out (he needs clothes and he can give me some ideas about presents fo him too. He has a December birthday)

Then no more weekend shopping.
I can go midweek when I'm not at work (I do three days)
We have things planned for all the December weekends and I need to de-clutter and clean pre-Christmas.

Freezer defrosted.
Oven shelves are soaking overnight now.
Need to declutter the bathroom then I'm going to empty an clean it .

The DC rooms (cleaned under DD bed )