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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Right. I want to be all done by December 1st....

289 replies

admiralclingus · 15/08/2014 19:45

I work in retail. The last 2 years have involved mad dashes round town after working all day with some horrible people taking out their Christmas woes on you and spending 73 billion hours waiting in queues and trying to avoid the crowds!

So I want to be organised by the first, nothing left to buy and only wrapping and decorating to worry about.

Anyone else up for the challenge?

OP posts:
schmeegle · 12/11/2014 15:54

I'm so so close to being completely and entirely done.

At the very least, my absolute final amazon order has been placed but one of my things on Amazon has a very long delivery window coming from China so fingers crossed it shows up!

dollybean · 12/11/2014 16:19

Just got to go to M&S for a chocolate/biscuit run which I probably do next week. Getting alcohol presents next payday but everything else is bought and I started wrapping on Sunday!

So basically, I'm done but with room to 'twitch' Grin

The christmas food shop on the other hand is filling me with dread........

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 12/11/2014 16:40

I got loads (but not everything) from my current list shopping list today. The fun of shopping evaporates by the time I have 3 bags and I cannot get down an aisle because it's blocked by someone . Or trying to pick something up and balance my bags. But it was fairly quiet so that's a bonus.

I need to get some things on Friday then I reckon everything else can be online.

Christmas Food Shop needs military precision and planning......I don't really like online unless I am physically unable to get to the shops.
But last year I twitched a 5 arm candleabra in Sainsburys (it was reduced) I still love it and it has been used a few times.

I use my Nectar points so no outlay needed.

Might start wrapping next week

schmeegle · 12/11/2014 16:55

Just got the last of my wine/chocolate presents today. I need to wrap them asap or I'll snaffle them myself.

This is my first ever Christmas on MN and thus my first ever Christmas bring this organised. As such twitching is a brand new peril so thanks for the heads up Flowers

marne2 · 12/11/2014 19:20

I'm almost done, did a M&S biscuit run this morning as well as Primark stocking fillers for dd's, also bought presents for the dogs Smile, just a few more bits to get online and maybe a few Black Friday deals.

BiddyPop · 12/11/2014 19:22

I ordered my personalised decorations needs yesterday. I am making good progress through gifts lists, and have toy shop, outdoor shop and craft shop plans for Friday this week. I have bought PJs for DD and DH, but dd announced last night that she NEEDS hers to be fleecey (I've bought a terry type onesie) so I need a second pair for Christmas or birthday present instead of hamper.

I also need to get my pjs, as I haven't seen nice ones yet (need comfort rather than seasonal).

Friday afternoon, dd and I are going to the Dublin equivalent of Westfield (almost but not quite as posh) to get her Christmas outfit (probably gap jeans and a H&M or Primark top) and eat at Pizza Hut. Between my 2 outings on Friday, I may also sort most of the rest of the presents.

I have more than a third of presents wrapped. And about half the cards written. Packaging for overseas parcels is bought.

Christmas dinner alcohol sorted. MENU yet to be agreed, but either turkey or goose so no hassle. Mum delivered my pudding last weekend.

I still need to buy stamps, but they are out this week (and lunchtime weather has been atrocious all week). I can't write a lot of the rest of the cards until DDs arrive home from school (PTA fundraising), hopefully in 2 weeks.

I will go out late one night to do food shopping the latter half of week before Christmas and fill the trolley then. Just leaving last few bits for Christmas Eve, and turkey as almost the only thing to get in main supermarket Christmas week. Or whatever bird we're having.

Overall, it is coming together.

schmeegle · 12/11/2014 19:35

Oh Biddy I'm jealous, are you heading to Dundrum?! Lived in Dublin until a few years ago. Christmas time I really miss the buzz and the lights in town, and the shops, my Gawd the shops! ! To put things in perspective, the nearest shop to me that sells knickers is an entire hour away Grin

I fully intend to get a day out in the big smoke while the lights are all up. Hopefully it'll be all the more enjoyable having all my presents already bought and wrapped!

BiddyPop · 12/11/2014 19:50

Schmeegle yes! (I grew up that far out in the sticks, but now live 20 minutes from DD in normal traffic, and work 5 minutes walk from Grafton Street, which is great to get ahead, but dreadful for traffic once December comes....). I go back on the bus for the commute from the end of November, most days until the return in January.

Do try and come with no need to carry bags, and NOT on 8th December (half the country, including most of the farmers, seem to descend then. Last year, the IFA helpfully arranged a demonstration outside D/Agriculture so it was absolutely bananas!

Dawson Street is mad with Luas work, but moving ok, worst for pedestrians. Kildare st is now 2 way (eeeek!). Most pedestrian works on Grafton st are finished.

But do get a few minutes to wander to Mansion House and see the Live Crib, maybe stop at Fixx at Molesworth st junction for nice coffee and then head back 2 mins to Grafton for shopping again.

schmeegle · 12/11/2014 21:25

I can't believe Kildare St is 2 way now! Is that better or worse?! I used to work on Leeson St, traffic system round the green just killed me. I hear traffic is even worse now than boom time levels.

Going to take the boys out of school on the 11th or 12th maybe and just wander about. Would love to bring them ice skating or something but they're not quite big enough yet.

BiddyPop · 12/11/2014 21:45

kildare st is scary to try and cross, as I am used to just dashing across to the postbox from my desk, but it works ok for traffic. The Green is weird driving if you haven't been on it recently, but it has slowed down too so it's ok. There is not just the Kildare st change, but also a right turn onto Merrion Row at the Shelbourne to avoid Dawson.

For boys under skating age, there is live crib at mansion house so farm animals, feed the ducks and have a run around in playground in the Green, and there's a Christmas market setting up on the footpath outside the green from Grafton street to the Shelbourne. (And then you could get Luas to Dundrum!Xmas Grin).

Sorry to the UK folk for the local hijacking.

schmeegle · 12/11/2014 22:35

Thanks Biddy I'm getting all excited Wink

Key to a chilled out relaxed December though is getting the grunt done now though.

Still haven't really decided on a final menu for the big day as I don't have final numbers yet. In all likelihood dinner will be a shared effort between me and some siblings. I just wish I could nail down exactly who's coming home and who's making what.

ZeViteVitchofCwismas · 12/11/2014 22:43

As such twitching is a brand new peril so thanks for the heads up

Twitching away madly now, thrashing round even Grin

Adding "Love Letters" card game to list, Moulin Roty animal projection toy, sparkly bags H and M, I keep thinking NO, but then think, but its Christmas they are only young once, then I think - but what about next year Shock. Forced myself to put back a Roald Dhal board game I have never seen before earlier...

TK Max spode Christmas plates are mine, safely tucked away, but can I use them for more than one day Confused...

ZeViteVitchofCwismas · 12/11/2014 22:44

I bet Dublin is very special round xmas time..

schmeegle · 12/11/2014 23:22

Oh stop I'm as bad. I posted here earlier about nerf guns for my sister and now I'm thinking what kind of mother am I that my two wee lads have no nerf guns?! Grin

BiddyPop · 13/11/2014 01:16

Dublin IS special at Christmas. Grafton street has loads of choirs all up and down. The market is new this year. Live crib is nice too and very long in existence. There is normally a screening of the Snowman with a live orchestra playing the soundtrack.

But absolutely YES. Get the grunt work done now cos it does get so mad with people.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 13/11/2014 22:49

It was in The Mail (so it must be true) that due to a shortage of HGV drivers, the shops would not get their full stock . So we need to do our shopping now

I aim to be out tomorrow getting the last things on my list. Then DD has insisted we go out on Saturday to H&M (joy) her new love.

ZeViteVitchofCwismas · 13/11/2014 22:56

Then DD has insisted we go out on Saturday to H&M (joy) her new love.

I am with her on that one I have rediscovered my love on H and M, I left it behind in my student days.

Got some amazing cute reindeer tops, lovely sparkley christmas t shirts and so on, sparkly hair bands...usually all 5.99 each.

BiddyPop · 14/11/2014 14:07

I am needing a long cup of tea!!

Just back from school run (drop off) followed by shopping trip. Bought books for all DCousins and 2 for DD at school book fair. Stopped for strategic coffee and yoghurt, had a quick check of notebook. DIY store - 6 plug extension cable, a few decorative bits and napkins/paper plates for DD birthday. Craft shop - wundaweb for hems and plastic needles for DD sewing. Outdoor store - for 2 Buff scarves for DD as she is family using something to keep her hair out of her face! Toystore - bought the lego needed for all the various people, including Santa. Drop bags to car. TKMaxx for a mooch, came out with top and jeans for DD, wrapping paper and gold star tree decorations for DSis who is a teacher! Storage world -hangers, and picked up 2 cake decorations for my planned attempt at a Yule log and novelty rubber for DDs cracker. Cheap dept store - plastic cup for DD that will be filled with double dip sherbet packs in her stocking.

Stop en route home to get the other gifts from storage unit.

Plan now is a hot cup of tea and 15 mins feet up. Then put away things FD can't see, wrap lots more, collect her from afterschool club. Drop dry cleaning, drop library books and pay fine, go to Dundrum to buy her Christmas outfit and have dinner in Pizza Hut, then come home and collapse into bed! I think my sewing plans will have to wait for another day.

But at least I have only 1 more child to get finished, and I need to go to a specific shop near work for him. Lots of adults left, but they are all relatively ok.

schmeegle · 14/11/2014 15:36

I'm exhausted reading that Biddypop! But it must be very satisfying Smile

Ellisisland · 14/11/2014 15:55

70 - without outing myself completely I work for a large logistics company and the lack of HGV drivers is a massive problem and managers are flapping about coping with christmas deliveries so not entirely unfounded mail story!

I am almost there. Have wrapped everything I have to make me feel further along Grin have got a few stocking things to get and a couple of hampers to order but then I am all done - well until the twitch arrives of course!
am working out my Christmas food shop now. Has anyone booked a slot yet? Or can you ? I am terrible for food twitching. I always end up with enough to feed twice as many people as I need too Hmm

schmeegle · 15/11/2014 17:52

Right. I'm done. All santa stuff and the few gifts for family and friends. I refuse to twitch Smile

Saving the wrapping for December as I really love that part so waiting til I can do it with a big massive glass of Baileys without feeling too guilty!

Food wise things are up in the air as I'm trying to convince people that itweek notbe the end of the world if i cook something other than turkey and ham. I'd love a really expensive steak instead and it would really cut down on wasting time cooking when I could be playing with all the new toys instead! Should have just 7 adults and 2 kids to cater for.

Mrsgrumble · 15/11/2014 17:58

I have to do an online order for dh (have his birthday first) then I'm done

Nephew done - wrapped
Dc done and wrapped
Parents wrapped and concert tickets ordered
Siblings and partners - wrapped

Dh will sort vouchers for his side - I leave him to it

New decorations bought - new cushions, garland, tree decorations, gold beading, Noel sign, chunky white candles - very happy

Cards bought but cannot write and new addition before Christmas (have bought them gifts though) :)

Have also started buying fruit cakes et but not chocolate stuff or I will eat it

BiddyPop · 17/11/2014 10:18

I didn't get everything done on Friday. I DID make very good progress on the shopping front, but not so much at home.

DD made excellent progress on emptying my bank account - she picked out a tracksuit we had conveniently "forgotten" to go back for a couple of weeks ago, and a sequined Snowman tshirt in M&S that was also "forgotten". She agreed to me buying a couple of pairs of running leggings for her (to avoid shorts in the depths of winter!!) - but they were "your choice Mummy" so didn't count in her tally of spends. We got a Christmas tree beanie hat and fingerless gloved in Primark, and a green tunic top for €2, but had to get green leggings as well (only found some in Zara) to turn her into a Christmas tree for the last day of hockey (they do a fancy dress thing and there are prizes - she SWEARS she'll wear the leggings again - I know she will actually wear the rest again). We got a nice navy top with an owl design on the front in Name It, which she liked and I thought we were getting for Christmas Day - and she could wear with either jeans or red trousers we already have. But no, "I didn't know that was for Christmas Day, I wanted something red, and glittery", so Zara also turned up a cool cream top with a skull and crossbones pattern in black but kinda slightly girly, and a black cardigan with a couple of bits of sparkle but not overly girly. Yay, Christmas Day outfit sorted!! No, into Next where she picked the black version (there was a red too) of a top with a big present-like bow on it and a hairband with a bow!! I've probably forgotten some of what we bought now, and I got home to find that the black trousers I thought she had, have been grown out of and donated to cousins. So I need to persuade her about the red trousers which do fit (and all 3 tops would go nicely with), or else go back out and get some black ones.

We spent an hour or so wrapping yesterday. DD wrapped a lot of the ones for her Cousins (and used half a role of tape per present!!), and for DH. I got another 6 done that I had bought, but didn't wrap the one for DH yet. I need to do that tonight or hide it somewhere. The childminder got a fright when she saw the results this morning!! (She's a Christmas Eve wrapper).

I also managed a few of the housekeeping chores - regular changing beds and doing laundry, but also irregular ones like cleaning the washing machine and dryer filters (washer ok but dryer REALLY needed it), dusting downstairs, and cleaning a couple of switches that little fingers have been making a big mess on. And I got to the post office before it closed on Saturday, so bought my stamps.

I need to update my lists this morning, but there won't be a lot more done this week. I have a lunch date with DH tomorrow (he flies home in the morning), a formal dinner tomorrow night (work related), and fly to Athens Wednesday morning for 3 days. So tonight is all about clearing up (not the worst ever but it's slightly chaotic at home) and packing my bags (suit carrier for tomorrow's dress, to change at work, and case for Wednesday).

I think the epic-ness of the post is my attempt to not get started on the jobs on my desk at work. So apologies for that, and I'd better get cracking.

BiddyPop · 17/11/2014 10:21

EllisIsland, I am awful for food as well. I buy loads of things for the storecupboard too as there are so many great offers. (I'm supposed to be working on emptying the fridge and freezer and cupboards at the moment, but was so tired when shopping this week, I went for a lot of convenience things for freezer and filled it all back up Blush but I have used up a few things in the past 10 days too and need to leave easy dinners for DH the rest of this week).

schmeegle · 17/11/2014 10:49

I am waiting for the last two things to be delivered this week. I thought I was doing great until myself and DH drank two of the 'nice' bottles of wine over the weekend which were supposed to go into a gift hamper.

Oh well.