Christmas 2016

[candykane25]

I must be slightly mad.
Everything is done.
DD in bed. Everything wrapped.
Christmas pudding bin liner out ready for discarded wrapping in the morning.
And yet my mind wanders to what I'll get for next years Christmas, how I'll decorate the tree, wondering what will be in dotcomgiftshop January sale that I can get for stocking fillers next year...
First time I've mentally started shopping for the next Christmas before this one has happened!
I blame this board.

I start for Christmas next year in around April. Got one DC birthday next month, one in June and one in September to sort first!

I've officially started! Got the Playmobil Santa House half price on Amazon for DD.

I just bought the Tudor 'A Girl for All time' doll for £20 delivered from an ebay seller, Amazon have it at £22. She's £69.99 on the website. The dolls have won all kinds of awards and are fab female role models, but way too expensive for me at full price.

Looks like a great doll for older girls.

I always start a tentative plan just after Christmas because it's fresh in my mind.

This Christmas was very chilled out and laid back mainly because I am 30 weeks pregnant and am moving at the speed of a hungover elephant - but no-one complained at the pace, and actually it suited us brilliantly.

I plan to take next year at a similar pace (provided I have a cooperative baby!) Not only that but I will cut back on the food again, I cut back last year and can do the same next year.

Stress free all the way in our house!

I couldn't sleep last night so I spent ages on the laptop doing Christmassy stuff - partly writing the family quiz (tradition - my turn in 2016!) and partly messing about with my Word/Excel files. I'm trying to make categories so I know exactly what presents I need to get. Particularly for the DCs as they got too much!

Bought wrapping paper & cards. Nothing else just yet as nursing two poorly dc. Will have a look next week .

I've not bought anything yet as been rather distracted by dc4 who was born on Boxing Day but I do have 4 wish lists now set up on John Lewis, one for each child, to record the things I see throughout the year that I think they may like for next Christmas. I won't buy anything until September at the earliest as they can change their minds about what they are into but I think it's good to have some plans in place. Will also start putting some money into a savings account on Monday to pay for Xmas 2016. Only 359 sleeps to go

I brought dd who will be 4 the play doh advent calendar half price.

Had to set reminders to buy my other 2dc an advent calendars when there out in November. I want to get Dd14 a nail varnish one. I might even get myself one for this year too.
I am saving up for a laptop of Dd14 and the playmobil castle for dd3. I will wait to buy the laptop in November.
I just have no idea for a almost 2 year old who's big sister has most things. I might just get add ons to the duplo and wooden trains etc we already have.

Add ons are a great idea, bigjigs do some lovely buildings for the train sets, like engine sheds and depots and stuff. And extra bridges always go down well with my two.

Jamtart congratulations! :)

Paper chase have cancelled most of my order of wrapping paper for next year. I'm gutted. I did it on Christmas Eve and I've just had a partial refund from PayPal. No contact or explanation from paper chase. Doubt I'll find any more in the sales now.

I have just set up my park order for this year.... I know a lot of people don't approve but I find it easier to watch it whizz out every week and slowly build up.

What about, I bought some lovely wrapping paper in our town post office today for £1 a roll.

Just need to remember that next winter..

I got lovely giftwrap half price in M&S.

Thank you. I have reason to be near m&s tomorrow and the post office Monday so I'll go look!

Anyone know when boots drop to 75% off?

I've already put a few duplicate presents away for next year. Waiting for the boots 70% sale when I hope to buy most of my extended family gifts. I'm hoping to pick a present a month for DD who will be 13 months then. I'm not looking for DS yet as he will be 6 and his interests already change so quickly. I've placed my park order and my plan is that by the time I get them I will only have DS, DH and my parents to buy for.

I didn't know boots dropped to 70%! I've already bought a few things at 50% dangit.

It's usually the 3rd wed in jam so guessing at the 13th this year. However after the 50% sale it can be very hit and miss what's left. I've had some brilliant years and some rather rubbish but always worth a look. I think it starts at 6am online and 8am instore.

I have just rolled over my present spreadsheet. So I've set the budget but not actually bought much yet (just a few decorations for the Bride's Box for my DBro who is getting married during the year).

I REALLY want a proper Christmas next year. Time alone at home to relax. NICE turkey (we had 3 different turkeys over the period, all overcooked, and almost all very bland - and as I didn't cook any, I have no stock or leftovers). And being able to have at least 1 PJ day.

There is no wrapping paper left in M&S here so I cannot stock up. Oh well, I can get it on 3for2 in September and not clog up the corner in the study all year.

Back to work today (so I can post on MN as well as read - I can't login at home for some reason post-Jefreygate).

Thanks for the tips re Boots. Fingers crossed I can pick up a couple of bargains.

Congratulations Jamtart, it's a lovely day to have a baby!! (DD turned 10 on Boxing Day just gone - I am too young to be the Mammy of a double-digit child!!).

I just remembered, I think I have enough cards for next year, so I might actually get ahead on those earlier this year than last. But I am still working my way through the stolen I bought in Lidl - I love it but just haven't been home to eat it!

Clintons gift bags are 70% off.
I've decided to do gift bags and gift boxes this year with shredded tissue paper - quicker than wrapping.
Also decided we are eating out Christmas Day. Saves my mum feeling obliged to cook as it her turn.
I got some boots 70% bargains but nothing big, just small children/teenage presents.
I've decided to just stick up on bargains and then decide in December who gets what and fill in any gaps then. DD starts school this year so a present stash will work for birthday gifts too.
Watching dotcomgiftshop for further reductions. I got loads end of January last year.

My tesco were restocking the clearance section today. I got 6 board of hook a duck game for 25p each reduced from £5 each, and a girly accessories set with plastic heels for £3 reduced from £10 and a Frozen flip castle for £5 down from £15.
They had snow glow Elsa for £18 down from £35 and baby annabelle for £15 down from £30 plus lots of other stuff. It was well stocked.