We're rocking around the Christmas tree, waiting for Santa to come to town. It's countdown to Christmas thread 4!!

[SideOrderofSprouts]

99 days to go

disclaimer. This thread is up early because I am old and tired and need to go to bed. It's actually 99 from midnight

Baby chips is two!!

We have been up up here since half 5 and the coffee has kicked in. Trying to think of what else I can tick off the list later today. It's properly winterish here so will be hiding indoors even after Ikea arrives. Would it make sense to have a Christmas candle on while finishing the spreadsheet? have more than enough so it won't take from the December collection

Yes to the Christmas candle Ruggerhug, what do you have?

Happy Birthday, baby Sprouts!

And I think the Christmas candle is a great idea, Rugger!

I have several there's Yankee ones I got for this Christmas that won't be opened but I've a giant cinnamon pillar one from last year and lots of mini candles from gifts. An entire drawer full of all different festive scents . That and the snuggly warmth inside will hopefully help spur on the final present sorting (even for impossible to sort DDad).

Oh and Happy Birthday baby sprouts

And Merry Christmas Mr.Bean is on TV here!

It's mid September so it's officially time to start thinking about Christmas......

Not that I don't throughout the year, but it's the earliest dh will entertain discussion of it

I've started shopping early this year as work have stopped paying overtime (boo!). Probably a good thing is it also means I will have to be a bit more circumspect about what I spend.

I've got dm and dsil sorted, have a few ideas for dh and know what his main pressie will be.

So just dbil, dfil, and dns to go - I don't buy for my siblings as there's quite a few kids on that side of the family - although the older ones will just want money or a voucher so that makes things easier.

I've booked a day off work in early Dec to do a bit of Christmas shopping in town. Last year it was all online and I felt like I didn't make the most of the lovely Christmassy town centre - but I'm not brave enough to go on a weekend!

Happy birthday baby Chips!

I've done an Ocado order for tomorrow and will make my gravy, red cabbage and stuffing for Christmas this week. There not insane is it?

City I always book a random weekday off work mid-December (when my presents are all bought and wrapped at home) specifically to wander around town, enjoy the lights and music. It's lovely.

Happy Birthday BabyChips!

Right now I'm sitting quietly browsing the matalan Christmas collection and trying not to grin too much as I've just glanced at DHs computer screen and noticed that he's researching where to go for Christmas lunch and looking at the bus tour for Brooklyn to see the OTT decorated houses This is unprecedented as he usually pretends not to notice my Christmas prep until the end of October when he's happy to discuss our plans / presents / budget etc so I'm staying quiet.

I am also wondering whether to attempt to make a Christmas cushion or 2) I don't have time to make the blanket this year but would pick one or 2 images from the pic I've posted and turn them into cushions instead. What do you think? Too much?

Hope you don’t mind me joining! Handbag I like the first design

I need to buy a Lush set for my Dd but that’ll have to wait until December. Apparently they lose their fizz after 21 days. I’m so excited for this year, I’ll be able to properly spoil my family. But they have no idea!

Sprout Happy birthday to baby Chips!
Ah welcome and I bought 3 sets of Lush xmas sets in the sale 3 years ago and the fizz has not gone out of the bath bombs here my dear!

Happy Birthday Baby Chips

I restrained myself from going to Matalan today, I have a 15% off voucher that's fine till 2nd Oct so I have time to go when its not busy.

I was in Home Bargains today , the Christmas and the Hallowe'en stuff was on adjoining aisles

Thank you everyone he's had a great day ❤️😊

Can I join please. I am usually totally useless with getting prepared in advance and its all a horrible last minute rush. This year I am determined to be one of those -smug- organised people who have it all wrapped and ready by bonfire night! You are all going to be a very good influence on me.

Happy birthday baby chips!! Martha sends kisses and shares her juice!

Have been in a Wi-Fi/phone dead zone all weekend - it's been hell!

I get paid next week... and by the end of October I want to have done all DH's presents. He is being all demanding and telling me YOU CANNOT DO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING UNTIL WE GO TO BATH

Dear reader....I could sob.

Tell DH to bog off, MrsD!

Hi, bestfakesmile! Welcome to your most organised Christmas ever!

Mrsmad we tried the Lidl Hazelnut,Cashew and cranberry Nut Roast today.
It was reallly nice , crunchy nuts in it, main taste was carrot , bit on the sweet side but not oversweet.

Its 350g and a bit 'square' so I don't know if it could be made prettier? Maybe some carmelised onions on top.?

It isn't vegan though - there's free range egg and mature cheddar.

I will buy another to try, my DD didn't eat it today (she's a bit achey and bunged up)

Ohhh 70 thank you so much that is marvellous of you to do that and to report back. It sounds very nice but not at all suitable for my dd1 , damn and blast it ! Back to the drawing board for me . Hope your DD is better soon bless her .

Ooh Mrs, maybe they don’t go bad if they’re kept in the gift box? I hope that’s the case! I have a few more presents to buy for my DC then I’m sorted! I work at a nursery so can regift all the lovely fancy chocolate I get

97
Happy Monday morning everyone.

My grumbling toothache has turned into a raging infection, so that's always a fun way to start the week...

Oh no firefly!! Toothache is up there with earache. Worst pain!

I managed to pick up a nice Lego set and the chocolate for the Advent Calendar yesterday morning (big local Tesco that I rarely get into and was alone for a change while picking up DD's lunch in the middle of sailing).

Otherwise, not a lot else done for Christmas - but I did clear out 1 shelf in my kitchen cupboard and finally cleared out older jams and jellies that I will never eat (and have a bag of clean jars for DM to reuse in due course). Mostly various gifts in hampers.

oooh Firefly, that sounds painful, I hope you can get to a dentist and get the tooth sorted.

THanks Sprouts for getting us started here!!

I have an adult dyslexia test in 1/2 an hour eurgh....

Sorry you're unwell, Firefly. I hope you get sorted soon.

I hope your test is OK too, Hairspray. Have you had one before?

I'm on the way to my new job. Nervous!