Ok summer, off you pop I want to plan Christmas

[QueenOfIce]

I'm giddy already, eager to design my Christmas decor it'll be the same as every other year probably

I want an abundance of candles, twinkly lights, candles that smell of winter and Christmas. Making mulled wine, gingerbread and planning festivities.

Am I on my own here?

My Christmas Shopping is almost completed. I’m checking the JL website everyday for their new Christmas stuff- lovey baubles this year and today I found myself trying to work out how to fit a 5th tree in the house .....I have a Christmas Planner which is now out on the kitchen table on a permanent basis and my No Deal Brexit stockpiling includes a large number of jars of mincemeat!

I was so organised last year, I ordered my turkeys in September had lists of food all sorted, planned my table and cooked more than I've ever cooked in my life and poof! In one day it was all over.

I definitely love the run up more than the day.

I made mincemeat a month or so ago. I'm considering doing a second batch, however, as I had some of the previous year's left last year and used it all. And then some. So I may have to make more!

I'll make the GH recipe one I think (the Get Ahead magazine last year), as it was lovely.

I still have DD's big present to get, so hopefully that'll stave off The (dreaded!) Twitch!

I need to locate everything now and see what's what!

I friggin love this section of mumsnet. I'm spreadsheeting away like mad trying to get ahead. Ordering all the little people presents next week(they all get books). Have cards, candles and few other bits sorted from earlier in the year. Agree with everyone that strictly means the countdown is ON!!!

We are getting all the Christmas decorations from my dad so will have to decide what to keep and what to throw. There are so many bits from my childhood so it will be nostalgic. Obviously my mum had great taste as its now my taste

I love the red, gold, green colour combo but our lounge is grey/green so went with a lovely silver and green combo which is fab.

Anyone got a good recipe for mincemeat? I made some and it was fine but not wonderful.

I need to make lists of things I can make now for Christmas. Hate feeling rushed. I bought a Christmas planner and last year properly used it, wrote down what I did with every intention of following up on what tasted lovely, what didn't work etc, only I completely forgot so I'm back to square 1!

I'm usually in this camp, but I'm due our first child on 19th December, so it will be a very different Christmas for us, with even more planning and prep than usual! So as much as I want Christmas to hurry up, I also don't!

I've told DH I want love white lights on our huge conifer in the front garden, and our tree and indoor decs will be up bang on the 1st weekend of December! All presents (including 2 nephews and a niece who all have December birthdays too!) will be bought and wrapped by that weekend!

So I can spend the remainder of December eating chocolates and watching festive tv in cosy pjs awaiting our DD's arrival

@moonlight1705, I make the Delia one every year. But also discovered the attached one last year which was actually way better. I may bulk-make this one too.

Yes!!! Moved into our dream house in January, so last Christmas was spent packing and last minute moving prep. So excited for autumn / winter festivities. Baking, decorations, candles, fairy lights, Christmas movies and mulled wine. We also have dpup too - so first Christmas with our four legged pfb

@NoWordForFluffy thanks, that looks lovely. I may make that in September.

I've just ordered my ingredients for it, Moonlight! I'm doing 3 x the quantity.

I don't want Summer to bugger off as my holiday hasn't even started yet but I am planning to spend some of my time off making Christmas presents and candles. Never to early to start.

I want to make mincemeat in the slow cooker but I worry it will taste of spices forever .
I slow cooked the Christmas Pudding ( reheat) last year and it left a white mark inside that I had to buff off with scourer pad .

(Might just use the Pyrex in the oven method)

This thread is my happy place You've also just inspired me to buy this year's Christmas planner! [santa]

Brilliant Bought you will love it! I wonder if there will be another get ahead magazine this year?

I already own way too many Christmas cookery books. Plus all of last year's magazines. You lot need to stop me if I say I'm going to buy more.

Ahh yes the joys of Delia's original Christmas cookbook I love her cranberry sauce so much.

I've bought Delia, Gordon and Mary this year. I had Jamie and Nigella, plus last year's GH one already. When the nights are properly drawing in I'll sit down to read / plan!

I hate thinking about Christmas until after fireworks night !! But I have to admit that I have just booked for us to go away as a family to a lovely county house with spa!! On there Xmas package for three nights !! Arrive Christmas Eve leave on the 26th. Then what a bonus my lovely father-in-law who’s nearly 90 and coming with mil sent us a cheque to pay for us all to go!! So we will only have to pay for the drinks and spa treatments and activities. I’m really looking forward to it. Fingers crossed for a light covering of snow.

I’ve been buying presents. Kids have started their lists and I’m thinking about Christmas Eve boxes

Now the kids' birthdays are done and they've spent their birthday money, I'm encouraging them to start their lists (purely for my benefit!) so they don't forget to ask for something nearer the time.

Craziness, don't wish your lives away. You don't know what is around the corner, enjoy every season. Take it from someone who "couldn't wait for xxx" and realised life is for now too late

Yes thank you stuck for assuming we wishing our lives away. 🙄

@stucknoue you're taking it a bit seriously with the wishing your life away comment.

God how I miss the poncetastic Christmas threads

What I like about this thread is that the posters find it a happy place. I, like most, have had tragedy and loss, and some Christmases full of pain. I truly cherish every season (though menopause and this summer's heat have not been fun) Though i look forward to christmas, there is nothing wrong with having hope for the future and a little bit of magic in everyone's lives and spreading cheer to those in need.