Being prepared in case of shortages

[GoldStarAngel]

We have an artificial tree. I have wrapping paper and sellotape and stocking gifts all sorted plus some potential big gifts just in case that I will roll over for birthdays if we can get what they ask Santa for nearer the time. I also have bought crackers and tree chocolates. Not concerned re Turkey as any roast dinner would do. What else haven’t I thought of that I might be sad not to have if there are shortages?
(Caveat - I know of the shelves are bare then Christmas is the least important thing, and o know that we are lucky to be able to afford this in advance)

Adding wine to list 😂

@LongDissidence

I'm usually such a Christmas person, but like pps, I'm thinking "well, if we're all going through harder times, I kinda want Christmas to reflect that. Let the kids see that getting everything isn't a god given right.", so I'll see how things are in December.

I do have slight wobbles, where I imagine all their friends getting tonnes of stuff that was bought months before, and feasting on Turkey and pigs in blankets, while we eat tinned soup and the kids play with paper dolls made from old magazines... but I'm sure it won't get that bad... will it?!

Ha that made me laugh Tinned soup 😂

We have had quite an ordinary roast chicken (with a hefty side of pigs in blankets) for Xmas before now - because that was what the kids asked for!

Roast chicken and something chocolatey for pud & they'll be delighted.

Really no point in us doing an M and S Xmas order.

Chestnuts always run out in our Tesco's!

Wine
Chestnuts

I think I'll pre roast the potatoes this year and see how that turns out, I can never find big potatoes in December always piddly little things that aren't worth roasting!

I was eyeing up frozen turkeys last week..... then I remembered that we live 5 miles away from a turkey farm! Panic over

Personally nothing, tree is artificial, kids are adults, local farm shops and butchers can provide whatever we need. Kids are happy with money. I will buy a few frozen bits as standbys that that's normal for me

I usually get a turkey from the local butcher, but we have to usually queue for about 2/3 hours to get it. So this year I have ordered a frozen one from Cook, with a few other frozen bits. Ordered for mid December and I'm going to start clearing space in the freezer. Will be more frozen goods this year, rather than relying on all fresh.

Have got the advent calendars for the kids. Xmas paper hopefully coming in the online shop next week. Most of the kids presents been purchased, although doing a lot less this year. Also gone for a stocking bundle which arrived this week and stuff for £26 is really good, so pleased stockings also sorted

Oh and for those who aren't interested in preparing in advance that's fine. I don't need to justify it and I am not stressed, just planning ahead this year.

Perhaps get off a Xmas thread, in the Xmas section, about Xmas preparations if it isn't your thing. Just saying

Merchant Gourmet chestnuts in a vacuum pack are nice, have long dates on them, bought 2 packs yesterday, & they both have a 2023 date. Good substitute if you can’t get fresh, think they are available in most big supermarkets.

@DirtyDancing - could I ask where you got the stocking bundle from?

Dirty dancing - where did you get the Xmas paper and advent calendars from please ?

Gold star angel- where did you get crackers please ?

@lovescats3 I got them from Amazon

I'm buying a bottle of Prosecco every week and storing it in the garage. I can't get through Christmas with my mum in law if I'm sober😜😁

Cravey and Vanilla spice candle - i can't get the daffodil emoji to come up so

thank you Gold star angel

Last year, I couldn’t find ginger bread house kits anywhere. We ended up making them ourselves - tasted lovely but was so much faff. Luckily I found some in B&M last week so didn’t hesitate to buy some.
I’ve also been getting the children’s presents a few a week just to spread the cost. Oh and stocking fillers whenever I see anything.

Oh I forgot - I’ve also bought a few packs of ground almonds and icing sugar!!

[quote NigelSlatersXmasTaters]@RockingMyFiftiesNot it still doesn't work like that, prepping is not the same panic buying.

Anyway, stop ruining my florentine vibe. [/quote]
I can HIGHLY recommend Asda’s florentine’s. I don’t normally shop there, but I do pop in for these every Christmas. They’re the best I’ve ever had.

We’ve just put a leg of lamb, small gammon joint and some sausage meat in the freezer - we will have whatever veg is around at the time or if it’s really dire just have something else on the day and have the meat another time so it won’t be wasted.
I’ve got dh two presents, ds (age 4) a couple of stocking bits (books from charity shops and little bits like slime etc) and 2 slightly bigger presents so if I couldn’t get anything else it would be absolutely fine on that front.
I will buy some quality street, wrapping paper and a bottle of Buck’s Fizz but apart from that I’m not worried about not being able to get all the things we usually would.

@Blabla81 better than Aldi florentines?!

Going to try them - florentine blindfolded taste test sound like a good xmas prepping game actually! Thanks

[quote NigelSlatersXmasTaters]@Blabla81 better than Aldi florentines?!

Going to try them - florentine blindfolded taste test sound like a good xmas prepping game actually! Thanks [/quote]
Yes, I believe they are nicer - I think they’re the extra special ones. Oh dear - I really want to now - am going to have to go tomorrow and see if they’ve got some in stock yet. Blind taste test sounds like a brilliant, yet essential idea!! 😂

*sone

*some 🤦🏽‍♀️. I want SOME 😂

[quote NigelSlatersXmasTaters]@Blabla81 better than Aldi florentines?!

Going to try them - florentine blindfolded taste test sound like a good xmas prepping game actually! Thanks [/quote]
Bit blurry, but these are the ones. They are a mix of milk, dark and white chocolate and they have a perfect amount of orange peel. Not too crunchy and not too soft - just perfect.

We'll be making do with M and S florentines - definitely not eating them till Xmas as I enjoy the actual thought of having them in my stash.