Making space

[SnowSurprise]

Slightly horrified at the thought of more stuff coming into our flat. We have no in built storage and [cries quietly] the DC are quite reluctant to get rid of anything. I'm panicking slightly at the thought of the tree taking up space and the DC not helping to tidy or getting more things to keep.

How much stuff do you need OP? Are you all buying more stuff for Christmas presents. We have realised that all these years we have been pointlessly buying stuff simply because it's a day that everyone tells you you have to buy stuff.

We're not doing it this year. No presents. Once you realise that you're only buying it for the sake of it, it's easy to let go. We are having a tree and decorations though as it's cheery on these dark evenings. And we're having lovely food and cheesy television, board games, walks, etc. all the rest of it. Just not the stuff.

No presents.
And you primary aged Dc are on board with this? And, more to the point, their grandparents?!

DC's gifts from us will be a new bag, clothes etc. couple of books, one thing each and a joint board game.

Taking a breather from putting the tree up

Since getting our cats , any hope of a tree is a fond memory .
Two years we put it up (no baubles , just lights on static)
Two years they mauled it into submission.

I was gutted but TBH , I don't miss the tree . I do have lights round the house though.

Now is the time to scour through things and donate some toys . I used to get round mine by saying another little boy/girl would love these (as they didn't play with them )

And have a quiet word with grandparents about the amount of presents , fine if you have room or they keep things at their house .

And you primary aged Dc are on board with this?

Yep. Totally on board. They are lucky enough to not want/need anything except clothes as they grow and they will get those throughout the year as and when needed.

And, more to the point, their grandparents?!

I don't understand why this is 'more to the point' but yes, they are totally on board. They don't want/need anything either. None of us do so we're not going to buy stuff just for the sake of it.

I don't understand why this is 'more to the point'
I mean GP's buying excessive amounts for the DC. Mine are the only DC on one side as B&SIL can't have children.

I usually buy the DC a couple of books at the beginning of the holidays, and have held back some clothes they need.

I'm tempted to get rid of what's in the attic that they haven't mentioned or asked for in a while. DD has agreed to a couple of puzzles going.

GPs won't buy excessive amounts for the DC because we have all had the conversation and agreed we'd rather not waste money buying stuff no-one wants.

Definitely go through their stuff and donate or sell. New one in old one out sort of thing. Tell grandparents only one present each.

Might be too late for this year but would grandparents be open to buying an experience and then a small token to open?

This year mine are going to legoland with my sister (we don't drive and can't afford to take them so they will be over the moon) and my mum is taking us to the zoo to see our favourite animals. Im buying my mum and her partner vouchers to go to the cinema. A whole lot less stuff but memories that will last!

Stockings I tend to get consumables for the girls.

Oh and a way we convince dd2 to get rid of anything is to have a goal of something she wants. This could be a specific toy, a coat or dvd. Or if we could all do with a clearout we sort out to sell things towards a day out.

Perhaps donate to a church appeal etc. You can donate books and so on to local charity shops as well.