In preparation for Christmas today I will……

[Beautifulsunflowers]

…….organise the freezer space and get if it stops raining I’ll go into town to WHSmiths to hopefully get the dark chocolate toblerone for ds’s stocking. I’m also going to make a few more Pom poms for my Pom Pom wreath.

Whst are you all doing today in preparation for the big day?

I thought about reserving a Christmas delivery or click and collect shop. Started added things to basket and realised I actually love going into the shop at Christmas and putting things in the trolley we don't usually buy. So cancelled it.

Today I may wrap presents for my DPs to take up to them in 10 days.

I will also discuss with DH whether it is worth sending back the towel turbans we purchased off Amazon for my DDs which were meant to be 1 blue, 1 purple, but have arrived 1 grey and 1 pink. Neither will want the pink one, and we ordered those particular ones due to the colours.

Hahah definitely counts as a positive action.

I have a list of shops to go to between October and December every year. Not because I need anything from them, nor do I expect to even buy anything in them (I rarely actually reach for the plastic because I don't see things that are exactly right and I don't want that). The point is that it satisfies an itch and it makes me feel Christmassy and like I've checked everywhere and I'm not missing anything. If I look online I see the same products and they look lovely and I want to buy. If I go in store I a) have had a cooling off over whether I really want b) see that they are a bit shit in real life and not worth buying.

It actually STOPS me buying as much as I might online. Which sounds bonkers.

Online shopping kills the joy of it all and finding that perfect thing in the shops.

Do nothing as it's November!

Always amazes me when someone comments on a thread in the Christmas board saying it's only November. It's 6 weeks till Christmas. I wouldn't have the time, money and energy to leave it all till December.

Christmas slot for Waitrose was booked last month, but I keep adding bits to it. A lot of the Christmas meats are already sold out.

I've been to Aldi this morning and got one of their Christmas brochures. Also picked up a few stocking fillers for DD. Putting together a wellness hamper and a food hamper for her which is coming along a treat. Have noticed a massive increase in prices from last year (especially in the cheaper shops like Aldi and B&M - they are no longer cheap shops really)

Off to make more lists (and tick some things off which is always a nice feeling)

Would love to see a rough agenda of what you do in the three short weeks of December to be ready for Christmas Day?

I wrapped my husbands presents, another is arriving today!

Checked down the last presents we need to get. One can't be ordered until December, the rest just need me to go out and get them! I know everything still to get.

@hollyblueivy I might put up my Christmas tree a few days before Christmas and buy a few gifts. But that's it.

I've just had my carpets cleaned. Most things are ordered, including the wrapping paper etc. I need to do a deep clean of the living room but that will wait until nov 25/26th. This year the tree goes up sometime during the last week of Nov as our 1st Christmas hosting is that 1st weekend of December. I love Christmas and it takes some planning!

I could definitely take a leaf out of your book and simplify my expectations.

I think it depends on whether or not people host, on how many they host for, or if they have loads of people to buy gifts for, or family here, there and everywhere making Christmas more difficult logistically. Add in small children, elderly parents, work, possibly disabilities, etc etc and it's understandable that some people might have a lot more plates to spin than others.

I personally consider December a month of hygge and I do my very best to not have anything to think about but actually seeing friends and family and cooking for the big day (which I share with DH and at least one DD). I get very stressed very easily and can become overwhelmed if I'm not careful (ADHD), even though our Christmases are actually very low-key. So I prioritise prep in November in order to not have to worry about anything in December.

Many people also prefer to spread the cost.

Today I started my Christmas spreadsheet, which I have been keeping since 2016. Who I buy for, budgets, cost, etc its COLOUR CODED

Love doing it but over the years its become smaller as I used to buy for my nieces and nephews but now dont

Still like doing it though

Finally made the cake this morning. Means the fruit has had an extended boozy soaking though, so it should be a good one!

I’ve done my M and S and Waitrose food orders, just a few bits.

Bought my wrapping paper, individual cards (just for very close family), gift tags, some shortbread biscuits, Turkish delight.

Also felt it was my Yuletide duty to sample some Aldi Ballycastle mince pies......they definitely pass quality control 😋

I'm half wrapped.

Just have about five people left to buy for.

I do this every year I love it

I made a start on knitting a camel for dh today.

For years now, I have knitted or crocheted a toy to go in his stocking - it started as a gag gift and now it’s a tradition. He mainly works from home, which makes it a bit harder to keep it a secret, but he is away today, so I have taken the opportunity to cast on Balthazar’s tummy and sides. If he isn’t away much between now and Christmas, I will have to do lots of surreptitious knitting, and hide it under a cushion whenever he hoves into view!

I did just buy a Guinea pig pin badge on Etsy for DD(20) but I suspect I will end up giving it to her for her birthday on November 29th. Her dad and her stepdad and I went halves to get her the costly gift she asked for but I do want to give her something on the day even if it’s really tiny.

When I go to town tomorrow I intend to go to my local Boots because I have been told that they have a good vegan gift range this year. I have a singing teacher who has given me so much confidence through the year and I want to look into what I could get for her too. Not Boots 2 for 1 obviously I actually like her. 😆

I bought a present for DD and family’s cats. 😻

I'm making room in the attic for the Santa haul which is due to arrive on Monday

Nothing today but last night I ordered wrapping paper, tags and cards, I love wrapping.

Finished making the advent calendars. And filled them. The youngest child is 27.

I'm my own worst enemy!

Today I cleared out and re organised the kids playroom and did a charity shop run with all the toys they're done with. Tree and decorations go up 3 weeks tomorrow, so plan to have the house deep cleaned and most gifts bought and wrapped by then

Started a Christmas drawer of edible goodies like M&S chocolate rounds, crackers, nuts, dried cranberries (for stuffing), Baileys and two lightup tins as thank you presents.

Planning to declutter and spring clean lounge this weekend before putting up fairylights.

Bought a frankincense candle and room spray for December.

Need to make a present list. Love Christmas and all the traditions, just always so last minute so this year going for better planning and calm.🤞

Absolutely nothing, but I'm making the cake tomorrow and will probably rewatch old smartshow 3d videos to see which family pictures I've already used.

Today I’m going into the big city near me. We are going there for dinner - been planned for ages but it coincides with the Christmas lights switch in and the Christmas market opening!! So a glass of mulled wine may be on offer! And a mooch around the shops so who knows what I’ll find!