What are you doing for Christmas this week?

[Deliveroo]

Disclaimer - yes I know it’s early, but this is the Christmas Board.

Over the years I’ve worked out a 12 week plan for myself so I can get it all done a little bit at a time. Last week was for reading back over my notes, starting my lists, putting aside money for gift cards (I don’t buy them until December but I put the cash in a card now), and dropping off a bag of unwanted Halloween bits from last year to the charity shop.

This week I have to have the who’s going where conversation so I can get stuck into menu planning. We typically host or visit one set of parents, and then have another family get together on each side too. I need those dates on the calendar so the teens can fit their much more exciting social lives around them.

What will you do for Christmas this week?

Had my eye on some Fatface PJs and was waiting for the sales to buy. Boden PJs wnet on sale half price so I bought those instead and collected today from my local Waitrose (very impressed with the next day click & collect service!)

Three parties danced at, last two cakes ic-ed, and baubles on the outside tree...

plus cards written and delivered/posted, local gifts delivered, gifts/food ready to load into car, my bags packed (DH will clearly do his 5 mins before we leave), ice cream and nibbles made and frozen for an easy return day, random requests for "can you just bring" accommodated for, washing done. Wreaths mostly made I just need to go steal some berries from the neighbours as the blackbirds have ravaged our holly

I have a day and a half to get the house reasonably clean and do a couple of outside things that really can't wait for another week. (DH is on duty so may or may not be available to help). Do-able I think. I have opened the Stambecco to celebrate.

I will have forgotten something.

Cooking the gammon Ham right now - first time trying in a pressure cooker. Really fancy a glass of Mulled Wine - but am on pick up duty for someone else who has an emergency GP appointment in three hours or so time!!

Haven’t been on this thread in a wee while, work has been so busy but I have finished for Christmas now 😊

Stayed up until 3am last night after work wrapping the last of the presents, only 1 left (couldn’t reach it as I’d hidden it away and it was too far back in my wardrobe). Will do that tonight.

M&S collection this evening. Few bits and bobs left to buy which I will try to get when I go for the collection- whatever I don’t get will be picked up tomorrow morning. Trying not to make a big fuss of it today.

My parents are coming around tomorrow morning but all their gifts are wrapped so not much prep to do for that.

Planned to go out today with the kids but everyone seems to be hanging onto this persistent cough, so staying indoors nice and warm instead to hopefully prevent everyone being sick on Christmas Day.

I was by myself throughout Christmas and New Year. I bought myself a dinner and watched movies and didn't really move. It can be very lonely.

Please put a bit of money away each month so you can treat yourself to a hotel next year. Preferably with a pool and sauna!

That sounds lovely, although I'd really miss my cats! :)

@YourBrickTiger perhaps it’s a chance to think about how you mark the season and what you want from it this year. Not necessarily going away, but looking into options for not being alone. Maybe joining some local groups over the year would give you some opportunities for company over the festive season? Perhaps a local restaurant does a meal for people on their own? Perhaps you want to volunteer? Or maybe you want to just find a way to find peace in the solitude and acceptance of the situation?

I think I'm just trying to find my way after such a hard time. I'm not sure what I'd like to do but will definitely explore some different options. Thank you!

It’s so easy for Christmas to just plonk in your lap and not to have planned it or thought how you’ll cope / celebrate / enjoy it.