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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

What are you doing for Christmas this week?

410 replies

Deliveroo · 05/10/2025 15:00

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?

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AliasGrape · 06/10/2025 11:45

I've made my Christmas cake a few weeks back, earlier than I usually do but last year I forgot all about it until a few weeks before and the resulting cake wasn't great so I've overcompensated this year. We moved house this year and have somehow lost the little figures I usually decorate it with though, so if I remember this week I'll start to look for some replacements.

Already ordered tickets for the panto and the 'Santa special' train ride we did last year which was brilliant so we fancied it again. My relative who comes from abroad has booked her flight tickets so we know the dates we're working with, and we know we're hosting the in-laws as usual. Mother in law always provides the turkey and a desert which she tells me she's already ordered from M&S.

I've got a cupboard I start putting food bits by in, at the moment it's only got the cake and a jar of cherry jam. I'll start adding a few bits to each shop I think - might start with a bottle of Baileys and one of Advocat!

I've done a few of the 'delivering joy' tags from Dunelm this year, where you pick a tag off the tree and buy a present for that person who might not otherwise get any. We picked three, and I've bought most of the stuff for them so I'll get that finished and dropped off this week, and then start thinking about shopping for friends and family.

I've got a notebook with a few lists going of who I'm buying for, already had the conversation with DH that we're going to book a night away together in January rather than do presents this year so that's one sorted. I've ordered something for my nephew which I need to go and collect, but still have the bulk of presents to buy. DD has told us what she'll be asking Father Christmas for already, but I don't want to jump yet as she has form for last minute changes of heart! So I'll do everyone else first I think this time. I've picked a couple of little stocking fillers up as I've seen them for her, so the challenge is going to be remembering where I've stashed them.

Today I've ordered an Advent candle. This week I'm also going to order the school Christmas cards - you know the really overpriced ones where they get them to do a finger print tree (or robins this year) and then you pay to have the cards made up. We didn't bother last year as the picture was absolutely crap, but this year's is quite cute so we will get a pack just for grandparents and a few neighbours who appreciate them.

I've listed last year's Christmas jumpers, PJs and party dress on Vinted already - I held on to them on the off chance that they'd fit DD again this year but no. A few bits have sold, so I'm posting them today along with a few other things, so this week I'll have a look through and use the balance to order her some in her current size.

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 06/10/2025 12:00

@AliasGrapeyou have inspired me to try Vinted as having lost weight my collection of Christmas sequins and jumpers etc no longer fit.

I sorted through DD’s party wear at the weekend and have sent a bag to a friend’s daughter who’s a couple of years younger.

Openmouthinsertfood · 06/10/2025 13:13

ObtuseMoose · 06/10/2025 09:37

I do hope you're joking but if not won't everything be dusty and a bit sad by the time it's actually Christmas?

I can dust still. 😂I usually have ornaments out anyway, they've just been replaced by Christmas ones. The tree is artifical so won't droop or go sad. The presents were either on top of my wardrobe gathering dust, or wrapped and placed under the tree. No llittle ones to poke holes in! 😅I very much enjoy Christmas and want it to last as long as possible. I started my Christmas knitting for this year in January!

ITSSSSCHRISTMASSS · 06/10/2025 13:42

I pulled out the Christmas suitcase ( a vision of delight) and had a clear out of old Christmas jumpers and other bits and made a note of who is needing something new. I donated any outgrown bits.

I really want to start wrapping this week, I’ve usually started by now so feeling a little behind in this area.

Only got 3 “must have” gifts to get so I’m keeping an eagle eye out for price drops.

What are you doing for Christmas this week?
Paradoes · 06/10/2025 13:46

I wasn't planning on doing anything but sat eve I got the kids to write their lists so I ordered several lego sets, football stuff, cosy stuff ,(blanket and 'cool socks')

Sp I'm happy with that. I'm eyeing up a nice faux tree for the living room .. a little two foot one with a red bow for a particular side table. I buy one small item every year. Last year it was cow bells. 🐄 🔔

TralalaTralalee · 06/10/2025 13:49

This week I’m clearing out the playroom - the toys they don’t use anymore go to the charity shop, I can think about what gaps they have, plus clear space for new toys.

newusernamex1000 · 06/10/2025 13:57

I have nearly finished my toddlers Christmas presents, I just need to do her stocking and December box.

I have ordered my daughter’s first present and started on my grandsons. I have another 2 adult DC to buy for too.

Luckily I have been saving all year so I will mostly order things online.

Elle771 · 06/10/2025 14:03

Made DS gift ideas list for family (to avoid duplicates)... booked panto and couple of local santa things.... bought small bits/stocking fillers from vinted and confirmed with everyone who is going where and when so can sort annual leave!

ranoutofquinoaandprosecco · 06/10/2025 14:47

Ooh love this thread, I had a good week last week all advents ordered and I’ve been through my stocking filler stash which I add to all year round and have added what I need to get to my list!
I remember I bought some lovely mini jewellery boxes in the Oliver Bonas summer sale so those are for my friends I also got my sils a present from there too.

My DH has his birthday in December but has form for buying himself stuff from now on, so I’ve told him I need some ideas and we’ve ordered a watch he wants for his Christmas present.

My DD has very usefully (and hopefully!) given me a PowerPoint slide with some suggested gifts for her that even link in to the correct size and or shade!

I also went through my food cupboards last week and I’m pleased to hear that I’m not the only one with a Christmas treat stash!

I also had a trip into Leeds and had a nice wander where I got some Christmassy house bits from Sosander Green.

This week, I want to get my notes out from last year and also update my present spreadsheet then DH starts shopping around once hopefully the deals start!

JustAMiddleAgedDirtBagBaby · 06/10/2025 14:50

deirdrerasheed · 05/10/2025 15:11

I bought my daughter a present but gave it to her. Its not going very well!

I have form for buying people presents and then eating them, so you're doing better than that, at least.

WhineAndWine1 · 06/10/2025 16:20

I have started my Christmas list to send to my DH and that’s about it. Going to my parents like every Christmas so no cooking or planning needed for the day. I just need to get treats in for the house and I have seen two things I would like to bake.

Taurielwasntinthebook · 06/10/2025 19:34

I’ve sorted through some of my Christmas bags and found the wrapping paper, which is now ready for anything I buy. I’ve been looking to see what to buy the grandchildren. One due in November. I’ll buy a lovely wooden toy for him to grow into I think.
I’ve also chatted to my friend about Christmas cake making as we always make it together at my house, then bake it and meet up at mine again to decorate it in December.
I found my Christmas notepad today too, so I’ll start planning food etc.
I’m on a bit of a budget though because I’ve been out of work for a couple of months so trying to be careful.

MuddlingAlong1234 · 06/10/2025 19:38

Went shopping for none Christmas related items. But managed to pick up a couple of stocking filler items. And over the weekend de cluttered unused items. Feeling very productive!

Cherryrainbow · 07/10/2025 22:06

I bought the kids wrapping paper and the advent calendars this week.

Turns out my mum is making us a food hamper for Xmas so when we were in tesco we put some snacks aside for it (pistachio lindor, cherry cookies, pretzel mix etc)

I've also found a perfume scent i like ready to recommend as a present lol 😆

Barney16 · 07/10/2025 22:10

Looked on Amazon for bargains. Bought some things but unfortunately they were all for me 🙂

BlueWorkDay · 07/10/2025 22:16

DD's Christmas PJs arrived today (these ones not fancy, but she'll like them).

Aside from that I'm thinking about what I want for Christmas as I'm in the (lucky) position that I don't really want for anything and the (unlucky) position that my house if full of stuff - and I know my parents and in-laws will ask soon... nice handwash (from Plum and Ashby) and a new backpack for hand luggage/my work laptop are top of the list.

Oh and I got a couple of bits for DD's stocking from the Tate Britain shop at the weekend!

FurForksSake · 08/10/2025 07:41

I’ve seen m&s have some Christmas food pyjamas and I’m tempted.

lazyarse123 · 08/10/2025 11:17

BlueWorkDay · 07/10/2025 22:16

DD's Christmas PJs arrived today (these ones not fancy, but she'll like them).

Aside from that I'm thinking about what I want for Christmas as I'm in the (lucky) position that I don't really want for anything and the (unlucky) position that my house if full of stuff - and I know my parents and in-laws will ask soon... nice handwash (from Plum and Ashby) and a new backpack for hand luggage/my work laptop are top of the list.

Oh and I got a couple of bits for DD's stocking from the Tate Britain shop at the weekend!

Love those pyjamas.
We have retired to a park home so absolutely no room for anything else. Didn't stop me last year buying one of those extendable reindeer ornaments that I'd always wanted. During the year he has to stand on a cabinet in our spare room (also known as the big cupboard). So i can look at him any time i want.
We only have each other to buy for and 3 adult kids as they are all single currently. I've so far got 3 vinyls, 2 lynx kits which apparently are a must have and a body shop gift card. Just need to wait for pay day to get some more.

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 08/10/2025 11:46

The bargain thread pointed out 20% off TU clothing so ordered Christmas Eve pyjamas for everyone staying over. Substantial saving on 10 pairs!

Mikart · 08/10/2025 12:10

We are going to a remote cottage just the 2 of us so I've made a list of food to get from COOK...20% off this month.

Belladog1 · 08/10/2025 12:16

I actually bought some presents this week!! I'm not normally so organised, but a few bits popped into my head and I decided to research and then bought them.

I got my mum a lovely leather handbag as I had a voucher to use.

I got my dad a planter for the back garden. I bought him one many many years ago, and every year he has to repair it as its falling apart, but he loves it because I bought it. So I got him a replacement.

I bought my partner an Edinburgh casting kit so we can do the 'holding hands' thing. And also a silly penguin pebble to keep on his home desk as we keep saying we are penguins who stay together for the rest of our lives.

Get me!!!!

Edited to say, I also bought a christmas sweatshirt from Shein for £5.99 to wear on the day.

MrsWhites · 08/10/2025 16:44

Bought a few bits from the Amazon prime days for my son.

Made a Christmas gift spreadsheet to keep an eye on budget and to record where I have hidden everything.

Got the M&S food catalogue this morning so I’m going to have a look through that this evening - not sure I am ready to spend £50 on a pie though! 🤯

pinkksugarmouse · 08/10/2025 19:08

I pre-ordered a Christmas present for DH. The new Philip Pullman book.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 08/10/2025 19:25

Nothing, since we’re going to be away. But as soon as we’re back I shall be making my Delia’s 🎄 mincemeat. 🙂

cosyblankethome · 08/10/2025 19:31

Cleared the garage freezer so far. Made a list of ready meals for between Christmas and New Year (the only time we eat them) and I will pick up one or two a week from the start of next month. I’ll add in extras like garlic bread, bacon etc. basically anything I can buy in advance and freeze. I hope M&S party food is out soon so I can buy and freeze. I picked up my Christmas toilet paper last weekend!

I also updated my M&S order now everyone is happy with turkey and ham and I added a Yule log.

I’ve made a gift list but I need Black Friday for it. Everything I am buying should be on a BF deal somewhere. Much easier now the DC are older teens.