Here we go again...Countdown to Christmas 2026 (Thread 1)

[NoWordForFluffy]

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Evening!

I'm a bit tipsy and very tired, but it's been a good day.

Round 2 tomorrow with the roast dinner!

Hello all!
Loving all the christmas walks you're all going on, i just havent been able to motivate myself. We walked to asda this morning, was hoping for some wrapping paper and christmas card bargains but was very disappointed!
I suggested going to the cathedral to my DS and his reply was "its a lovely idea Mum but its just too cold!" Hes only 7 😂
We still have turkey leftovers so its sweet and sour turkey tonight with rice and broccoli!!

Operation tidy up today, 3 bags in the car to take to the charity shop tomorrow.

Our local Tesco had some stocking filler bits in the sale but nothing I thought would suit anyone I buy for. I did get a maple sausage roll wreath reduced which was lovely and I’ll look out for next year.

Just a tip for fellow prep ahead fans, the last few years I started a spreadsheet with gifts bought, food orders, what we ate each day and notes for the next year. It helps loads with planning the menu when you know what everyone liked/disliked or where you ordered from. The notes of what we do/don’t need are also helpful as you don’t end up with too much wrapping paper or not enough money wallets!

I’ve decided on a white theme for next year (this year was burgandy and gold). I have a collection of white Scandinavian tea lights in the shape of houses for the mantle and table. The tree has all sorts on it but I’ll stick to white lights (this year it was white and red lights). Our turkey and ham (for Boxing Day) was delicious so same butchers for next year. Whether my DD will cook again remains to be seen!!

I took some items ( vgc ) to the Charity Shop on Saturday and some tatty things ( I would wear indoors or if I was just dodderiing about round the shops ) that weren't sellable to recycling bins .

A load of the Charity Shops round here will stop taking donations due to space restriction so I have some re cycling but I'll hang onto them another week .
They've also closed a local recycling centre ( glass and textiles ) there were 3 textile bins . Now there's one in another site . -only 0ne bin. So that won't work .I need to search out more but all I find is those Cash4Clothes sites which isn't what I'm after .

I have enough paper/recycling to give our refuse collectors a hernia .

I had to get rid of a lot of stuff last year and when I ran out of charity shops, I used Anglo Doorstep Collections. Free and easy, they take nearly everything but do check their website as it can change. You can choose a charity to donate to as well.
https://anglodoorstepcollections.co.uk

Remaining Buck’s Fizz from the fridge with scrambled eggs this morning (with leftover single cream too!) luxurious post chrimbo brekkie, what a delight. Followed by a long 3hour coastal walk!!!

I’ve used them lots of times too, brilliant and convenient.

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Evening.

Work was as expected. I really need to win the lottery so I can do my own thing instead!

I'm stiff after sitting down all day as well. Crazy how you get out of the habit so quickly!

We had a leftovers lunch. It was very nice! 😋

Evening! I’ve written my job for 2026 down, I reckon most of it will get done.

dh had a final turkey sandwich and has put the leftover ham in the fridge. I’m going to have a final piece of pork pie. Won’t be buying a giant one next year particularly with cranberries in so no one but me eats it!

we’ve had fun with the big potato games riddle pics, I’d really recommend getting one for next Christmas. They are like the national book tokens book game, a giant picture with lots of tiny sub pictures that represent the title of something. We got computer games and movies. Even the kids can manage the films as there is something for everyone. You get a scratch off card with the answers on so you can check!

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At least you got the getting back to work out of the way @NoWordForFluffy , I'm back on Monday and I'm not looking foward to it. I'm invigilating next week though so at least it will be a bit different.

@FurForksSake good shout on the games. DSIL bought us a couple of games and we had a great time on Christmas Day playing them.

I'm not sure I like "Twixtmas" I feel like we are all just waiting for something.

I'm going to put the hall decorations and stair garlands away today and give it a good vacuum.

I'm driving 260 miles today to clean my parents shower and kitchen 😔.

I actually felt Christmassy this year! Unusual for me, so I’m going to lurk along here and try and encourage myself to be Christmassy again for 2026.

@GrannyWeatherwaxsBroomstick more power to your elbow, I hope it’s an easy job.

We went for a short walk and to home bargains. We went to see if they had the hi smile tooth paste that was in ds12’s stocking. Delighted to find it was and only £1.49, so we will buy some when he uses up the stuff he has.

we are having people in for New Year’s Eve, dh has gone to collect the food for it. I’ve just bought easy buffet food and a couple of big pizzas. Hoping people will just eat drink and be merry. If it’s too much for me I’ll take myself upstairs. I’m still recovering from surgery so I need to be careful.

The Mystery Quality Street flavour has been announced !

I saw the QS stand in Bluewater John Lewis wondered if it was Matcha or Dubai Chocolate ( both very "in" and the colour of the wrapper worked )
Or Pistachio ?

No it is ................................. SPOLIER
<DrumRoll>

Pineapple .
Colour me disappointed !

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Pineapple chocolate???? WTAF?

Got some bargains in Sainsbos yesterday - little glass vases with a hyacinth bulb for £1 and ceramic pots with mini purple flowers - forgotten their name fritallaries or something for £1.35.

Gym, walk and cleaning up today. Hosting a couple of friends for drinks late afternoon then off to see in NYE at friends within walking distance at a pinch if getting a taxi home is a nightmare.

Ooh I might need to pop to Sainsbury’s! I’d really like some hyacinth bulbs and glasses.

Pineapple chocolate reminds me of these, which my BiL brings over from NZ when he visits:

https://www.sanza.co.uk/Pascall_Pineapple_Lumps_new.asp?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19561636255&gbraid=0AAAAAD_pExPN3NdBJ-G-LNb5FVECv8e-P&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsNPKBhCqARIsACm01fTonx9fnj7JoNxWcPrVmsXV7rlXLtAVStaewQPvC-nefQvxWVEWSjwaAkhbEALw_wcB

I like the sound of those bulbs too. Not sure I'm going to make it to Sainsbos though.

I'm working today. We don't get an early finish either. 😩

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Happy New Year fellow CountDowners

DH is snoring on the sofa
DD has cantered downstairs to wish me HNY and sympathise with the cats who are not enjoying the fireworks
I am knackered and going off to bed now

2026

Happy new year everyone, here’s to 2026

Happy new year! 🎆

Happy New Year one and all. Back from celebrations and watching Jools Holland as DH wants to but its pissing me off as probably filmed in July.

Happy New Year 😬xx New years resolution be less grumpy.

Jools Holland is not my kind of chap. I find him smug and fucking irritating (he speaks highly of me too!).

We watched the fireworks in Liverpool from our lounge window. The best display since we've moved here, I think. I think the wind has picked up now, so it was lucky they could do them really.

I saw Jools in concert a couple of months ago. DH's pick as I'm not really a fan. I was actually surprised by how brilliant it was. The orchestra was fab and Jools never left the stage for the entire 2 hours plus.

I still can't watch the Hootenanny but...

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I'm off again today and Monday is my usual day off, so I'm braving Liverpool with the kids (I must be mad)!

They want to spend their Christmas money which is burning a hole in their wallets. 🤣

I'm taking them to Pizza Express and they want to go to the World Museum as well (and the gift shop, no doubt!).