So… have you started yet?

[redballerina]

I kind of started today 🫣 but only because I went into Home Bargains and they had some things that would make great stocking fillers, so I bought them to put away for stockings. I’ve also bought one bargain off Vinted. Has anyone else started yet? I’d love to feel less crazy for getting bits now 😅

I was disappointed with what I found for DS's stocking last year (apart from the obligatory chocolate coins and marzipan fruit), so I've been buying things that catch my eye since February.

Not on presents. Have booked the leave I would like and arranged theatre tickets.

I have done quite a bit. I've been having a tricky year and its been a bit of a displacement activity. I'm actually hoping its also going to make me feel less stressed later in the year when work gets particularly busy in the autumn.

I love Christmas & I have little boxes that I pop bits & bobs in if I see anything in shops any time during the year. I always buy crackers/ cards / wrapping paper if needed - in the sales just after Christmas!
Makes it less stressful I reckon … 😀

Yep, bought some Christmas books from Vinted for my 3 small grandchildren to go in their Advent bags (we have a family lunch on the Sunday nearest to the 1st December and the children have a bag each containing Christmas jumpers, pyjamas, socks, books, stickers etc to use over advent) 🎅

I assume they also get presents on Xmas Day too?

I've bought a few bits in the summer sales. My DC are adults so I know what they like. A handbag for DD2, an retro gaming thing for DS and some bits and bobs for stockings (everyone staying overnight on Christmas Eve gets a stocking). Unless I find something absolutely perfect I will probably leave it now until my traditional shopping weekend with my SILs in November.

My adult DC get their Dec 1st Box and Christmas presents but there's a nice ease into the festive period .
I used to do a Beauty Advent Calendar for DD but it was very hard work .
So finding some small beauty and toiletries items alongside the winter pyjamas and branded underwear , in a nice ribboned box , much easier .
DD likes to use things through December to enjoy them and not overload her skin.
DS gets a years worth of socks , underwear , new loungewear ,
Both get toiletries .

Neither are that fussed by presents on the day .(Usually for DD its clothes , money for DS ) We go for trips , shows , weekend away etc.

The Christmas Trip is already booked .
Just need to look for some shows .

@LeftBoobGoneRogue
OMG yes!!
it just means they get to wear the Christmas jumpers, pyjamas and socks etc the whole of December!

The Works are selling 12 books similar to tte above for 10.00 at the moment. Bought a set for friend’s new grandchild. Also picked up some stocking fillers, stickers etc. Have decided to get Works vouchers for grandkids a take them out for hot chocolates in January and to the shop to spend them. They love craft stuff and reading so should enjoy picking their own stuff.

Yes I brought a science kit for DD (4) in the Hobbycraft sale the other day.
I have quite a few stocking fillers for her already in Jan sales I brought- bubble bath, bluey body wash and a Moana doll. Then a couple of weeks ago I found bingo make your own bracelet sets in Tesco for £2 so popped one of them in the trolley. Some stationary in the smiggle sale last week along with some scrunchies, a water bottle and a bouncy ball.
Then a brought a couple of Bluey tops from character.com sale last week which will either be Xmas presents or if I end up with too much stuff will just go in her wardrobe.

I dont do xmas at all.
But i am waiting for the MN chrstmas threads.

They haven’t left my tescos since last Christmas!! Have been an ever-present with ‘sale prices’ at Easter, and again a few weeks ago which I guess was for teacher-presents. I imagine they will remain until this Christmas now, although I haven’t checked dates on the tubs to see if they truly are last years Christmas stock!

I did notice last year when I bought tubs of Celebrations/Heroes how they had shrunk . I could feel the difference in the tub depth .

Wonder if they'll do the same this year ? Or increase price . Or reduce weight ?

I ordered teen DD some tops from the Cotton On sale. She also has a December birthday so I buy make up and beauty stuff all year round if I see something I know she likes on offer. No way could I afford the stuff if I bought it in one go.

Nope

Annual Xmas Train trip was booked months ago - also been saving a regular amount for Xmas spends since December. Other than that - not bought anything yet!

I suppose I should mention booking the pantomime in March. We always go and the theatre gives a discount if you book in the Spring.

Yes, panto booked and my advent calendar ordered. I’ve got a gift list app and I’ve been thinking and making notes in there. I’d already said last year to the teenager that we are having a very reduced Christmas as I’m done with tat and he’s onboard with that so told him the theme is something to read, something to wear, something he wants and something he needs. He’s ok with that and has said he’s rather a holiday or weekend away so we will do that instead.

Ooh! Yes - forgot about the panto - that was booked by DD and paid for quite a while back.

Christmas pj's and jumpers from the next sale, still plenty left too!

Well, does it count that I bought Xmas cards and wrap in the post Xmas clearance?

Bought my first "proper" present in May, have a few small things squirrelled away from before that - if I see something and think "oh that looks nice" I grab it.

Usually move up a gear in September.

I used to shop throughout the year fur Christmas- if I saw something I knew someone would like I’d buy it. Now my kids are early 20s and want money more than anything so the present pile is vastly reduced so don’t now. If going abroad to see family I will get something for them any time of year. Then it’s a matter of remembering that I did and where I put it!

I bought tickets for Six the musical for DD. No choice but to start early as they go on sale so far in advance!

I have been going through my fabric stash this morning as I want to make some Christmas placemats and a tree skirt. And some flowery purses for DNieces. And a useful work bag for schoolteacher in the family. And finish another tote bag for another teacher. Hmm…I’d want to get started on all that!