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 😅

Dreaming of the days shortening and darker nights leading up to Christmas and the effing sun not in my eyes every time I look out. No I haven’t bought anything yet but the sheer joy of it all xx

Fuck no. Even the thread title gave me a jolt...the expectation, expense, organisation of it all.
I'd be happy with a little tree, a nice meal and one token well thought out gift for all. Done.

But no. We're starting in July.

We're all different of course but ugh.

Not started yet… but in my head, I’m plotting! 🎄

Im retiring soon, so I’m planning to adapt a lot of my decs around not having a tree (puppy would wreck a tree) like she’s wrecked everything else Got plans for the big mirror, mantle piece, etc.
Im really looking forward to it this year, I’ve never had decent time to faff with decs or anything Christmas. It’s always seemed a chore, so quite excited!
Not too long to go - 153 days?

We were out yesterday evening, and I was so pleased to see it darkening earlier than bloody 10pm. It’s also been much cooler, so I can snuggle in bed and sleep better! Yippee!

I’ve started watching Christmas in July crafting videos. And I intend to start painting my own Christmas cards any day now. Bought the paints and cards in 2022, so I’m ready to go when inspiration strikes.

You don’t have to start now if you don’t want to. 😊

Oh, I wish I was artistic! Lucky you!

If I sent anyone something that I had painted, they’d think it was hate mail😁

I used to sit next to a boy at Primary, who could sketch like a dream… I only sat next to him to see if it would rub off on to me ( it really didn’t!)

I rely heavily on a slightly imperfect aesthetic and the charity of the recipients 😆

Oh I know. It’s so hot here in London and expected to get hotter during the week, peaking to silly temperatures next weekend. Ffs. Love how it’s darker by 9pm. Roll on Halloween I say x

I with you on that! 🙌

I started in the christmas sales last year. Bought christmas pjs in the next size up so she can have a new pair, craft kits so we have things to do in the run up (conveniently since im due with my second in November so will be something for her to do whilst im sorting the baby), in the next sale I bought pjs, outfit and hat/snood set to put away whilst they were cheap, did a massive order of little bits before her birthday and split the order so I have lots of stocking bits (like pencil sharpener, notebooks, mini puzzles etc). Also stocked up on the aldi books of paddington/percy park keeper last time they had them in.

Might not keep all of this for christmas , and some might be kept until her birthday or next christmas but I like having little bits to get out.

Also managed to get the baby a christmas outfit and cardigain from the next sale that I wouldnt have paid full price for but could justify at half price.

Yes I have a T-shirt for my ds and some bookends that arrived today for dd and dh

Could you put your tree on a table? Ours goes on our coffee table in the corner of the room since having our child (dog was never fussed luckily) to give us more floor space and helped by moving the fragile baubles higher so they could still be displayed. Bonus is the presents can be stored under it or on top so its not so spread out.

I tried to find somewhere last year and gave up! She’s a German Shepherd so can reach most things on her hind legs!
My plan is to wire some baubles & lights into the long strips of green foliage for going over the mantle and round the mirror. Hopefully too high for the madam to get at!

Yes I’ve just started . Bought the Liberty AC for me and have bought a few stocking filler bits . I have also done a list of who’s having what this year to stop me aimlessly wandering around hoping to find something . Pleased to be organised . No children to buy for .

I’ve started! Dd and Ds are both grown up but I enjoy treating them and I have a lot of others to buy for plus also do all my parents shopping. So need to start early.

I got mum some bits in build a bear sale online in June for younger grandchildren.

I want the Chelsea Peers carousel pjs for mum for my dd but can’t bring myself to spend full price even though it’s not my money. Will keep an eye on them.

For myself I’ve got dd and ds their traditional jelly cat each and a few stocking bits that I’ve been adding into my normal shop. Stuff like car air fresheners, star face stickers and nose strips and lynx.

Dd has got Six tickets but probably for her birthday. I’d love to get her a Hope Macaulay cardigan. She’s 24 and still at home (PhD student) but is paid well so doesn’t need anything. Would love to actually see one in real life though as unsure of sizing.

No idea for ds. Plus will be his 21st birthday soon. He’s also a student but much further away. Wears what I buy him and doesn’t care if it’s a brand or from Asda. Still have a good while to think!

Yes! I spent a couple of days in London with my youngest son and bought a few Xmas presents whilst we were there

@nicky2512there was a thread on here with someone buying one and it looked awful after about three wears 😭 it was after the traitors and they refused a refund, I think the bank managed to get her one though 😓

OMG you are all putting me to shame! No, I haven't started (unless you count the Xmas decs that never made it up to the attic, so are still sitting in the spare room; at this point they're not going up, so that saves me a job!)

My family has birthdays at end of August and end of September so I tend to start after that.

Oh my goodness! I missed that. Must look. That would definitely put me off. I don’t mind getting her one expensive item but that price I’d expect it to be good quality.

Yeah we're all different .

And there's no gun to your head is there ?

You've had four years for the inspiration to strike you ! Tell everyone they might get a hand painted card for 2030

And check your paints haven't dried up to shrivelled little lumps of colour

I’ve taped a card to the board. I’m all ready to go. And the paints are watercolours, so should be fine.

I am not at all artistic , I wouldn't have got as far as buying the paints , let alone tthe planning . My sister is very artistic , I cannot even begin to compete

Many years ago I bought a sewing kit that was a tree skirt with beads , threads and a pattern of a steam train with teddy bears , presents etc.
It was lovely but I had to commit many hours to sewing it (used to dry an hour at a time )
I don't think I finished it , still had the railway tracks to do .
It must be in the attic .
One day I will finish it and insist my DC take it for when they have children.
No tree here now : Cats .

Yes I buy throughout the year as low income so easier to spread it and less panic about spending loads end of the year. Also the kids birthdays are Sept and oct so when I get to sept and go through stuff I can set things aside for either birthday or Xmas. I'd say my daughters pretty much sorted, just waiting for the k pop demon hunter dolls to come out. My sons age and interests means it's generally online hauls lol 😆

I have to admit I love watching those what I bought my kids for Xmas videos on YouTube lol 😆 I'm hoping to do a Xmas shop in Manchester shopping centre this year for family gifts x