Hi CC, me and DH gave up on New Years Eve and I haven't touched one since, he's had a couple.
We decided on the date, got patches on the NHS, they itched like crazy but really did work as I ran out after one week and threw a mega wobbly when my Mum wouldn't give me a ciggy, I was astonished at how addicted I was and how I behaved to get a nicotine kick - she wouldn't give in but sent me to bed while she went and got more patches
I'd say to anyone giving up, do it when you're ready to do it for good, if you're only half hearted about it it won't work. Be prepared to put on weight but don't deal with that at the same time, quit smoking first and then put the money you save into joining a gym, you'll feel fantastic.
7 months on I feel so much better, my life is not controlled by when and where I can have my next cigarette. Good luck quitters!