Fledglings Flying into the Festive Season

[ExquisitelyDecorated]

Well here we are, December is upon us and we are settling in for the winter. We aim to follow the fly lady system, it does work if you follow it, but many of us have found that it works better if you combine it with an additional decluttering system to speed up that process. Flylady is more of a maintenance system, some combine it with other systems such as TOMM. Links at the end of the post.

These threads have been running for years, many posters have been here for a long time but new Fledglings and returners are always welcome, just jump in and ask if you don't understand anything.

Experience has taught us that these threads are only loosely about housekeeping, they are more about keeping good company and looking out for one another. So we have the naughty corner fully stocked with cushions, blankets, hot water bottles, comforting drinks and snacks, with a few sausage rolls and mince pies in a nod to the season (gluten free, vegan etc all catered for).

A few of our abbreviations and sayings:

BRC = box of random crap
Mount Washmore = out of control laundry
CHAOS = can't have anyone over syndrome
LMS / DLMS = lose my shit / didn't lose my shit
It's all gone a bit Pontypridd - it's all gone pear-shaped (some sort of spellcheck error)
No Fledgling Left Behind - there is always someone here to lend a listening ear, whether you want to have a grumble, let off steam, or just feel a bit behind or out of sorts. We recognise that many people have a lot going on in their lives, caring responsibilities, work, health conditions, general family life

So, with that, I will pop a couple of links to Flylady pages here:

www.flylady.net/ - homepage

www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/ - getting started

We suggest you do NOT subscribe to the emails, unless you want a very cluttered inbox. Ask here instead.

www.flylady.net/d/cruising-through-the-holidays/ - seasonal stuff

Morning zoo! I quite like early morning baking when it's quiet.

Red what a lovely day that sounds, I can see why you're tired. Hope your ankle isn't too sore this morning. Enjoy wrapping ~and wine~ with you friend.

Sing hope today is better, dizziness wise.

🍒👋 to everyone, we're in the downhill run to Christmas!

Ta da:
❤️ Christmas cake iced

To do:
🎄 get washing upstairs and put away
🎁 Swap one FC present between DD and GF1, after discovering GF1 doesn't like caramel 🤦
🎄 Put presents under tree
🎁 Find Room of Requirement and make up bed so DS2 and GF can stay in it
🎄 Christmas Walk, playing Spot The Christmas Tree
🎁 Christmas Eve tea
🎄 Hang stockings
🎁 Retire so FC can do his magic 🎅

Morning all, just trying out the app as my phone browser still isn't playing ball. Must get started, lots to do.

Morning everyone!

A Christmas miracle has happened and our pre-Covid cleaner volunteered to come and clean here today as a client had dropped off her list, so we have grabbed her very kind offer with both hands, so I am upstairs wrapping while she is downstairs doing all the choring I was meant to be doing this morning, which all, thanks to her, is a very good start to the day as I recoup about 2.5 hrs! And she cleans much better than me

Yesterday was NOT pleasant - started with awful stress & arguments - but ended up having a lovely evening together watching University Challenge (poor Paxo does not look well) and Wallace & Gromit and The Wrong Trousers The bit in between was grim though.

I identify with your post Zoo - it is so wearing trying to get the family to join in and help - and takes so much energy and you feel so depleted afterwards, it almost feels not worth the battle .
They are really great ONCE they start, but getting them to start is just draining frankly. And deeply annoying after all these years as they know the score But anyway, finally, we are over "the hump"...

Ta da:
-dh old home office cleared, tidied up,furniture moved around (this was a big one)
-tree is up (we are decorating this afternoon when our young relation arrives)
-on-line grocery order has arrived and been stashed away

• pant & sock crisis averted

-last domestic cards posted -local presents delivered -dining table cleared

• cleaning lady presents wrapped
• country neighbours phoned

Can't remember the rest but that was the gist of it. Getting dd and dh to take multiple pairs of shoes, clothes, cables, books, upstairs was a large chunk of it (sigh)

To do:
-make mince pies (if time)

• faddle with final decorations
• 2 more loads washing
• finish delivering neighbours cards (may delegate to dh)
• collect young relation from station (may delegate to dh!)
• - bed making (delegating to dd!!!!)
• collect turkey & cranberry sauce (may delegate to dh)
• collect sausages and ham (ditto)

-collect cheese platter (ditto)

• make minestrone and melba toast
• wrapping of our things (only a few presents this year because dd had IKEA furniture as her present!)

-research recipe because I have left my Christmas pudding at wreck 2 so making mini steamed puddings instead! -find mini steam pudding tins -iron Christmas & boxing day table cloths

Yikes, my few "final things" to do, turns out to be quite a lot of things! Had better get going again!

Wishing all fledglings a very productive day!

Hope you are not too spinny today Sing the sensation is awful!

Love the sound of your delicious baking Zoo!

Hope you slept well RedSquirrel and love the sound of your village window mince pie trail!!! I would love to do something like that here!

ED hope your dd's sixth form interview went well!
And if it's any consolation, I am at the same stage with wrapping!

Halfholly I wish I could say I couldn't eat as much, but I can eat much more sadly! Need to not do that though or He Of The Long Face might start groaning

Stillfestive Well done for cleaning your oven! I am cleaning mine after Christmas and hope it is kind to me tomorrow and doesn't smoke us out !

So sorry, can't scroll any more, so apologies to those I have missed!

That hope you are doing OK!

Have a good day everyone!

《warbles "jingle bells" in off tune sort of way》

Meant to say Zoo I am totally in awe of your ability to get a teen up and out and in the supermarket queue with you at 7.30 am! I think that deserves several all of its own!

Mmmmm, (runs chin) looking at my list, I think it is unlikely I am going to get away with all that delegating somehow!

Gah, rubs, not runs!

Sorry for essay (again)

Morning all

Lovely day yesterday, did a lot of washing up . Saw three sisters two BiLs three niblings and unexpectedly last remaining aunt (came bearing eggs and mince pies which is a great way to see an aunt).

The conversation (B-i-L's mother died couple of months ago) got onto Swedish Death Cleaning and aunt detailed all the notes she has on her computer. Including things for a trust set up by their aunt who died in 1994 which is still going because uncle is still alive. Great-Aunt M didn't want uncle's second wife getting her hands on the money so left his share in a more complicated fashion than everyone else's (this did not cause any ill-feeling At All, oh no). Don't get all bitter and vengeful, peeps.

Handed over presents and the Thing, got given lots of presents and a thank-you of a bottle of wine and niece's home-made fudge.

Car behaved itself both directions (wasn't being pushed). M1 was ridiculously busy, especially between our junction and the M69, and from the M69. Low-lying mist in Northamptonshire - passed some wind turbines whose tops were actually invisible.

LFTs done again this morning, still fine
Waiting for hair to dry before messing about with fancy clothes
Still considering faffing about with some make-up (the mask complicates things, of course)
Downloaded Covid pass and put it on phone's front page
Raided MiL's archive for black jacket because managed to leave nice smart leather jacket at home. Actually quite a nice one, better than the dark navy which made me look a bit matronly (yes, I'm aware I am a matron)

Having an early lunch before leaving to meet S1 at 1. Don't have MN on my phone so will be incommunicado. Have a good Christmas everyone, don't kill any people and don't stress over anything not done. Remember that Christmas has always been Not As Good As It Used To Be.

Happy Christmas merry have a great one! Even if it is Not As Good As The Old Days :o

I am still in bed, need to eat and then have my meds as it said after food is better. Have been looking at the OU materials that arrived this morning - exciting! I can hear Tesco has delivered, hopefully not too much was unavailable or had silly subs.

Seeeeriously need a shower/defrost legs/wash hair and also must try and wash DD1’s hair for her while keeping the cast dry!

Thanks merry that last line made me chuckle and is very important. So glad you got to see family members including the Remaining Aunt. It is a shock when one looks matronly, despite being a matron, isn't it? Any homemade fudge left 😋?

SC that is fine delegation planning, I am in awe. Sorry yesterday was hard work. Once gifts are wrapped, Dh has collected food and DD has made up beds I think you declare yourself Ready For Christmas.

I have been sent back to bed with coffee and my book, to ensure I am rested enough to do the important bits of Christmas Eve this evening.

DH has to pop up to town to get certified copies of FIL's EPA. His CT scan appointment has come through for next Thursday (30th) which suggests to me they think it is needed quickly.

I am declaring us Christmas Ready at this point*.

• Except apparently the drains have gone. FML.

Oh god wassail 😭

Tesco dude said we were the only family on his route with NO unavailables or subs!!! It’s a Christmas miracle! 😱

A miracle indeed Sing!

Hope the drains are sorted by now Wassailing.

I’m also declaring myself done. Sat with feet up while DD and DH are at PIL’s wrapping my gifts and prepping tomorrow’s food.

Ta Das:
🎁 all gifts exchanged (DH)
🎄 cake decorated
🎅 upstairs hoovered
🎁 s&s x 2
🎄 living room floor swept and mopped
🎅 cookies baked with DD and mess cleared up
🎁 stairs hoovered (DH)
🎄kitchen floor swept and mopped (DH)
🎅 final final shop done (DH)

Going to give DD an early bath while DH sorts our party food for tea. Then film, hot chocolate, DD to bed and Santa duties

Hope you all have a lovely Christmas, and manage to grab some time for yourselves after all the hard work. Have a DH tipple for me!

Why, why would Christmas autocorrect to DH??

Hello everyone and a Merry Christmas to you all.

I was a regular some years ago, led a few threads etc, but have name changed after a longish absence for a fresh start.

My 'nest' is a tip at the moment due to just having come out the other side of a massive extension. Who knew building work made so much DUST - that gets in places I didn't think was possible.

My tumbledrier was installed today, and I think its made my Christmas! (Sad I know, but I'm all about practicalities)

Got some present wrapping to do this evening and will then play about on DS's Switch.

Ooh hello, welcome back! I’ve been around a long time too, but have name changed several times :o Lovely to have a returner just in time for Christmas!

I’m still feeling dizzy - tablets have done nothing so far. But I’m feeling a little more Christmassy - we all curled up on the sofa to watch Arthur Christmas (compulsory Christmas Eve film for the Caglets!) - so so lovely to all fit on the one sofa! Cagletini has put out the little cake for Santa. She is about to go to bed with stories including the Grinch, and then we can get on with the last bits of wrapping.

Welcome back @Zireael, I've been around for a good few years on the thread under a variety of different names too. It's always nice to have Fledglings return. We totally get you on the pleasure a new tumble drier can bring .

Well, today's list is just about done, DCs are tidying their rooms so Santa doesn't break his neck and wrapping some presents for grandparents, DH is washing the crystal wine glasses that only come out at Christmas, and I have just cracked open the Quality Street.

Merry Christmas everyone

Oh Zireal you have got me wondering now ... ... lovely to see you!!! And Happy Christmas to you and yours!

Just popping in to say Happy Christmas to all Fledglings [fmile]

Hands fluffy footstool and Christmassy fleece over to StillFestive Zoo and Wassail and Hills if you happen to be lurking!

We are all exhausted. Victuals have been gathered in (half by me and half by dh). Over-sized tree has been wrestled with and decorations faddled. Last cards posted (it is quite respectable to send them well in to NY here)! Last present delivered. Last messages sent. Last Whatsapp convos had! Last two loads of washing done. Young relation collected from station after very tortuous journey indeed poor thing. She is exhausted! Minestrone soup and melba toast was made and served and enjoyed with a cheese board, as was a sort of filo slammed together apple and cinnamon rolled up thing, as was a little snifter!

Watched Shaun the Sheep - The Flight Before Christmas - fantastic

I am nominating cleaning lady for Sainthood - seriously - she did a FANTASTIC job in 2.5 hrs! She is amazing! So grateful to her! She makes everything look ... what's the word ... smooth ....!!

Mince pies NOT made. And bed-making was done collectively!

We are all crawling off to bed now (very unusually) as all of our neighbours celebrate (their Christmas is tonight!).

G'night all! Take care and have a lovely Christmas with your families and young 'uns xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Haaaaappyyyyyy Chriiisssttmass one and all!

PS I have shone my sink

So sorry you are still dizzy Sing that is rotten! Take it very slowly xxx

Merry very glad to hear that The Thing was finally procured and delivered!

Drains man finally on his way! 🥳

Walk taken, Christmas Eve tea eaten, watched The Amazing Mr Blunden, stockings hung.

I am about to show sewer to drains man and stuff stockings. DH is taking presents downstairs. Then I. Am. Done.

Merry Christmas everyone

Oh s so lovely to hear all your news.

IDLMS oh no I didn’t.

She went to the pub at 4.15pm, the carol service started at 4:30pm and was great though some couldn’t be heard. No t many came over for final unveiling which annoyed me and since I had bothered getting fairy lights for the green. Those that did come had suitable Aarhus.
I then went to Mass and got there in time to help dress the children in costumes. Lovely mass but a lot of people. Home to discover I had lost the kitchen door key. Hopefully I will find it tomorrow and I sat in the back pew so that is easy to check.
DH was still in pub I came back to find him.
He asked me about how long to cook the turkey we are having gammon too then 5mins. I went home and was going to bf but when I rang she was watching a film😳I was going up to help her wrap. Finished my own then found six more. Did those so I think the wrapping is finished. Like SC I still have four cards to deliver in the Village course DH neither wrote or delivered any. I forgot to take the presents to Mass so I have cards and parcels. I thought they were in the car. Damn.
DH came home from pub wanting his tea at 10pm and asked me about turkey weight, timings etc for about fourth time. I told him I was not thinking about that as I hadn’t finished today. Then he asked me about gammon. I DNLMS. I was pretty near to stabbing him at this point. He ate warmed pheasant and potatoes I had put on. He went to bed and I can here him snoring.i came to bed and wrote all the timings down and will be placing my fifteen minute- thirty minute schedule in a prominent place. I haven’t made the Pavlova yet. Damn.

A lot of my children’s friends have returned to the village and were singing on the green it was lovely spotting them. One family have covid though.
I will post some pics on Boxing Day.

A very tired 🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋🍒👋
To all. It is officially Christmas Day!

Merry Christmas 🎅 what am I doing still up?!

I’ve been awol again but popping in to say merry Christmas lovely ladies 😘

half hope you got some sleep.ive been awake since 2 AGAIN
We did a car drive looking at lights last night after an epic shop hunt for bloody black treacle as D's begged me to try and make soft gingerbread..b+m didn't have it but was quiet,sainsbo nope but bust,Tesco xpress and co op nope.in end a scrum trip to Morrisons yielded supplies and I did make some which he happily had some with dinner

(Tiptoes to naughty corner and leaves stockings for all fledglings in front of the fire, alongside the satsumas, mince pies and glasses of sherry.)

Happy Christmas one and all! 🎄🎅🎁

(Snaffles a square of Zoo's delicious soft gingerbread and waves.) Very wise words indeed! Ta for reminder!

I woke up at 4am and was too excited to sleep so I'm pottering about the kitchen, enjoying the quiet, making chicken stock for gravy with the turkey giblets, veg, cloves, bay leaves and parsley stalks, and thinking of people who are no longer with us.

Wishing you and your families a lovely day!

Red I love the way you engage fully in so many church/communal activities at Christmas Bravo! I am sure your efforts are much appreciated! And top marks for NLYS!

Thank heavens sewage man came out on Christmas eve Wassail. it certainly makes one appreciate essential workers and those on duty 24/7. Hope you didn't overdo it yesterday.

Hello to Swallowedafly!

Hope Christmas not too swirly Sing

Hope you got some sleep Halfholly!

.And that you and bump are able to rest up a bit now Stillfestive

Mahoosive waves to all fledglings including Hills if you are lurking!

Morning! Merry Christmas everyone!

Got to sleep around 3, it’s not like we had much left to wrap but we were tired and slow!

And then the bigger two woke us at 6 having been awake an hour 😒😳😑

So, somewhat tired, but opened some lovely presents and enjoyed seeing the Caglets/DH open theirs!

DH is going to do our usual Christmas breakfast (pancakes with various toppings) and then I can get another tablet. Although they don’t seem to have worked much yet - last night I managed to fall over and hit my desk 😳🤦🏻‍♀️