Has anyone not started Christmas yet?

[Fedup360]

I’m feeling really behind this year, I usually start at the beggining of September and this year it’s almost the end of October and I’ve got nothing: I’ve almost finished making my daughter a Ben and holly dolls house, which will be her main thing but other than that nothing

Nope, I’m still in summer mode.

Christ, no. Literally do nothing before the first week of December.

Have you got a large family @Fedup360?

I can understand if people have a large family they need to start early, both in terms of managing things and also costs.

I used to start planning and buying stuff in October half term. I worked term times so it made sense. We have very little to do now, older generation gone, DC adult and no grandchildren. We are going out for Christmas Day meal and that’s booked - but apparently should have booked in March as when we contacted a few restaurants in September when their menus were first published we were told all fully booked and had been for months!

I've bought a few presents for the kids whilst they were on offer.

I haven't however sorted presents for DHs big birthday next week.

No, because it’s October.

The only thing that I have done is pass around the Christmas cover rota at work.

I have because I am going to Australia to see my son for three weeks mid November.

Back in the day when my DC's were little I would start buying things in july!
Too fast forward to these days and I am so glad I don't go Xmas shopping at all now.
No stressing about sales, no rushing, no overthinking about what somebody might like, might not like, I'm so happy not to be a slave to seasonal commercialism.
As a family we make Xmas day a fun filled feast with lots of laughter, love and games.
I'm not saying that our way is the right way, when the DC were young we did all of the Xmas things same as everyone else, to everyone's enjoyment.
But somehow as my DC matured they all refused to cooperate when asked what they would like for Xmas to the point where we don't give gifts at Christmas but prefer to spread any gifts out over the year.
If there is something we know that they would like , or they needed, we don't save it for Xmas.

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, which is always the fourth Thursday in November.

Since I moved to the US that’s been my sign that it’s time to start thinking about Christmas.

I have a big family but I’ve traditionally done all my Xmas shopping around the 15th December. I’d take a wheelie shopping bag, plan which shops to hit, get it done in a day. The only exceptions might be the kids main presents which I’d maybe order in advance in late November, but that was when it was a specific toy that might sell out.
Then food shopping on the 22nd. I never ever cook Xmas dinner though, I’m the kitchen porter!

I start buying presents from September because it spreads the cost out so it doesn't feel like your paying it all in one go.

Me, hardly even thought about it