Menopause Matters Forum

General Discussion => This 'n' That => Topic started by: dulciana on November 07, 2014, 10:25:28 PM

Title: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dulciana on November 07, 2014, 10:25:28 PM
Why are there Christmas adverts on telly now?  It's not Christmas yet.  It isn't even Advent.  It really annoys and saddens me that the real meaning of Christmas is being overlooked, in favour of greedy commercialism.   I know this happens every year, but it shouldn't.  Even the word is being dumbed down - the "Festive Season", for goodness' sake!    The festival is Christmas, and as with all festivals, it's a celebration.  And we need to remember what it is we're celebrating.  Not nothing, that's for sure!!   
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: honeybun on November 07, 2014, 10:51:47 PM
Well said.


It gets earlier every year and must be so hard for people with young children.


I do like Christmas.....in December  ::)


Honeyb
x
Title: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 07, 2014, 10:55:16 PM
Decs are in the shops, went into stressco yesterday and they are up  >:( ……. but they don't put other religions' decs up do they  :bang:  a few Hannuka candles around  ;) ………. all the pumpkins seem to have gone from the shelves too ………

Began wrapping my first gift yesterday, found a box, paper, seleotape ………. it's breakable so I want it wrapped and gone!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 07, 2014, 11:01:28 PM
Christmas stuff been on sale for a few weeks already. I agree, too early.

Have to admit though, most of my pressies already bought. Way ahead of myself this year.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 07, 2014, 11:02:10 PM
However: can you remember where you put them and who they are for  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 07, 2014, 11:03:28 PM
Yep, in drawers in spare room, unwrapped.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on November 07, 2014, 11:32:02 PM
Just under six weeks to go. We are well into practising for the Nativity Play in school so to me it seems that Christmas is very near - still so many words to learn and costumes to get right.

Taz x  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on November 08, 2014, 07:44:32 AM
I used to love preparing for the school nativity when I used to teach young children and now I am practicing carols with the choir I'm in. I do not go to church, but I do have my own spiritual beliefs. Christmas for me is having those I love around me. It is not about spending loads of money that we can't afford. We don't over indulge on food. We have created our own traditions. The shops have to survive in this difficult financial situation; some don't. I don't like all the commercialism, but I don't let it annoy me.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 08, 2014, 09:24:01 AM
I'm cutting back on money spent on presents this year, managed to find a good few in sales which is a bonus.

Nativity at my last nursery was always performed on a Sunday afternoon, as it was church based. It's a lot of hard work, but it was worth it. Never could get through Away in  a Manger without wet eyes.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Morwenna on November 08, 2014, 10:03:22 AM
I've decided not to send cards this year - I think a lot of people are of the same mind as the number I receive has dwindled in the last few years from thirty-ish to around eight. Stamps and cards are so expensive and at the end of the day, for me anyway, it's just another chore to which I roll my eyes and think 'better get on with it'. My son says he only sends cards to 'old' people - I told him I'd better not get one off him this year then!  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on November 08, 2014, 10:20:09 AM
Our Nativity is performed in our local church CG but during the week - it makes for a magical afternoon with all the tealights twinkling on the window sills.

Taz x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: honeybun on November 08, 2014, 11:40:00 AM
Small children + nativity= tears  ::)

Can't even blame meno as I've been like this for years.


I've done a bit of shopping already. The weeks just fly past and then before you know it you are eating turkey.

Hubbies has been bought and sorted mine this morning. Kids are a work in progress.



Honeyb
x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 08, 2014, 12:00:26 PM
Daughter & partner want cash to put towards a holiday, which they hope to take in the spring.

Son & GF don't know what they want, I've offered cash/vouchers. They're going to Florida in the spring.

Grandchildren's all bought. Hubby's part bought. Small presents to open on the day, bought.

I'm making my list, checking it twice.  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Tabbycat on November 08, 2014, 02:31:22 PM
I stopped buying christmas presents years ago, it all got too stupid and meaningless. I only send four or five cards now, and they only go to people I rarely see.

OH and I exchange token presents, and we each have a strict budget of £10. His birthday is in November so I spend a lot on that instead of Christmas.

He buys presents for his immediate family and we split the cost, because they insist on sending me gifts. It's lazy on my part, I know, but it's his family, not mine!

Just before Christmas I donate the cash I would have spent on presents to one or two of my favourite charities.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Millykin on November 08, 2014, 02:33:00 PM
Stop cubagirl  ;D this is getting too much for me I have thought about starting but not got round to it, same every year
Well done you Tabbycat x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: babyjane on November 08, 2014, 03:00:22 PM
 We have cut our card list right down mostly to elderly relatives who wouldn't understand why they didn't get a card, and relatives abroad who we don't see often. We give cards to our children and grandchildren but people we see almost daily we don't. We don't buy each other presents now but we go halves in something for the home that we would really like.  this year it is a picture for our newly decorated sitting room. Our son and his family are having a game that they can all enjoy and our daughter and her new husband are having a joint item for their new home as they have such a lot still to get. The grandchildren will get a selection of small gifts.

Do others invest in a lot of extra food and drink or not?  We have some treats that we don't normally have but on the whole we don't get a lot that we would not normally get, perhaps better quality - organic veg and Taste the Difference type things instead of the standard range. We do get nice coffee and bread from the local baker, eggs meat and veg from the farm shop. It all costs more so we invest in quality at Christmas rather than quantity.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: honeybun on November 08, 2014, 03:35:19 PM
We used to buy enough food for a small army because I did Xmas dinner for years and would end up with about 15 to feed. Now it's just the four of us with perhaps my daughter's boyfriend this year I don't buy nearly as much.
A few treats, but like you I would rather have the quality rather than quantity. We have a fish smoke house just outside our village and he does smoked meats and game too. It's way too expensive for every week but we treat ourselves at Xmas.

As for gifts. We cut down on that last year except for the young children in the family. My daughter wants a bits and bobs Xmas. I am buying my son water colour paints, good paper and brushes as he is showing an interest in painting again.
Hubby will get something special too  ::).


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: groundhog on November 08, 2014, 03:47:14 PM
Interesting thread ladies as I do wonder what others do at Christmas.  I have tried to cut down but there are some family members who insist on buying.  I even buy for some cousins as they buy for me.  I don't want to be the one who says - nicely - look let's stop this as I would seem like a misery guts ( or would they be relieved? ).  As for cards,  well I think I will cut down this year as we live out of town and it must be a right pain for some people to have to trek up here to deliver cards to us.  I tend to buy my daughter the usuals - nightwear, perfume, maybe some jewellery - she had a pandora bracelet for her 30th so I could add to that.  I spoil my nephews :). Hubby - again usuals and maybe a joint present for the house.  As for hubby to me - well that has got silly - he leaves it all to last minute then panics resulting in sometimes expensive mistakes.  One year he bought me a gravy boat :(
Food and drink - I do buy more than normal as it saves going out to shops - we have traditions and my husband always insists on buying stollen which invariably goes in the bin :(
We try to retain the true meaning of Christmas and appreciate the important things in life. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 08, 2014, 03:54:08 PM
 ;D .. who are we pleasing here?

Last year my sister didn't get me anything for my 60th ……. and with Mum telling me that my sister is 'hard up' I decided to cut my misery and wrote in January - no more gifts, nice cards through the year and at celebrations.  So we now buy for my Mum and his brother/wife and each other.

Food - we go to Mum for C.mas so she buys veg., puds., makes the bread sauce - we take a brace of pheasants and the crackers; a lump of beef for Boxing Day when we 3 go to his brother's.  My sister lives 5/6 hours drive away and works Cmas and New Year - I send her 2 boys cheques - job done.

We don't buy extra.  Shops are open Boxing Day here so no need.  The 4 years we were able to have C.mas here we ate our pud. mid-morning after a long, quiet walk and DH  :-* cooked evening meal as 'normal'. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: honeybun on November 08, 2014, 04:08:53 PM
We have cut down on cards over the years. Used to send and receive dozens. Now we take our local cards to our Boys Brigade group and for a donation  they deliver them all.

Hubby loves Xmas, he is like a big kid. Lots of sneaking around and surprises  ::). This year will be a bit different as he has just bought me an IPad. That's me done. I am really looking forward to it. We don't generally spend that much but my son is contributing to it too.

I like my decorations but they don't go up until the week before. Some people have them up in November but that's far too early for me.


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Morwenna on November 08, 2014, 04:16:21 PM
One year he bought me a gravy boat :(

 :rofl:

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: honeybun on November 08, 2014, 04:20:11 PM
Oh heck, I missed that bit  :o.  What on earth was he thinking about.


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 08, 2014, 04:21:05 PM
Our decs go up in time for my birthday, have to have my tree up by the 18th.  It's in the loft, ready dressed - haul it through the gap in the roof, plug in the lights and hey presto! job done.  I love the cards ……. saves me having to dust surfaces  ;)

A gravy boat is OK as long as it's not for use but something one is collecting ……… one year M in L gave me table spoons for my birthday  :-\ - I could see the point but DH was horrified.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on November 08, 2014, 04:24:35 PM
My husband myself and our sons all write lists for what we would like for Christmas - much like when you're small and write to Santa! I find it's by far the best way to get things that we would like. I have no idea of what my sons really like since they moved out or what they've already got. I like to get their lists early so I can sit on here and just order everything without having to go into town. I always make a stocking for each of them too and my husband makes one for me - sometimes this is the hardest part as it's difficult after over thirty years of stocking-making to find something a little bit different. We always use large socks and I always over do it and have to have an overflow bag as well. I still love that part of Christmas morning - waking up to see a stocking by the bed full of goodies.

Taz x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 08, 2014, 05:30:52 PM
DH always buys the same things for me, it's sort of 'custom'  ::) - hope he chooses comfier knickers this year  ;D  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 08, 2014, 05:42:07 PM
 ;D Oh heck could never entrust knicker buying to hubby. He probably wouldn't get size right to start with.

I've said I'd like new pair of ankle boots. But may change my mind.  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: groundhog on November 08, 2014, 06:00:46 PM
The Gravyboat - as I say he panics.  I had been collecting the Holly&Ivy range by portmeirion potteries.  But this particular year I had lost 3 stone and was slim for the first time in my life so somehow a gravy boat was a bit disappointing :(. I shouldn't mock though pity he does try his best.  It was a nice Gravyboat lol but I think some nice lingerie would have been more suiting.
I'm fat again now lol but still wouldn't want a flaming Gravyboat.

You will love your ipad HB - I love mine but it steals your time :).
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Dyan on November 08, 2014, 06:21:07 PM


You will love your ipad HB - I love mine but it steals your time :).
[/quote]

It certainly will GH ;D

Christmas - starts too early to me.
December 1st!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on November 08, 2014, 07:56:31 PM
My daughter and her partner are really struggling financially. She makes her own cards. This years she will make all her presents, eg mango chutney, cookies etc. I have asked her to make me some naughty things, which I tend to go without as I have a limited diet. I love her presents. They mean so much as she puts time, effort, thought and love into them.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 08, 2014, 08:08:26 PM
DH made picolli etc. 1 year - she may be able to get jam jars from asking on Freecycle/freegle  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: honeybun on November 08, 2014, 08:23:26 PM
What a lovely thing to do Ju Ju.

When we were newly married and totally hard up I knitted every one scarves. I love a hand made gift, the effort and the thought is so very much more.


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 08, 2014, 09:58:29 PM
That penguin advert ……..  :sick02: ………..
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Millykin on November 08, 2014, 10:06:19 PM
Aw CLKD you didn't like it? I thought it was cute, x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 08, 2014, 10:09:22 PM
Cute until the end ………. and as for the ferore of the stuffed toys  :o  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 08, 2014, 10:21:07 PM
I have to say it's not my favourite JL Christmas ad.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 08, 2014, 10:29:47 PM
the Truth will never come out  ;)

Stresscos have decorated trees and 'festive' stuff in aisles ……. why not wait until C.mas Eve ……  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 08, 2014, 10:30:36 PM
I've heard that story before. However there are many conflicting theories on the actual date.

They want you to buy, buy, buy CLKD.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 08, 2014, 10:33:01 PM
Yep - but what they don't realise, is that I've done our shopping by mid-January  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on November 09, 2014, 01:05:13 AM
Went into Costas this morning. They were playing Christmas music and an elf served us!  Whaat? - too early ... or maybe too late? I was listening to a talk on the net the other day where they were saying no way would shepherds have been abiding in the fields in Israel in December as its far too cold -  and that Jesus birth is likely to have been in late September. So what's it all about Alfie? Just another big commercialised hoo haa. At least its a pleasant one though, not like the vile Halloween nonsense.

It was easier to adapt a Pagan festival date for our Christmas I believe? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/for_christmas/_new_year/pagan_christmas/37276.stm

Taz x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Tabbycat on November 09, 2014, 10:46:28 AM
Went into Costas this morning. They were playing Christmas music and an elf served us!  Whaat? - too early ... or maybe too late?

The other day someone was telling me that they'd gone into Costa Coffee a year ago - between Halloween and Guy Fawkes - and heard Christmas music. When he asked why, they said "It's cos we're retail" (which, of course, makes no sense at all - it's not like they were selling christmas stuff). Anyway, he had a rant and told them off, and they obligingly changed the music (although probably only until he left!).

Later on he realised just how much of a grumpy old man he'd become, and how much he was enjoying it!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dulciana on November 09, 2014, 04:05:12 PM
I just get so sad and frustrated about the seemingly empty celebrations around in some quarters, on TV, in adverts, in shops far too early................Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ.  Sorry if that's the wrong thing to say on MM.   It's just the most wonderful Truth.   We need hope in this sorry world.  Don't we?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: honeybun on November 09, 2014, 04:27:01 PM
We do, and whatever way people get it is fine with me.



Honeyb
x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: groundhog on November 09, 2014, 08:26:53 PM
Yes totally agree Hb :)

What out me off present buying was this - I tend to buy for aunties as they buy for us.  T be honest and I know a gift is a gift,  but I think they were re-gifts lol as some of the gifts we had were tack.  But I couldn't go down that road and bought quality gifts for the 3 aunties in question ( these aunties are of similar age to me so not little old dears ) .  Anyway my husband who is an electrician did some work for one of them earlier in the year and had to lift some floorboards upstairs.  In one bedroom there were piles of presents not even opened - he spotted a few from us.  So I'm not sure what to do this year.  The auntie in question has everything she could need and obviously doesn't even open her Christmas presents .  That made me rather sad :(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Limpy on November 09, 2014, 08:35:47 PM
Hope is good however it comes.
Just wish it didn't involve religion - of any type.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 09, 2014, 10:39:02 PM
My eldest granddaughter has already been told that phone calls will be made to the man in the red suit if she doesn't behave. However, does she understand the true meaning of Christmas? I doubt it. Did I at her age? In all honesty, probably not. Despite going to church every Sunday morning and Sunday School every Sunday afternoon.  I'm sure she will understand in a few years time when she realises who Santa really is.  No matter how much we tell children not to be greedy at this time of year, they will always want more.

My two used to feel hard done by. Both happy with their lot on the 25th until they compared notes when school went back. My daughter got a Sony personal CD player one year, most of her friends got TVs & computers. Sorry for rant.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on November 10, 2014, 02:31:35 PM
I didn't get a lot compared with some people I was at school with - but I got my parents' love and attention, and they played with my toys and games with me - that was worth all the fancy gadgets my classmates were given so they would shut up and leave the adults to get blotto!!

It was the same when my daughter was young - we got up with her to watch her open her presents, and we played with her new toys with her.  She has helped me make the dinner since she was tall enough to reach the worktop, and at the age of 22 she still does.  This year, we have one of her friends from Uni staying with us for the celebration (I'm Wiccan, so I celebrate Yule on the 21st with like-minded friends ... then have to do it all again on the 25th for the rest of the family who aren't!!), and another one joining us for Yule as she loved the atmosphere last year.  So we must be doing something right! 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 10, 2014, 04:21:43 PM
By the time I got back to School I had forgotten what we were given …… so much else going on in the household  :-\ ……… I was quite an easy child to please …...
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: babyjane on November 10, 2014, 04:28:24 PM
We had a show and tell in my class after the Christmas holidays but one year I didn't get anything I could take in so I took in my favourite old (hand-me-down) teddy bear. The other kids all laughed at me  :'(

I never got big presents because we didn't have much money but I used to love my stocking with lots of little bits and pieces and the apple and orange in the toe  :)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 10, 2014, 04:45:39 PM
Children can be so cruel. My daughter got laughed at too.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 10, 2014, 04:48:01 PM
show and tell - what was the teacher thinking about  >:( ………

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: babyjane on November 10, 2014, 05:06:25 PM
this was in the early 1960, I don't think they thought that children had feeling back in those days.

Children can still be cruel to a child that is different. I had older parents and an odd home life.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 10, 2014, 05:17:55 PM
Show & tell was still on the go when I was doing my nursery training in the mid 90s.
It was meant to encourage children to speak within a group, not so they could show off.   
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Limpy on November 10, 2014, 05:28:56 PM
I started school in 1963 - we never did show and tell, not ever.
The closest thing would be taking games in on the last day of term (or was that school year?)
Think that was only cos the teachers wanted to tidy things up.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on November 10, 2014, 07:10:51 PM
We have Show and Tell each week as part of the school curriculum. Parents/carers are told when it will be their child's turn and whether there is a particular theme for the week. It works well. Each child explains a bit about what they've brought in and the rest of the class then put their hands up to ask a question. The child chooses which three children to pick. It's never about showing off and if a child is a bit shy about speaking out then one of the other children in the class always offers to stand with them. They learn to listen and show respect to whoever is speaking. They learn to sit quietly and to wait their turn which is all part of social skills.


Taz x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 10, 2014, 07:13:06 PM
That is a more organised approach.  We never did show and tell, nor did we have 'what did you do at the weekend' type discussions. 

Wish it would be over  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on November 10, 2014, 07:24:35 PM
I've still got my books from when I was an Infant - my dad kept them all which I didn't know until after he'd died - and I find it really funny reading what the five year old me wrote about weekends.  I have my sons books too and one of them (can't remember who) always finished off with "... and then we went to the pub as usual.." which wasn't true!

I'm determined to look forward to Christmas this year!!

Taz x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 10, 2014, 07:40:52 PM
One child in a P1 class was very explicit during his description of what had happened during his weekend. His dad went to the pub & then he  :sick02:  Teacher & I had such a job keeping smiles off our faces.
Wish I had my books & my kids ones too but there was no room. However, I have kept many things they made for me. One in particular my son made. He knew I'd always wanted a cuddly koala, so he made me one at school. It's a bit crudely shaped, but I still have it to this day.
Glad to hear show & tell is still encouraged Taz.  It would have done me good as a child as I was way too shy. Certainly  has helped eldest GD. She has oodles of confidence now.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 10, 2014, 07:43:30 PM
I would not have been able to attend 'show and tell'.  It was bad enough walking through the school gate, gosh this is a meander  ;D

Anxiety around C.mas goes back to my earliest days.  :'( - too many strangers around, too much rich food, noise, late nights, travelling ………
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: honeybun on November 10, 2014, 07:49:22 PM
Show and tell is great, show and show off is completely different.

I used to love parents nights when I got to read the diary that the kids kept.It was an eye opener. When my sons class did a project on pets they had or wish they had he asked if he could bring in our dog. After a bit of negotiations I did take my retriever to school.
One show and tell for my son involved his sister. I took her in at three weeks old. All the kids got a chance to see my sons little sister. It was very common then.

I just loved Xmas when my kids were little. To see the excitement on the little faces was such a precious time. Such happy memories.


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 10, 2014, 07:52:22 PM
My daughter took wee one to eldest GDs school for a short show & tell last year. Eldest GD was ever so proud.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on November 12, 2014, 08:50:56 PM
Just catching up with this thread.....

I find the rampant and unashamed commercialism of Christmas and the associated materialistic frenzy, appalling and it is all so unsustainable that I think there is no hope for mankind on this planet!!!

I was brought up in the church (weekly church attendance, Sundayschool, confirmation etc) as my parents were very religious (mum still is) which put me off for life and I left as soon as I left home, never to return! However I still love to sing and hear Christmas carols as we all have a spiritual side and to me singing and music is very evocative and moving, especially in a church - not that I go there at Christmas but I do love to hear singing in a church.

Also although I am no longer religious, nor believe in a deity, I do see the Christmas period as a time to think about peace in the world, and especially to remind each other to be kind to each other, as well as a time to come together and with family and enjoy doing simple things together rather than having to have expensive gifts, the most glittery clothes at the best parties, and the most delicious culinary treats that the supmarkets and all the big chains would have us buy and feel we've failed unless we indulge!!

By the way what's happened to dulciana who started this thread? It's good to have a discussion about these things! If you're out there - do come back and re-join - I enjoyed reading your posts about music and especially playing the organ. You are a great example of someone who has successfully learnt a new challenge and a skill despite the discomfort that menopause brings!

Do hope you are OK dulciana?

Hurdity x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Limpy on November 12, 2014, 09:46:19 PM
Dulciana - Like Hurdity says - Are you are OK?
Hope so.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 12, 2014, 09:53:51 PM
Apparently I walked out of Mass at age 4 ……..  ;D

Wrapped the 1st gift yesterday - have to find a label next. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: honeybun on November 12, 2014, 10:37:13 PM
Oh dulciana has become a guest.

I do hope she will come back



Honeyb
x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 12, 2014, 10:40:17 PM
Saw that HB. Hope she returns too & hasn't left because something on here has upset her.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: babyjane on November 13, 2014, 06:00:12 PM
I was just coming in this thread to ask about dulciana.  How sad if she has gone as I liked her and found her posts interesting, especially about her music. I take it she didn't say why?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Rowan on November 20, 2014, 04:38:15 PM
Is this allowed yet LOL

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/v/t1.0-9/946735_10152112510940987_650541994_n.jpg?oh=ca1c0f0034ab165ce38cdde6a75676d5&oe=54DF85BE&__gda__=1427113196_41b02c5568de68d32c44f84c3c1a7205)

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 20, 2014, 05:04:46 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 20, 2014, 07:10:21 PM
 :rofl:

2nd gift wrapped and labelled
3rd ready for paper, selloeotape and label
Parts of the door wreath laying around ready to be assembled  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2014, 06:24:00 PM
However: 4 weeks time and it will be ALL OVER  ;D

Am getting my wreaths sorted for the front door.  I have a box of large coloured baubles for outdoors ……….
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Rowan on November 28, 2014, 11:48:16 AM
Another episode of Simon's cat, love it  ;D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn2h3_aH3vo
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 28, 2014, 12:36:08 PM
 :rofl:  the books just aren't the same!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on November 28, 2014, 02:55:57 PM
 :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 01, 2015, 03:45:29 PM
I can't believe  :o that it's the 1st December again!

So why the trees in windows already; why the decorations in shops already  ::)

I have 2-day fetched the cards down from the attic, reviewed how many trees are up there waiting to be pulled through the hatch in a couple of weeks' time; door decorations ready to hang but it's far too windy yet!  I have 1 from mid-December until 27th, then I swap that for a New Years' variety  ::)

What will you all be wearing - anything special for The Day or slumming it? 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Dyan on December 01, 2015, 10:40:16 PM
Plan to put my tree up on Friday if I can wait that long ::)

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on December 01, 2015, 10:59:11 PM
My future DIL put her tree up a week ago. She's Christmas daft. Mine may go up some time next week. I've got a real mini tree at my front door, but that's it, well apart from advent calendar.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Dulciana on December 03, 2015, 10:18:42 AM
Just catching up with this thread.....

I find the rampant and unashamed commercialism of Christmas and the associated materialistic frenzy, appalling and it is all so unsustainable that I think there is no hope for mankind on this planet!!!

I was brought up in the church (weekly church attendance, Sundayschool, confirmation etc) as my parents were very religious (mum still is) which put me off for life and I left as soon as I left home, never to return! However I still love to sing and hear Christmas carols as we all have a spiritual side and to me singing and music is very evocative and moving, especially in a church - not that I go there at Christmas but I do love to hear singing in a church.

Also although I am no longer religious, nor believe in a deity, I do see the Christmas period as a time to think about peace in the world, and especially to remind each other to be kind to each other, as well as a time to come together and with family and enjoy doing simple things together rather than having to have expensive gifts, the most glittery clothes at the best parties, and the most delicious culinary treats that the supmarkets and all the big chains would have us buy and feel we've failed unless we indulge!!

By the way what's happened to dulciana who started this thread? It's good to have a discussion about these things! If you're out there - do come back and re-join - I enjoyed reading your posts about music and especially playing the organ. You are a great example of someone who has successfully learnt a new challenge and a skill despite the discomfort that menopause brings!

Do hope you are OK dulciana?

Hurdity x

Thanks Hurdity, especially for what you say about my musical efforts!  Yes, I'm okay.  I don't know what happened to my name on MM, but I certainly never left (at least, not since a brief spell months ago)!

Could you ever re-consider things that you've spoken about, above?  After all, "Christmas or Christmas Day (Old English: Crīstesmæsse, meaning "Christ's Mass") is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ"  (Wikipedia)   His hallmark was love.  That doesn't come from science.  The world is crying out for hope.  Or maybe God's crying out for us all to come back...
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on December 03, 2015, 12:01:36 PM
I am Pagan, so I celebrate Yule, rather than Christmas.  And to me and most (if not all) Pagans, it truly is a celebration - it's a party to celebrate the fact we've made it through the darkest part of the year, and to welcome back the light (I suppose that translates very well to the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ - the return of the 'light').  So we feast unashamadly, yes, but the most important thing for me is to spend the time with my nearest and dearest (not always family - I said dearest!) and celebrate the victory of the Oak King over the Holly King and the turning of the year (not New Year - that was Samhain!).
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 03, 2015, 01:16:08 PM
Scampi - new thread please  :yes:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: limpy on December 03, 2015, 02:02:03 PM
Gosh Scampi I've not met a pagan before.
Yule seems to make so much sense.
Is it December 25th?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on December 03, 2015, 02:20:54 PM
Started a new thread.  But to answer Limpy - Yule is 21st December (the Solstice).
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on December 03, 2015, 04:39:13 PM
Gosh Scampi I've not met a pagan before.
Yule seems to make so much sense.
Is it December 25th?

You've probably met quite a few Pagans Limpy but just never realised it  :)

Taz x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Dorothy on December 03, 2015, 10:14:21 PM
I've got my advent calendar out and I've wrapped the presents for abroad and made the cake, and have made some Christmassy things in a local craft group I go to (morning off from mother!!!)

I'm a Christian, so for me the most special stuff is based around the church - all the kids' groups in our church do something, each group on a different Sunday in advent, and we also have some community events and a gift service where those who are able to bring gifts for a women's refuge so that families who have lost everything have some gifts at Christmas.  I LOVE this time of year as there is something special going on all the time, and even though it's so busy I love it so much that it's not stressful.

Hurdity, I know what you mean about the commercialism and materialism - but my view is that Christmas is what you make it - so if you don't like commercialism you can avoid it.  Let's face it, the big retailers try to commercialise EVERYTHING!  I give simple things like homemade biscuits or early daffodil bulbs that I have potted up in the autumn and which are budding up nicely by Christmas.  It's a shame that your Mum has put you off church - Christianity is meant to be about a relationship, not rules!  Maybe you could find an open air carol service so you could enjoy the carol singing without having to go into a church building?  There are usually a few happening in the week or two before Christmas - we have at least 3 in our area beside the ones happening in church buildings. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 04, 2015, 03:27:39 PM
I don't have much to do with Church but I LOVE singing carols.  I think being part of a Church/Chapel can be grounding. 

Cards/paper/envelopes spread all over our lounge floor along with scissors, seleotape  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dazned on December 04, 2015, 03:30:21 PM
If i bring mine round can you do those as well,sure you wouldn't notice a few more !  ::)

 ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 04, 2015, 03:31:44 PM
Yep.  Will you bring the stamps  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dazned on December 04, 2015, 04:23:56 PM
Oh no I haven't got any damn !   ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 04, 2015, 05:49:55 PM
There's a PO in the village  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Dyan on December 04, 2015, 10:30:11 PM
Trees & decs up. Cards all written. Pressies wrapped, apart from one or two I'm still waiting for.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Pennyfarthing on December 04, 2015, 10:38:11 PM
I'd like to go to sleep and wake up when it's all over.  No interest in it whatsoever and have to make a real effort to be nice to people because I don't want to shop, cook, plan, wrap, decorate or do any of it.

Of course I don't tell any of the family this or I'd spoil it for them. You lot just get it in the ear!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Dyan on December 04, 2015, 10:39:47 PM
We don't mind PF and your secrets safe with us ;) ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Dorothy on December 05, 2015, 09:24:31 AM
I LOVE wrapping presents...never have enough to do.  I used to wrap for a friend who gave loads, but I live too far from her now  :( 

Off to a Christmas craft fair today to get the final few presents - they usually have a brass band too, so may get the chance to sing some carols as well  :)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: babyjane on December 05, 2015, 10:18:47 AM
I find Christmas difficult too and nowadays I am more disorganised and inefficient compared to years ago which adds to my anxiety.  However it will come, we will deal with it and it will pass and I will not spoil it for my children and grandchildren, I won't I promise  :xmas:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 05, 2015, 02:28:15 PM
I love choosing appropriate cards but why do those I bought last year not seem suitable this  ::) …….. I have this morning typed the letters that will go with cards …….. it's the having to visit others that bugs me, in case someone is ill, or angry, or the weather is bad but we are still expected to travel …….. those 4 years spent here were lovely  :sigh:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dazned on December 05, 2015, 02:48:03 PM
Dorothy how far do you live from me !  ;D  ;D

Seems I have loads as we are doing all little stocking filler type presents this year ,it sounded like a good idea at the time  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 05, 2015, 02:51:02 PM
You've had 12 months though  :-\ so why the angst ?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: limpy on December 05, 2015, 03:01:43 PM
You've had 12 months though  :-\ so why the angst ?

Why the  :-\  CLKD?

Are you saying people should't get anxious at this time of year?
I don't think it matters how long there has been to prepare.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 05, 2015, 04:47:19 PM
Too difficult to explain Limpy  ::) - I knew what I meant earlier  ;D

 :neutral: maybe that would have been better , hey ho!

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Pennyfarthing on December 05, 2015, 05:34:17 PM
I find Christmas difficult too and nowadays I am more disorganised and inefficient compared to years ago which adds to my anxiety.  However it will come, we will deal with it and it will pass and I will not spoil it for my children and grandchildren, I won't I promise  :xmas:

A woman after my own heart!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on December 05, 2015, 08:17:02 PM
It's the New Year which I find difficult. Have done since my mid teens. I seldom feel at ease, more maudlin. I always remember those who are no longer with us.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 02, 2016, 04:35:40 PM
144 days to go: apparently ………..  :sigh:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dulciana on August 02, 2016, 04:37:02 PM
 ::) CLKD..........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 02, 2016, 04:37:41 PM
 :lol:  better start that list?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joyce on August 02, 2016, 06:30:26 PM
Oh man! On summer hols not even thinking that far ahead.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 02, 2016, 06:41:13 PM
 :madeyes:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 16, 2016, 04:17:45 PM
 :-\  100 days to go  :-\  : 103 it will be ALL OVER  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Janice68 on September 16, 2016, 05:14:03 PM
Yep that's rite not long!! Maybe snow this Christmas Ahh!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 16, 2016, 05:44:53 PM
Anyone shopped and wrapped yet ?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on September 16, 2016, 07:29:33 PM
For Gods sake!  >:(
We don't even need for this to enter our heads for two and a half months so let's not. We have to put up with enough about it as it is. It was 30 deg + in London yesterday (where I went) and I'm picking tomatoes. Let's enjoy the present (no pun intended!!!!!!!!!)

This thread should be dead from Jan to  Dec the following year FFS!

Hurdity x :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: (I rarely use this emoticon...)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 16, 2016, 07:30:13 PM
Your problem is exactly ?  :-\  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on September 17, 2016, 05:44:27 PM
I don't normally shop until November, but I did buy all my Christmas cards at the RSPB shop on holiday as they were so lovely.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dulciana on September 17, 2016, 06:54:48 PM
I love Christmas -  at the right time.  What gets me is when the whole of December is lumped into the Christmas umbrella.  Advent starts on December 1st......
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on September 17, 2016, 06:55:36 PM
I can't even think about Christmas, its depressing this early. Mid November I will start thinking.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Dyan on September 18, 2016, 09:15:21 AM
Haven't had my summer holiday yet.
I normally get halloween out of the way and then start thinking about Christmas.
Get all my cards in the January sales.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Pennyfarthing on September 18, 2016, 10:41:51 AM
I don't like Christmas at all.  I always make an effort and we have fab food etc but if I had my way we would just go abroad and relax for a week.  Mum comes to us every year and loves it so we carry on the tradition as neither of her son's ever ask her to theirs.

We don't have many to buy for really and as all of us are fortunate enough to buy what we want when we want, they are usually just token gifts. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 18, 2016, 11:01:03 AM
I have never liked C.mas - except the 4 years we were able to stay here ;-).

>wave Dyan <
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dulciana on September 18, 2016, 01:06:44 PM
I wouldn't be without it.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 18, 2016, 01:24:22 PM
You can have mine  ;D

Mum likes help with cooking the meal ……. lives alone so we go over and usually enjoy ourselves, it's the anticipatory anxiety that threatens which has always spoiled it for me  :'(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dulciana on September 18, 2016, 05:00:43 PM
No thanks CLKD, although thanks for the offer.  Christmas just means lots to me.  I know it's early to be talking about it but I don't think that matters.  The reason for Christmas gives me hope and that can't be bad.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on September 19, 2016, 08:49:41 AM
Not even had Mabon yet, never mind Samhain - let's not think about Yule until December!  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 19, 2016, 10:08:55 AM
 :lol:  Isis, Istata (sp), Diana …… remind when those dates fall?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on September 19, 2016, 10:26:52 AM
I love Christmas but also feel really sad that my parents are no longer with us. It's also a reminder of when the children were all small and Christmas was magical for them. Now it tends to be a worry over how to fit everyone in and making sure that they all have a relaxing time without me ending up all frazzled!

Taz x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on September 19, 2016, 10:37:12 AM
CLKD - Mabon is the Autumn equinox (22 September this year), Sahmain is 31 October and Yule is the Winter Solstice (21 December).
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 19, 2016, 03:01:24 PM
Hotel then Taz? let someone else take the strain?  except that would send my anxiety even higher  :-\

Thanks Scampi - another thread on how you celebrate although I feel there is somewhere here in the depths  ??? ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on September 19, 2016, 04:03:40 PM
I do love to see them all - a hotel wouldn't be the same somehow as coming home for Christmas.

Taz x  :xmas:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 19, 2016, 04:21:46 PM
 :o  now that is too far  ;D

 :party:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 25, 2016, 12:05:36 PM
2 months  :-X
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Janice68 on October 28, 2016, 08:27:08 PM
Went into town today playing Christmas songs in card factory jingle all the way for heaven's sake it's still October I thought!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: ellie on October 29, 2016, 12:01:46 PM
There is a certain shopping channel, that has had Xmas decorations up since September and all they talk about is Xmas  presents......I normally watch a bit of it, but not since September 😡😡🤐🤐
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 29, 2016, 03:44:58 PM
Watirose have flashing lights in their Stores  >:( and other shops are decorating with Autumn/Halloween - I think towns are having window-dressing competitions.  C.cards are 'in' though  :-\ ……..
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: cubagirl on October 29, 2016, 05:38:30 PM
 :xmas: :xmas: :xmas: WARNING, WARNING, DANGER!  ;D

Cough, cough I've started my shopping to spread cost out. But don't tell anyone!  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: ellie on October 29, 2016, 06:11:41 PM
Cubagirl!  :na:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on October 29, 2016, 06:18:44 PM
I've bought some Christmas lights 😳
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: cubagirl on October 29, 2016, 09:49:32 PM
Yeah a fellow shopper!  ;D So have I bought lights. Outdoor ones to string along my back garden fence. Grandkids will love them! Only reason really.  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Elizabethrose on October 29, 2016, 09:51:55 PM
Forgive me ladies but all I can say is, oh my word!!!  :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: cubagirl on October 29, 2016, 09:59:37 PM
It's OK, I'm not offended Elizabethrose. Way I've always been.  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Elizabethrose on October 29, 2016, 10:05:14 PM
Hahaha, you go girls!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on October 30, 2016, 07:58:12 AM
I haven't bought or given any thought to presents though.  Just outdoor lights. Going to look at 🌲 today.    :)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 30, 2016, 12:06:08 PM
NNOOOO   â€¦â€¦â€¦..  ;D  is that artificial trees?

Our lights remain outside but the tree has grown a LOT so branches will require cutting back in order to see them blinking  ::) and I rarely buy anything at this time of year, I wait until the Sales  ;)

Years ago when I had more energy we did all our C.mas shopping in the Jan. Sales  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on October 30, 2016, 02:09:18 PM
Yes the artificial ones. I usually buy a really good one then it will last a few years. I can't really be bothered after Christmas, I'm looking for clothes for my holidays then. 🙃
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 30, 2016, 04:05:57 PM
We've had our artificial for over 20 years  -  it goes back into the loft space 'dressed', ready to bring down the next Dec., plug lights in and Hey Presto!  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on November 01, 2016, 09:51:43 AM
We've decided to spend Christmas at our caravan this year (decision driven by not having a working oven at home! - getting kitchen re-done completely in the new year, so there is no way we are spending anything on repairing or renewing appliances until then!!) - I'm on the look-out now for external decorations as our usual little indoor tree and single string of lights is not going to suffice!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: ellie on November 01, 2016, 11:08:54 AM
Scampi, that's something we keep thinking we might do too...when you say external, do you mean  eletric outdoor decks?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on November 01, 2016, 12:34:00 PM
We have a deck on the caravan - usually we just have one string of white lights on the deck for Christmas, but in the past we've not been there for Christmas itself.  So this year I want to decorate outside a bit more - might see if I can find an outdoor pre-lit tree.  I just want to make it look pretty!  It'll be the first Christmas hubby and I have spent on our own (my daughter was almost 3 when I met him) and I don't want it to turn into just another trip to the caravan ... for me, decorations help to capture that special mid-winter atmosphere  :)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: ellie on November 01, 2016, 12:52:27 PM
 :) I could have written that myself scampi  ;).......The decking would look lovely with a tree on it.
   Have you looked on Amazon?  They have some.
We have never been to our caravan for Xmas day, but we have been for new year, and the atmosphere is lovely.......
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on November 01, 2016, 03:23:29 PM
We've done New Year at the 'van every year since we got it (5 years now) - we went to the club the first couple of years, but it's too full and noisy for us really, so we stay in and do our own thing.  Lots of the caravans have loads of decorations out and the whole site looks lovely - I'm really looking forward to being there for Christmas Day this year  :)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on November 01, 2016, 07:19:01 PM
There are loads of outdoor prelit trees about Scampi. The garden centres have a lot. Argos too I think.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 01, 2016, 07:57:49 PM
Also, solar lights which light up at dusk are lovely too and there are several types i.e. white or coloured light.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 02, 2016, 07:25:43 PM
 ;D ….. that's one way to avoid C.mas  -  need any help?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: ellie on November 14, 2016, 06:36:59 PM
 >:( have just driven past a house with a big Christmas tree all lit up in their bay window..... TOO SOON!!
    Anyone else seen one yet, apart from the usual shop ones? 🎄🎄🎄🎄  :(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 14, 2016, 07:03:26 PM
Far TOO early  :bang: :bang: :bang:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dulciana on November 14, 2016, 10:19:57 PM
I wonder if it's a cheer-up reaction after what happened in the US last week........ :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on November 15, 2016, 08:19:31 AM
I've seen one in a house window, and a friend of a friend posted a picture of theirs on Facebook!  As I've said, for the first time in years I'm looking forward to Christmas this year, but actual decorating won't start until December (I won't put the tree up at home until mid-December, but I'll decorate the caravan over the weekend of 3/4 December, weather permitting!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 24, 2016, 06:57:59 PM
I haven't anywhere to stand the tree this year  :o due to a complete over-haul of our lounge - a month to go  :-X
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on December 06, 2016, 07:29:10 PM
Nothing up yet. Although I have bought a tree.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 06, 2016, 08:25:41 PM
Real tree?  Ours is in the loft, ready dressed ….. usually I have mine in the lounge by around the 18th, ready for my birthday  :).  It needs to be stood somewhere else this year  ::) …….

Tomorrow I intend to go back into the loft space and retrieve more decorations - for someone who dislikes this time of year intensely, I do LOVE putting decs on my outdoor trees  ;D.  The cards are defeating me this year, I think I will write them in February next year ……….
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: ellie on December 07, 2016, 03:33:21 PM
Fed up with real trees so we bought an artificial seven foot tree, and I let two of our grandkids  aged seven decorate it (we put the lights on before they came ). I thought that when they had gone we would have to take things off and start again!......but NO they made a beautiful job of it 😀😀
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on December 07, 2016, 03:46:40 PM
Well, our decs are up at home and at the caravan.  We got some new lights to go round the deck (decided against any 3D outdoor decorations as it can get a wee bit breezy on the East coast!), and put the tree in the window this year so it's visible for outside.  And I succumbed to the temptation of putting the tree up at home early too ... with my shopping almost done, I'm feeling festive and prepared this year!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 07, 2016, 05:02:54 PM
You all all getting on so well!  I've written nearly all the cards and have sent the parcels today.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Dyan on December 07, 2016, 05:48:22 PM
My tree and decs are up. Written the cards to be posted but haven't wrapped any pressies yet.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 12, 2016, 07:16:55 PM
Don't dash with the card writing, Royal Mail are going on strike for 3 days next week  ::).  Certainly don't post anything edible!!!!  Apparently many of the UK POs are due for closure even some of those that have been moved into other stores.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: cubagirl on December 12, 2016, 11:10:08 PM
My decorations are all up. Even bought some outdoor lights this year as we have grandkids coming. They're battery operated ones, the lights not the grandkids  ;), with a timer. My brother had great success with his ones last year for his grandkids, so thought I'd give it a try. Mind you they are pinned to fence with several drawing pins, in case of stormy weather.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Cazikins on December 13, 2016, 12:13:58 AM
We put up our little artificial tree yesterday, put the lights on it & hung a few ornaments around it. Then put a few very old decorations up on the wall (leftovers from my childhood (1960's).
No children or grandchildren to think about in this house (apart from ME  ;D ;D)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 13, 2016, 12:47:43 PM
I found the small tree that changes colour so that is on our window sill to be switched on a dusk  :)

Have sorted those cards that *must* go!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Cazikins on December 14, 2016, 04:46:32 PM
Today I wrote out the cards, tomorrow I must post the ones that need posting - then I need to traipse round the village delivering the local ones (mmm via the pub maybe).

I have 3 cards left so just hope I don't get any unexpected ones through the letter box, otherwise I will have to buy another box.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 14, 2016, 06:03:51 PM
For those that arrive after my box has had the lid replaced I send New Year ones ;-).  I use NY ones for those who don't celebrate C.mas too.

I bought 2 more small decorations this afternoon. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 03, 2017, 11:22:44 PM
Re-gifting anyone - 4 or against?

We have passed gifts around our family for at least 50 years.  Mum would make note of what we were given on the day, put items away until the next year when they would be used for birthdays or given again at C.mas.  We've been known to iron wrapping paper too and some shiny bits got smaller and smaller over the years .......... lasted to my knowledge for at least 5 and would be remarked upon each time  ::)

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Dana on January 04, 2017, 03:56:40 AM
I have no problem at all with re-gifting, but there are a couple of rules......

1.  When you receive something that is crap don't pass your crap on to other people because they are going to think it's crap too.

2.  If it is a perfectly presentable gift, but just not to your taste, make sure you put the name of the person who gave it to you on it so that when you do re-gift it you don't give it back to the same person, or any person who may be in that same group of friends/family.

I don't give gift anymore, so I have no need to wrapping paper, but I gave up using wrapping paper years ago. For a long time I used those lovely gift bags which are pretty inexpensive to buy and they can be recycled multiple times.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: babyjane on January 04, 2017, 04:36:09 PM
Mother used to get so cross if I tore the wrapping paper when unwrapping something as she wanted to save it to be used the next year  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: cubagirl on January 04, 2017, 11:05:17 PM
My mum ironed wrapping paper for following year. As for regifting, not sure I like that. Saw a thing on news tonight where a toddler had been gifted a very expensive pedal car, I mean in region of £2,000. It was at a centre for unwanted presents to be given to charity. Not sure what I make of that at all. Yes charity will benefit, but what about person who gifted it?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Dana on January 04, 2017, 11:34:54 PM
Do we really know that it was "re-gifted" though? Maybe it was from someone who just no longer had a use for it.

Anyway, obviously most re-gifted items aren't going to be in that price range. I have no problem with it. It's far better to re-gift something than leave it sitting it in a cupboard only to get thrown out years later. At least the next recipient may get some use out of it. I'm sure many gifts I've given in the past have been re-gifted and I'm fine with it.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Katejo on January 05, 2017, 09:18:57 AM
Mother used to get so cross if I tore the wrapping paper when unwrapping something as she wanted to save it to be used the next year  :-\
My Mum was just the same. She used to iron it after Xmas! We joked about it this year.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on January 05, 2017, 06:03:14 PM
On the 12th Day of Christmas my true love sent to me...... la la la ..... and a partridge in a pear tree. We would be celebrating tonight with the last day of fairy lights and decorations and tree, but my husband is unwell so won't be eating or drinking! ....before taking it all down tomorrow. Then everything will look so bare.

Re wrapping paper. Very good for anyone that re-uses the following year - Christmas is such a wasteful time of unnecessary consumption! I never iron it but we always unwrap presents carefully and I cut various sized squares from the unwrappings and put in a bag for next year - someone has to recycle stuff! I also cut the pictures off the cards, punch holes and add twine to make all my gift tags too....I have a friend who wraps presents in old magazine pages! I'm not like your mum though babyjane  ;D. No crossness especially not on Christmas Day!!! However my daughter has obviously rebelled against this and buys very good quality wrapping paper and lovely cloth ribbons ( also makes arty gift tags) and each present she wraps is a work of art!!!

Happy 12th night everyone  :drunk:

Hurdity x :)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dulciana on January 05, 2017, 06:05:43 PM
Happy 12th Night to you, too, Hurdity!   
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 05, 2017, 06:57:53 PM
It's tomorrow  :-\

My cards/decs. will come down over the next few days .........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on January 05, 2017, 08:55:29 PM
Um well this comes up everywhere every year if you google it and look at all the newspaper articles. I think the consensus is that today is the 12th day of Christmas - it has to be - otherwise you don't count Christmas Day. The song talks about the days "of" Christmas not the days "after" Christmas. Why would 26th Dec be the first day of Christmas? Christmas tide ends today and tomorrow is Epiphany (in the Christian calendar).  However there are still some folks who insist it is tomorrrow - but there is nothing to support that argument in my book!!! Anyway in the old days decs were kept up until Candlemas (2nd Feb) and still are in some parts. The 12 days idea is a relatively recent thing I think. Ideally they should be taken down today - but I'm not going to wait up until just before midnight so that they are up for the whole of Christmas and then not afterwards.

So there  :na:

Hurdity x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 05, 2017, 10:28:07 PM
 :na: ......... me, I don't know what day it is  ::) but found myself humming 'the 12 days of C.mas' whilst in the bath  ;D

Mine still won't be coming down for a few days, little steps and all that .........  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on January 05, 2017, 11:03:48 PM
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b086kdzs

I watched this over Christmas.  They reckon the 12 days of Christmas were part of the old agricultural world when you downed tools mid-winter,  and were shortened to Christmas Eve and Day during the industrial revolution when time off was scarce.  In early Victorian times, 12th Day was generally considered to be the 6th.  They even make a massive cake to celebrate, with icing that they have to bake (rather unsuccessfully) in the oven.  Worth watching for that!  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 05, 2017, 11:06:27 PM
 :thankyou:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on January 06, 2017, 11:15:40 AM
 ;D  No trouble  ;D

Come to think of it, I think that the 12 days extended to epiphany in a deliberate attempt to keep the religious side in peoples minds.  Will have to watch again.......

I missed my fairy lights last year which I kept up for a week too long.  So I bought some year round ones.

We had to take the normal ones down for Christmas (and clean the spider detritus off them) and now I have to take the Christmas ones down and put the usual ones back up again.  Making work for myself.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 06, 2017, 11:47:52 AM
Began taking down this morning, but it's OH SO COLD out there  ;D so am doing those in stages.  It's cold in our loft space too .......
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 24, 2017, 09:09:53 PM
6 months to go  :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on June 24, 2017, 09:16:01 PM
Ah yes, the nights are drawing in  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Mbrown001 on June 24, 2017, 09:41:50 PM
 ;D ;D ;D


Mrs Brown
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: breeze on June 25, 2017, 06:51:19 AM
After a very stressful and difficult two and a half years things have started to improve.  I'm actually looking forward to Xmas this year as it will hopefully be the first one in three years with no major worries.

Now I never thought I would say that.
Bah humbug   ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 25, 2017, 02:48:49 PM
Can you enjoy it on my behalf too?  I can't relax from mid-November onwards  :'(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: cubagirl on June 25, 2017, 02:52:57 PM
We had a mad one last year. Everyone at ours, though daughter & SIL cooked mains.  I'd quite like a quiet one.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 25, 2017, 02:53:38 PM
Start planning - maybe a cruise; although finding one that doesn't celebrate ?  ::) ........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Mbrown001 on June 25, 2017, 03:39:25 PM
It's half a year away CLKD .....chill  ;D. or even follow your own advice. Go away on holiday somewhere......a wintery cottage in Scotland perhaps.

Ours is going to be quiet as I think my DS is going abroad for the big day.


Mrs Brown
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 25, 2017, 03:51:11 PM
For the day and home on Boxing Day ?  ;)

We can't go away other than our usual routine .......   ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on June 25, 2017, 05:33:11 PM
My DD has come home from a holiday in Denmark and Sweden and given me a moose Christmas tree decoration. Too nice to tuck away for 6 months, so it's hanging up somewhere in the house. We have invented a new game called Spot the moose.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on June 25, 2017, 06:54:10 PM
Why are we talking about Christmas now. Mid November at the very earliest is the unwritten rule.   :whip:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Mbrown001 on June 25, 2017, 07:03:19 PM

 :rofl:

Blame CLKD.

No more from me lol


Mrs Brown
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 25, 2017, 09:26:36 PM
Who will be moving the moose about the housse?  It's 6 months to go  :o - 6 months today it will be All Over .
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on June 26, 2017, 12:37:36 PM
Whoever feels daft enough! It will stay in place hanging from the beautiful metal fern leaf sculpture on the wall until GS finds it, then we will hide it from Grandad.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 26, 2017, 12:46:16 PM
I love the idea of the moose moving around!

..... and breath.  Though I do feel that this year is RACING away  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 03, 2017, 11:55:49 AM
Selfridges in London have opened a C.mas Dept.  :o  :-\  :sigh: of course, if I were in London I would go and have a look!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Yorkshire Girl on August 03, 2017, 06:56:50 PM
Yes I read that some where yesterday CKLD, sorry I'm one of those that is not keen on seeing anything to do with that time of year before 1st December!! I wish I could celebrate my birthday without being surrounded by Christmas!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 04, 2017, 09:46:07 PM
....... so do I  ::)

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 27, 2017, 07:36:23 PM
3 months and it will be all over  ;D

I ordered some books this afternoon - ready to give away  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on September 27, 2017, 07:54:28 PM
CLKD  >:( Just NO!!!!!!!!!  ;D

Hurdity x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Salad on September 28, 2017, 07:35:53 AM
Popped into Matalan yesterday, Christmas stock everywhere, only thing missing was the music  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 28, 2017, 07:47:25 AM
I've always worked in retail and feel for the staff at this time of year, it's madness. Xx
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Salad on September 28, 2017, 07:59:06 AM
I've always worked in retail and feel for the staff at this time of year, it's madness. Xx
I did actually buy a couple of Christmas presents though and no crowds which meant the girl at the till and I could stand and chat for a while.
She told me how her husband tricked her into wrapping her own Christmas presents one year after he told her they were bought for other people  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Butterfly22 on September 28, 2017, 08:15:40 AM
Haha that's funny, I'll probably start buying soon as my daughters bday the end of November so need to be organised.
There is a nice feeling but the last week before seems to go crazy, I always say it's when the unprofessional shoppers come out 😂 Xxx
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dulciana on September 28, 2017, 09:11:40 AM
What gets me about shops "celebrating" Christmas too soon is that they obviously have no idea what it is they're enticing people to celebrate - why people need to buy wonderful presents, the latest tinselly decoration, the best food, etc.  Imagine if we gave birthday presents without knowing why................................................ :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on September 28, 2017, 06:33:01 PM
I've bought some of the Christmas chocolate... I'll either eat it before Christmas or I'll hide it so well (as in last year) that I don't find it till March!

Taz x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2017, 03:42:53 PM
I've seen 2 gritters and the post by dates have arrived from Royal Mail  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on November 04, 2017, 08:04:15 PM
We have eaten the Christmas Liebkuchen.  We do it every year.  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2017, 08:23:08 PM
Recipe?  with cream? 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on November 04, 2017, 08:25:38 PM
With tea.  ;D

We will have to buy some more.  Again.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2017, 08:25:59 PM
Is it Austrian cake?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on November 04, 2017, 08:27:34 PM
Sort of spicy gingerbread, sometimes with sugar crust.  This one was chocolate covered hearts with jam in the middle.  :love:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2017, 08:28:20 PM
Sounds lovely but I'm trying to give it up  :D  :cupcake:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on November 04, 2017, 08:31:04 PM
Probably not the best thing for cholesterol.  I am having frozen raspberries in porridge for breakfast, but I expect that does not cancel out the chocolate lebkuchen.........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2017, 08:34:16 PM
Depends  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaycee on November 08, 2017, 08:24:46 PM
Christmas for me doesn't start until Christmas eve, its not a favourite time of year for me,
I agree its far too early for Christmas ads

I usually go to my daughters,not sure this year, but I'm quite happy to stay at home,and watch TV
I am only going to buy for grandchildren  there are too many to buy adults for too
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 21, 2017, 07:21:19 PM
>creeps in quietly<  ;D

How's the shopping going?  Anyone done yet ......... >creeps out again<  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on November 21, 2017, 07:29:33 PM
I've only done a bit. Don't know what to buy this people this year. ☹️
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 22, 2017, 12:45:48 PM
I've run out of energy already  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on November 22, 2017, 01:14:10 PM
I found what I think will be the perfect gift for my best friend at the weekend - despite knowing her well and loving her to bits, I struggle with gifts, so it's a massive relief to have her 'sorted'!  The rest will be relatively easy after that - once I've got hubby sorted!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 24, 2017, 08:04:33 PM
Are mince pies too boozy for children?


Headline this morning: how much booze to keep them quiet?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on November 24, 2017, 10:18:05 PM
I am still soaking the fruit for my cake   :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: groundhog on November 24, 2017, 10:49:24 PM
I'm feeling stressed already.  I've made a rod for my own back as always being the go to person , the organiser, the one who went the extra mile.  I don't want that to change of course but I'm different now after THAT op.  The precious children in my life are getting older and technology has hit and I haven't got much of a clue . I see a comoutet game I thu k they like and see it's only compatible with certain devices and I'm not sure what they have.  The rest of my family aren't as organised as me and when I ask who has got what, I get half a reply. I went to boots today to buy them a battery tooth brush and there were about 6 different ones , my decision making skills are zero.
Ah well, it will come and go as always but if my husband tells me to cheer up one more time ..............
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on November 25, 2017, 09:42:03 AM
Groundhog go on the website before you go, have a quick check on how people have rated the product then you know which one you are buying before you go. It saves all the hassle of deciding.  I do it all the time.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 25, 2017, 02:27:22 PM
Don't try to compete groundhog?  Buy them something different? They like your company so maybe a set of videos to watch together?  Or a morning cooking together, some input time rather than encouraging them to sit in front of a screen?

Little notes inside nice cards with IOUs?   A walk in the park?  Cooking?  Cinema?

1 month tomorrow and it's all over  :bounce:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on November 27, 2017, 11:20:05 PM
I am still soaking the fruit for my cake   :whist: Maybe I ought to try making it tomorrow  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on December 01, 2017, 11:07:37 AM
May not be 'properly' Christmas yet, but it's first of December ... so the tree and window decorations are up in the office, my fairy lights are round my monitor, and I've opened the first door of my Advent calendar (treated myself to a Slimming World-friendly M&S calendar that has a cosmetic product each day - today was a lovely tined moisturiser!).  So I'm feeling pretty festive - bring it on!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on December 01, 2017, 11:48:22 AM
Someone suggested gift cards to me.  A certain ubiquitous coffee chain does them, and it means the friend or relative of your choice can treat themselves to a cuppa on you when out, which they may have thought twice about.  Also, chain restaurants like wagamama and nando and cinemas - good for young people moving house or going to uni.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on December 01, 2017, 06:11:56 PM
Have you made the cake dahllagirl or is the fruit still soaking  ;D


DH went to the supermarket at lunch time and came back with mince pies we had one after lunch but it will take more than a mince pie to get me in the festive spirit  ;D .


Lanzalover







Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on December 04, 2017, 09:54:08 AM
Hubby decided yesterday he was feeling inexplicably festive and wanted the tree up - well, I wasn't going to argue!  So it's up and looking lovely.  This is by far the earliest we've every put the tree up, but we've both said we're feeling very festive this year (we have no idea why!) - so we're going with the flow and enjoying it!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on December 04, 2017, 05:42:00 PM
(It's still soaking...........)  :wish:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on December 04, 2017, 06:12:15 PM
 :rofl:


Lanzalover x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on December 05, 2017, 10:28:56 AM
Well I am starting to feel festive.  I have bought some new tree decorations from the supermarket, and I have a relative coming to stay, so preparations will have to be made.  :)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on December 05, 2017, 10:45:53 AM
The big question is has the cake been made yet dahllagirl ?


Lanzalover x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on December 05, 2017, 04:20:56 PM
I may give it a go tomorrow  ::)

Out entertaining the oldies today  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaycee on December 06, 2017, 11:25:44 PM
Cant understand why all these Christmas trees and decorations are up already,
Mine wont be going up for at least another week,
Is it just me, am I a Grinch, lol
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Katejo on December 07, 2017, 12:21:50 AM
Cant understand why all these Christmas trees and decorations are up already,
Mine wont be going up for at least another week,
Is it just me, am I a Grinch, lol
I haven't bought a tree yet but usually do it by about the 6th. I was working last Saturday so couldn't.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on December 07, 2017, 01:09:16 PM
Cant understand why all these Christmas trees and decorations are up already,
Mine wont be going up for at least another week,
Is it just me, am I a Grinch, lol

Personally, I feel that life rattles past so quickly, and each year brings new challenges and harder mountains to climb, I want to enjoy things that bring me pleasure for as long as I can!  So the tree (which brings me a lot of pleasure) has gone up 'early' - and it makes me smile every time I see it.  But it's all personal taste - I know people who will put a tree up on Christmas Eve and take in down on Boxing Day!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: JaneinPen on December 07, 2017, 02:50:33 PM
My Christmas cd is on and the tree and decorations are going up.  I love it. Makes me feel happy
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 07, 2017, 03:04:08 PM
JC - will I buy a packet of humbugs  ;D - 18th Dec. is plenty early enough.  I will only shop in those that don't play musac ........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on December 09, 2017, 04:26:40 PM
Made the cake  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on December 09, 2017, 05:29:29 PM
That's good news.  :medal:

I was starting to get concerned  ;D


Lanzalover x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: JaneinPen on December 09, 2017, 08:03:13 PM
Well done dahliagirl. I have been watching with interest. Bet it is going to taste amazing after all the soaking
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 09, 2017, 08:42:53 PM
I can smell it from here  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on December 17, 2017, 10:27:53 PM
I have got to decorate the cake with something now. Run out of ideas.  ???
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 18, 2017, 05:57:41 PM
Almonds, Brazils etc.?

I haven't had the energy to get the cards from the loft, I've written notes that are urgent [long story short] and found a few decorations to hang otherwise ....... can't even put the out-door lights on as I've lost the keys to the garage in which our vehicles are - fortunately we sill have the car!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on December 19, 2017, 08:44:03 AM
I don't make traditional christmas cake any more as children all grown-up and gone - no-one eats it so we get left with it - however I used to decorate it with glace cherries, angelica and blanched almonds on top of ordinary glace icing which I put onto a thick layer of marzipan ( he best bit!). Sometimes I used to make marzipan balls or choccy marzipan logs out of the remaining marzipan, and put a tiny ( very old) plaster Santa in the middle - so it all looked rather bright and jolly! Probably outdated now but I liked it!

Well we have put the decorations up now! Not the main greenery though - all the ivy and holly. That will wait another couple of days and we will bring the tree in soon and decorate it probably on 23rd. Have made and frozen the chestnut stuffing, spicy red cabbage, made and bottled the cranbery conserve. wrapped most of the presents, sent the cards yesterday.  Mince pies and cake still to make and other goodies...Parcels gone off to family who aren't coming... other family starting to arrive in a couple of days, beds all made up - now feeling festive :)

Hurdity x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: JaneinPen on December 19, 2017, 09:24:46 AM
Wow hurdity. I need a lie down now after reading your post.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Scampi on December 19, 2017, 05:35:41 PM
The best Christmas cakes are undecorated ... because the best way to eat Christmas cake is unadorned, with a big lump of proper Hawes Creamery Wensleydale cheese - yum.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 19, 2017, 07:18:05 PM
Oh yes please .............. with hot custard in a bowl on the side?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: JaneinPen on December 19, 2017, 09:18:00 PM
Yes please Scampi although I do love marzipan
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on December 21, 2017, 11:39:14 AM
The cheese option is sounding good.   :D

Otherwise, it will have to be snow.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 25, 2018, 06:38:42 PM
However: 3 months  :o

Oh no it isn't ..........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 25, 2018, 10:52:19 PM
Oh yes it is .............
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on September 28, 2018, 06:51:23 PM
Cards, chocolates etc out in the shops  :(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on September 28, 2018, 08:18:48 PM
Oh, I know Littleminie.
Is it just me or are they starting earlier every year?
We haven't even got to Halloween yet. :bang: !!!!!

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on September 28, 2018, 11:34:40 PM
They usually start the weekend after the children go back after the summer hols.

Taz x 🎅
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on September 29, 2018, 05:12:06 AM
Noooooo

Lanzalover x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: JaneinPen on September 29, 2018, 08:19:07 AM
Just looked at the first post on this November 2014 and loved CLKD's stressco comment. Definitely getting earlier as the years have rolled by. They will soon be advertising at Easter!! OR we will just keep everything up all year. Do you think it would make us happy seeing twinkling lights peeked through the windows of houses which is one part of Christmas I do love
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on September 29, 2018, 12:32:30 PM
JL have all their decorations and trees out.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: JaneinPen on September 29, 2018, 05:42:03 PM
Liberty's in London have had their Christmas department open for months
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on September 29, 2018, 06:34:34 PM
JL have all their decorations and trees out.

IN September :o

There is no hope for humanity....this insane urge to consume.

Hurdity x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on September 29, 2018, 08:19:41 PM
The only thing I like about Xmas is the twinkling lights, and candles.
We put our tree up about two weeks before, then it's took down on the 1st...
Can't be doing with it.....lol

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 30, 2018, 03:14:52 PM
I haven't put our tree up for about 3 years because we haven't been here  :-\
The thing I like about C.mas is New Year's Day  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on October 03, 2018, 06:49:50 PM
Every year, I mean to get all the decorations out, sort through them and send most of them to the Hospice Shop.  It never happens because I put it off.

I have gone through red/gold phases, silver/icy blue phases, snowball and icicle phases and I think someone else could benefit from them now.

So thank you for this thread.  It has reminded me.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on October 03, 2018, 07:51:20 PM
I hate this thread!!!!! Well at least reviving it in September!

Not because I hate Christmas - I love it - but it really is absurd to even contemplate it until December! We spend too much time discussing and thinking about it, and it really is not relevant to these beautiful autumn days.

Let's enjoy the present eh?!

So there  :na: (sorry dahliagirl ;D)

Hurdity x 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 03, 2018, 08:02:50 PM
So maybe don't join in  :-\

I HATE Ch.mas .......... at any time of year.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on October 05, 2018, 06:45:29 PM
I hate Christmas too,
Now the kids have grown up, I'd love to go away for it,
But it's so expensive, OH just wouldn't pay it, so I have to put up with it.
And yes I know it's Christmas everywhere, but it's not so rammed down your throat in other countries.......( well, it seems that way anyway)lol
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 06, 2018, 10:07:26 AM
Himself wants to spend it here  :-\ .......... but I won't tell Mum until after her birthday in mid-November  :D

Shops are full of 'stuff' already.  I will jump up and down if they begin playing muzac early  :beat:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on October 06, 2018, 04:30:40 PM
In the shop today,
They've got Halloween stuff, dressing up stuff, blood, and all of that, one side ,
And on the other Xmas stuff......!
Why can't they let us get one over with at a time?
Sometimes I feel so sorry for the families whose kids just want stuff from each side, I know they have to learn that No, means No, but it just puts pressure on the parents, who are probably finding it hard to make ends meet in the first place....
It's all gone mad, one at a time please shops!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 06, 2018, 08:10:50 PM
Halloween went from here to the US and back  ::).  Begging with menaces .............  :-X
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: dahliagirl on October 08, 2018, 09:52:43 PM
I still think it a good time to sort out the tat, and send it to the charity shop, in time for someone else  ;)

(Thus relieving me of the emotional burden of it  :) )
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 09, 2018, 06:52:52 PM
Or to your local care home?  Or some such, perhaps food banks would take it.  After all, people need stuff as well as food ;-).  I am taking sanitary protection to ours on a regular basis.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 27, 2018, 01:39:37 PM
Not quite ............ I saw a tree in a store the other day  :'(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on November 25, 2018, 02:05:11 PM
Christmas songs have started in the shops
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 25, 2018, 03:35:10 PM
 :-X. A month today it will be all over  ;D

I'm not doing cards this year.  It will be hard work enough wrapping the few gifts we give out  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 25, 2018, 05:41:10 PM
Went to a Hotel for morning coffee and their tree was thrown into a corner, leaning backwards and it looked as though the decorations had been chucked from a distance  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Dancing Queen on November 25, 2018, 06:35:11 PM
Sounds like I might have decorated it lol. I hate Christmas. Bah humbug! 😁
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 25, 2018, 10:33:57 PM
 :rofl:  go on then, own up  :madeyes:

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2018, 12:45:02 PM
Month's time it will be all over  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Droopeydrawers on November 28, 2018, 09:34:36 AM
I love Christmas and I love to see all my grandchildren do their looong lists for Santa and it's a joy to see their faces on the big day, same as it was with my own children.we go to each of their houses on cmas morning exchange our gifts and play games or help set up their Santa gifts and it's such a happy time for me.when they lived abroad it was Skype that got us through it so now I appreciate those special days with them.its been hard for a few years because of the fear of socialising caused by meno but I pushed my boundaries with that one and somehow managed it and actually enjoyed on the day so this year it'll be extra special.we don't do dinners we come back home and have our Xmas dinner with each other and let their wee family units do their own thing and it works.im all bought wrapped and waiting for the day now lol.no bah humbugs allowed here 😘DD
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 28, 2018, 10:20:39 AM
Glad that you enjoy it.

We can't pop in anywhere, it's a 2 hour journey to get there.  They all live in the same area but even so .........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on November 28, 2018, 05:01:30 PM
Started my shopping today the dining room is looking like Santas grotto all today's purchases were for the grandchildren.I love Christmas Day but hate the shopping etc in the lead up to the day. Every year I say I'm going to get it all done early but it never happens.
Like DD we see 3 of our 4 grandchildren on the day which is lovely but don't have dinner with them.
This year we're going to my sisters for our dinner so no cooking for me  :) .


Lanzalover x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 28, 2018, 08:31:55 PM
Went to town to buy 11 'Eric' cards - not one in the place  >:( and I'm trying to 'shop local'. So off to a card chain tomorrow ....... bugga !
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 29, 2018, 02:04:33 PM
Oh no, not gone out of business  :'(

That's it then, no cards will be sent - I have loads in the loft but can't be bothered >yawn<
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 01, 2018, 12:01:17 PM
Is the tree OK overnight?

Can't raise any enthusiasm  :'(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on December 01, 2018, 01:33:04 PM
I love putting the Christmas stuff up, but as soon as it's over I can't wait to get them down.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 01, 2018, 03:25:52 PM
I think the recipe in some chocolate has altered  ;)


Off to look for 'Eric' the penguin cards  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on December 01, 2018, 06:02:24 PM
We haven't had our tree up for about 10 years or more as we usually go away for New year and it's just another thing to do before we go away.
We do however have loads of lights (indoor and outdoor) and lovely decorations.
Should have been writing my cards this afternoon but couldn't be bothered  ::)


Lanzalover x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 01, 2018, 08:27:59 PM
Years ago I had written our cards by mid-September.  Now I can't be bothered to get them out of the box.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 01, 2018, 09:18:57 PM
Our tree will be going up next weekend.
I'm like Littleminie, don't mind putting them up, but as soon as Xmas over,
can't wait to get them packed away.
The house seems bare though when they've been packed away, until I get used to it again.
I do love twinkle lights though, just put some above our bed....look lovely 😊.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 02, 2018, 03:33:23 PM
We will be going over. It's easier as my mind would be with her  :-\ but we have to visit his brother/wife on Boxing Day.  Then home  ;D

In 3 garden centres today, people are buying their trees already  :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 02, 2018, 03:56:26 PM
Birthday first  ;) - then the Duty Visit with all that will entail - then Duty Visit to his brother and home  ;).  We can then do what we like.  I think it' the intensity to be 'happy' when I would rather be elsewhere. It's the necessity to do our best to get there regardless of how ill I might feel.  It's a habit that will be broken in years to come ;-).

I have piles of things to be wrapped to send to Oz but lack motivation  :(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 02, 2018, 05:04:20 PM
That's exactly it! CLKD.
The intensity to feel happy and making everyone else happy at Xmas.  :-\
It's the expectation of it all.
It's always been on my head, years ago my brothers and their families would come over to our house, and after I'd cooked our Xmas dinner, (4 of us), I'd be cooking for when they got here later on. Or getting nibbles out and a like, yeah we had a laff, but no one invited us over to theirs, it was always them coming to us! At the time I didn't mind, but in hindsight,
I wish one of them would have had the stress of it all.  ::)
Never mind, it's all done and dusted now, we've all gone our separate ways, and now only speak to one brother, who never did come over at that time anyway..... ;)
But the intensity of it all stays with me........it's a bloody annoying thing!  :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 02, 2018, 05:18:02 PM
However: it may have been less stressful 4 them to visit with you ?  Perhaps they couldn't have coped with the influx ;-)

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on December 02, 2018, 07:14:49 PM
I've been wrapping the grandchildrens presents 🎁this afternoon
DH has sat watching football all afternoon  ;D


Lanzalover x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 02, 2018, 08:05:51 PM
I read that as wrapping the grandchildren  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 02, 2018, 08:43:04 PM
Yes CLKD, I don't think they'd have been able to cope with it,
I was a better hostess, they'd wouldn't have had a clue. 🤔


Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 03, 2018, 10:48:59 AM
 ;D ...... I don't cook.  Beans on toast then  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 09, 2018, 03:43:00 PM
I've been to antique fairs this morning and people keep wishing me a 'happy C.mas'  >:(.  Please don't.  I do not like the build up nor am I in the mood to be charitable.  No one knows what is in the background of my Life right now even though we meet these people every month.  Transient.  Not even a 'happy New Year' ..........

Humbugs  :-X
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 10, 2018, 03:10:19 PM
Went to find the cards but didn't get as far as the attic.   Found paper to wrap present with instead.  I keep taking my temperature  :-\  :P

1 down, 5 to go .  Then I may think about fetching the cards and front door wreath from the attic. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 10, 2018, 05:40:32 PM
Still haven't put tree or decorations up.
I'm so bad, just because I'm not keen on Xmas, I SHOULD still make an effort.
And I will, tomorrow or Wednesday.

Everywhere's getting more and more chockablock, dread to think what is going to be like
in a couple weeks time. 🤨   Should be used to it by now, it's the same every year...🤨🤬
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 10, 2018, 07:01:02 PM
Shouldn't we just: be ready  ::)

I used to be ...........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on December 10, 2018, 07:04:55 PM
Written by cards that need to be posted. 
Tree is up.
Treating myself to a beverage.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 10, 2018, 07:33:04 PM
Anything in particular?  Seasonal?  Tia Maria ........ long, over ice with a mint leaf?

I ought to get started in Feb., knowing how apathetic I feel from mid-September  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 10, 2018, 07:56:00 PM
A Church has been torched: St John the Baptist Church in Melbourn Street, Royston: so it can't be opened for C.mas Worship  :'(.  What is wrong with people!  If it ain't lead from the roofs ....... I am not a believer but do love our historic buildings whether they be Churches, Cathedrals, Country Homes, Graveyards ......... what bothers me is that the Church will be launching an appeal to rebuild, what's wrong with the Ch of England paying out? 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 11, 2018, 07:07:41 PM
Think I'm going to do it tomorrow.  🎄🎁 😬
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on December 11, 2018, 08:09:39 PM
I've been writing Christmas cards since I got in from work and still not finished.
All the presents are wrapped but still don't have any decorations up !!

Lanzalover x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 11, 2018, 08:16:28 PM
 :D. I have 7 up from the last several years.  Too fragile to keep taking down so they being dusted gently occasionally  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 11, 2018, 08:58:32 PM
Ive Already gave my brother his family's presents,
They're the only ones ive wrapped.!
Gotta get moving soon......🙀
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: BlueButterfly on December 11, 2018, 09:41:59 PM
Only wrapped gifts that were delivered to family. Need to find/take the time to get everything wrapped for the kids. Most of the decorations are up...not thinking we will be getting around to the rest. They are the outdoor decorations so not as big of a deal. I do miss seeing them when I drive up though. It's not often I go out right now, too cold!
Shopping is done! I love when I have finished that and can just enjoy the season! Miss when my children were younger...they would get so excited. Youngest is still a bit excited...teenager...well he's a teenager about it all.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 14, 2018, 11:49:08 AM
 ;D. I don't know whether to laugh or cry   ;D

3 weeks ago DH ordered heating oil, we were told it should be delivered by today.  No message yesterday to say yeah or nay so he rang the Company at 5.00 p.m. to be told that our order wasn't on the lorry for today, that it would be 'delivered B4 C.mas'.  Yeah right.  YIPEE - an excuse not to go away ? as I wouldn't leave the house unheated.  We have various electric heaters but I wouldn't consider leaving those on whilst not here.  We have the wood burner and an electric blanket but I would have worried so about the pipes freezing ..........

However: 20 mins. ago the delivery arrived  :-\  :(  :D ............ bugga  :whist:

So looks like I need to wrap the rest of the gifts, ready to take away.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 17, 2018, 04:41:59 PM
 :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on March 26, 2019, 01:27:37 PM
9 months today will be Boxing Day  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Shadyglade on March 26, 2019, 01:33:31 PM
 :na:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on March 26, 2019, 01:34:36 PM
 :lol:   
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on March 26, 2019, 09:27:53 PM
Better not be dead,I've a cruise booked
Sorry clkd 😆😂
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on March 27, 2019, 06:45:10 AM
You and me both jaypo 😂

Reallyshould hide that cd but I'm worried I won't be able to find it at Christmas I think DGD likes it's because  the narrators use her name when telling a story or ask her to sing along when they sing her little face lights up when she hears them say her name bless her. But it's far to Early !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lanzalover x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on March 27, 2019, 08:33:32 AM
Aww how cute,how old is she Lanza?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on March 27, 2019, 08:48:24 AM
She'll grow out of it by C.mas  ;D. [I thought you were trying to hide that 'CD' as in CLKD  :D]
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on March 27, 2019, 05:22:31 PM
She's 2 she'll be 3 in June.

No I didn't mean you CLKD but one more mention of Christmas before December and I may have to reconsider my answer 😂

Lanzalover x


Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on March 27, 2019, 06:00:36 PM
 :na: :rofl:  you and whose Army  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on March 27, 2019, 07:30:22 PM
 :lol:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on March 27, 2019, 07:31:17 PM
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on March 27, 2019, 07:40:31 PM
Right you hold her down Lanza and I will get the boxing gloves 😆
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on March 27, 2019, 07:47:08 PM
:whist:
Title: Other Festivals ( It's not Christmas yet! )
Post by: CLKD on April 08, 2019, 01:18:27 PM
Our local Methodist Chapel is advertising Passover ..........  :-\ I didn't know that other Faiths celebrated what I believed to be a Jewish Festival which begins late this week. 
Title: Re: Other Festivals ( It's not Christmas yet! )
Post by: Shadyglade on April 08, 2019, 01:44:03 PM
Our local Methodist Chapel is advertising Passover ..........  :-\ I didn't know that other Faiths celebrated what I believed to be a Jewish Festival which begins late this week.

Jesus was a Jew, and celebrated Passover. It coincides with Easter, this year. It commemorates the Jews escape from Egypt and is in the Old Testament, which is also part of the Christian Bible.

We want less boundaries, not more, so I have no problem with it at all.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on April 08, 2019, 02:46:18 PM
It is a surprise to me as a non-believer.  Though I am fascinated by different Faiths.  I want to visit a new start-up in Peterborough soon.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 02, 2019, 01:54:49 PM
Someone walked by me earlier "I will spend C.mas with .......... "  :o

Not with me I thought  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 02, 2019, 02:04:35 PM
It was me clkd it was me,did I say cruise?
Oops 😂😆🤣😆😂
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 02, 2019, 02:07:47 PM
 :rofl:  nope - not unless you're a Tall Bloke in shredded jeans  ::)

That'll be a cruise for how long exactly  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 02, 2019, 02:10:16 PM
I might be 👨🏽‍🦱👨‍🦰🧔🏻
😂😆
Oh oh can I speak about it?🤣
14 nights going on the 21st December wooooooooooooooohhhhoooooooooo
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 02, 2019, 02:11:03 PM
That'll look good in the holiday thread "nearer" the time  :lol: :whist:

I'm quite low actually - August already and not a child in the house washed .........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Sparrow on September 13, 2019, 04:42:18 PM
I bought some Christmas cards today.

 :na:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 13, 2019, 04:55:20 PM
Cheap then  ;D  :xmas:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: daska86 on September 13, 2019, 05:59:05 PM
I'm making bottle lights for a Christmas Fair .
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on September 13, 2019, 08:05:08 PM
We never used to see anything to do with Xmas until after bonfire night did we.?
It's all gone mad. 😠
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 13, 2019, 08:07:02 PM
C.mas Eve is plenty early enough  >:( and taken down on 28th ;-)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Pennyfarthing on September 13, 2019, 08:18:25 PM
People keep telling me such and such a shop has Xmas cards or gifts on display, so I avoid them like the plague.  I don't want to see or hear anything about it ..... far too early and not interested.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 13, 2019, 08:22:32 PM
Sheffield Christmas Market 2019: These are this year's dates ..........  :-\ forgive me for being pedantic  :whist: but ?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Sparrow on September 14, 2019, 06:33:07 AM
Actually I hate Christmas too. I'd much rather ignore it completely and just have sausage and mash Christmas day. Unfortunately when you have family that's not easy to do but my youngist son has suggested myself and husband go away instead. Might be a bit late now though.

As for the Christmas cards, I was in a
National Trust shop and they were right in front of me.  A total inpulse buy. ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Pennyfarthing on September 14, 2019, 08:19:34 AM
Actually I hate Christmas too. I'd much rather ignore it completely and just have sausage and mash Christmas day. Unfortunately when you have family that's not easy to do but my youngist son has suggested myself and husband go away instead. Might be a bit late now though.

As for the Christmas cards, I was in a
National Trust shop and they were right in front of me.  I total inpulse buy. ::)

I have no interest in Christmas either.  I put up a tree, cook lovely food but find it all tiresome to be honest.  Every year I say I would like to go away for Christmas but I get outvoted.  The family all help with the veg prep, dishwashing etc so it's not all down to me but I'd rather be elsewhere.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 14, 2019, 08:31:03 AM
Once we don't have Mum to consider we will remain here.  If we went abroad it might be a commune ..........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on September 14, 2019, 09:29:04 AM
I WILL get to go away one Xmas....I've got to, it's on my bucket list! 😉
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 14, 2019, 10:13:02 AM
We enjoyed our 4 years - alone, 2gether.

One year we got into and out of our car a LOT can't remember the amount but it was in double figures - that was C.mas Day  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Yorkshire Girl on September 14, 2019, 03:59:28 PM
We go away for the C word every other year, so we can at least spend one year at home. When we go away we tend to stay in Brighton as teenager loves it there - plenty to do, mind you I like it there & it's equal distance between our parents & my grandmother.
Hubby & I have decided that we are definitely going abroad one year!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on September 15, 2019, 05:23:30 PM
The garden centres are putting their Christmas stuff out. All the cardboard boxes are sat there waiting  :(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 15, 2019, 05:46:15 PM
Couldn't you take them with you  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 15, 2019, 07:38:25 PM
It's getting stupid nowadays
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 07, 2019, 12:11:47 PM
So why adverts this early  >:(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: bear on November 07, 2019, 12:34:17 PM
So why adverts this early  >:(

“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?'”. George Bernard Shaw.

Business!  ;D

BeaR.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 07, 2019, 01:54:49 PM
Sounds wonderful Teresa,I suppose I'm envious of people who have Christmas's with a wonderful family,all having fun etc, I never had this and I suppose that's why it means nothing to me,although I spoiled my daughter rotten when she was little,not with gifts as such but collecting twigs and making our own decorations,covering them with glitter,letting her put up the Xmas tree,all things I never got to do,I still feel sad that I didn't have any of that as a child,hence the reasons OH and I disappear over the whole festive season
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 07, 2019, 02:24:02 PM
Our family is angry anyway and get them all together at C.mas  :cuss:

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 07, 2019, 02:42:25 PM
I hope so Teresa,I'm sure she will.xmas isn't all about money money money,I didn't have much as a single mum but those times with my daughter were the best ever,just me and her,all these people who go into debt because their kids MUST HAVE is pathetic
Enjoy your tipple  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 07, 2019, 03:32:40 PM
Angry at the World.  With each other.  With people that don't 'do' what they thought they ought to B doing ......
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 07, 2019, 07:46:20 PM
All I remember about Xmas when I was Young was the whole family watching the tele, and laughing at Morecome and Wise, or who ever was on. We used to have a great time. Playing monopoly, or mouse trap. ect,..
I think that's why the pressure was on me when my kids were young, striving to give them the same, so they had good memories too, it wasn't about what we got, or money, it was the laughter and good fun we had....mind you, we all got on back then, it was when we grew up that problems started...🤷‍♀️
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Yorkshire Girl on November 07, 2019, 09:46:38 PM
I don't remember many Christmases growing up, when I was in late teens/early 20's I felt lonely my siblings even though younger got better presents when I got a Winnie the Poo bear - heavens knows what my mother was thinking. I know it's the thought that counts but getting something that is for a child....
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 08, 2019, 09:45:57 AM
I gave up the 'thought that counts' when his brother/wife gave me something totally inappropriate.  Add to that my birthday gift being handed over with an aside from his brother "It was too heavy to post" - that damned it - I am worth more than postage!! and it went to the charity shop.  Bugga, I actually liked that one  :D

What annoyed me was that I had to share.  I don't think kids share naturally and if my sister asked to play with my presents/toys I had to give in.  She wouldn't share and I wanted a go with her spirograph ........ was told 'no'  :-\.  Some things I cannot forgive  :cuss:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 08, 2019, 11:23:38 AM
Aww I loved Spirograph, we used to build playing cards up in a pyramid, and just as one of us had the last one at the top to put on, one of us would blow, or push it all down...🤬. 😂🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Yorkshire Girl on November 08, 2019, 07:06:09 PM
I had hours of fun with Spirograph as well and I loved my knitting Nancy! I'm sure we did that as well Jillydoll and as I have 3 siblings, one would get annoyed & knock things down in spite!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 09, 2019, 10:32:42 AM
My favourite toy ever was a farm (toy not a real one ;D) had a little barn and a little plastic farmer and his wife,then after that,every bit of pocket money would be spent on buying animals,it was my escape as a child,I'd play for hours with them all,shame a lot of kids don't use their imagination nowadays ☹️
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 09, 2019, 11:50:35 AM
We had a farm too.  'fuzzy felts'.  Bendy toys  :-X.  Dad built my sister a Noah's ark out of balsa wood, flying paper and dope.  Mum bought suitably sized animals to fit under the lid which was the roof so it was all tidy. 

I have 3 boxes to wrap.  Tissue paper found.  Items put into the boxes, they kind of fit  ;D.  Little steps ?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 12, 2019, 04:42:29 PM
Those 3 boxes filled, wrapped, labelled and ready to 'go'.  2 cards found, ready to write.  HUMBUGS  ;D

Not 1 person that we didn't send a card to last year has been in contact  >:( so that's my list, halved  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 12, 2019, 06:54:12 PM
Bonus clkd  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 12, 2019, 08:48:32 PM
 ;D  :o. I suppose it is ............  :thankyou: as long as they don't pop up in December wondering where we are .........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 16, 2019, 03:54:29 PM
Ladies:

How many of you keep decorations?  Some we have are over 50 years old.  When I go to the tip in Jan. I notice 100s of items being dumped into land fill.  >:( some which I could make use of  ;D This should stop !  We have tinsel [which should not be banned from sale] left over from years ago.  Wrapping paper too, cut smaller and smaller over the years.   :D

Our artificial tree is over 10 years' old.  It is dressed. In the attic.  But we haven't had it down due to a furniture move around  :'( .  I do have wreaths, made up over the years which hang in the attic on hooks.  I buy cheaper items in the Sales to add to the wreaths.  I have a C.mas one which gets taken off the door on 28th to be replaced by the White New Year 1 with a wooden dove. 

I need to get my head round moving furniture so that I can have my tree down B4 20th Dec.  :-\

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 16, 2019, 04:45:33 PM
I wouldn't consider buying new decks if I can get them in the sales  ;D.  Especially as we have plenty and I don't actually agree with Ch.mas.

1st is far too early  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 16, 2019, 05:25:04 PM
Our trees have lights woven through which I switch on around 11th Dec and leave winking in various combinations until mid-Jan.. 

The lights on the artificial tree get plugged in and hey presto! work  ;D. We have garden solar lights around the ponds and by the front door.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 16, 2019, 06:13:35 PM
My nana had a kissing mr & Mrs Santa,with wobbly heads,they had magnets in their lips,she gave them to my mum and my mum gave them to my niece,they must be 80 years old
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 16, 2019, 07:41:28 PM
I retrieved a couple of hanging decorations for the tree, when we cleared my parents house out after they'd passed on...they must be 40 years old at least...only small, but mean so much...
We've had a black Xmas tree for about 15 years....when it's dressed with gold, white and red decorations,  it looks pretty good. Especially with the twinkling lights on it... the twinkling lights are the only thing I love about Xmas!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 16, 2019, 08:39:29 PM
I'm getting that way jillydoll [have you eaten today '-) ] ............ HUMBUGS
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 16, 2019, 08:55:27 PM
I am partial to a humbug....😆
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 17, 2019, 09:57:42 AM
I now love Christmas beeeeeeecaaaaaaaussse .............. who would like to finish that sentence  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 17, 2019, 01:06:41 PM
It's all a pain in the back side! 😤
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 17, 2019, 01:27:23 PM
Here here, I only buy presents for people I like,so I quite enjoy that,it's when you've to start buying for EVERYONE that it becomes a pain,we stopped it all in our family as we all agreed it was nonsense and a waste of money.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 17, 2019, 01:38:39 PM
Good idea Jay.....think of all that money I'll be saving! 😆
Too late for family to agree now tho, as they've bought my family presents already, I'll set the ball rolling from this year, I'll tell em I might as well have my presents as they've bought em, no use em going to waste is there...😂🤣
I keep singing, money, money, money! 🤣😂
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 17, 2019, 01:46:37 PM
Hahaha also I don't really like any of my family anyway 😂😆🤣
We give an elderly aunt of OH a unicef card,you can give any amount to their charity on behalf of the receiver and they will send a personalised card to the person,it's a really good idea for older people who really don't need to add to the already 234 scented candles in their cupboard  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 17, 2019, 03:45:32 PM
OK jaypo - new thread ?

Mum would say "But I don't agree with that Charity" ........ she never agreed with Children in Need  :(

I handed out the first of our gifts on Friday.   ;D 1 more to go  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Yorkshire Girl on November 17, 2019, 04:03:21 PM
While we were in Scotland, one of the properties near to our holiday property had their Christmas decs & lights up. Honestly thought you would be bored of them by Christmas Day!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 17, 2019, 04:04:25 PM
MayB they go away  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Two hoots on November 17, 2019, 04:07:51 PM
Ive ordered my turkey crown  ;D

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 17, 2019, 04:08:56 PM
 :rofl:  ? 'photos ? B4 and after  :D.  I wasn't aware that turkeys wore crowns  :-\  :P ...... I would love a whole turkey round the garden  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 17, 2019, 04:13:10 PM
We used to have a lot to buy 4 but gradually cut down the list for various reasons.  Now I need to decide on what to give DH  :-*
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Two hoots on November 17, 2019, 04:30:46 PM
:rofl:  ? 'photos ? B4 and after  :D.  I wasn't aware that turkeys wore crowns  :-\  :P ...... I would love a whole turkey round the garden  ;)

Oh no I don't like to look at turkeys, I'm afraid my neck is going to resemble a turkey neck  ::)
But they make lovely sandwiches on Boxing Day  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 17, 2019, 04:36:43 PM
I've already got a turkey neck! 🤣😂🤣 🦃

Nooo, couldn't have a turkey in my garden....anyway, our dog would eat it! 🐕
Think of them feathers everywhere! 🦃🦃🦃🦃
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 17, 2019, 04:37:49 PM
No different to when chooks moult annually, usually around now  ;D they look oven-ready by C.mas Eve  :rofl:

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 17, 2019, 04:40:00 PM
 :lol:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 17, 2019, 04:43:37 PM
I leave our lights on the tree outside the house all year.  Switched on in Dec..
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Yorkshire Girl on November 17, 2019, 04:44:14 PM
 ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on November 22, 2019, 03:29:58 PM
We got our first Christmas card today. Mid November whaaaaat?  What's that about then? Who on earth sends them this early?  I can understand v busy people maybe writing them early but posting them  :o . Crazy. (To do list - write cards, post them. Tick - got that out of the way then.....!!!!). Just have to put it somewhere and hope I find it come mid-December when we start to think about decs and hanging cards etc. Not bah humbug by the way as I love Christmas - but just at the right time  ::)

Hurdity x :)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 22, 2019, 03:33:31 PM
Nooooooooooo I don't want a single card until at least the first week of December.It's a pain in our house,as it's our anniversary at the end of November,then OHs birthday then Christmas,flippin cards everywhere  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 22, 2019, 04:10:01 PM
There's due to be a postal strike!

You didn't have to open it yet  :rofl: I have to make a list of the few people that will receive one - I may buy a box of 30 rather than crawl into the attic to find the ones left over ..........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Yorkshire Girl on November 22, 2019, 04:14:39 PM
Hate it when I get a Christmas card before I've had my birthday at the end of November.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 22, 2019, 04:47:04 PM
Put them away ? 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on November 23, 2019, 09:26:41 AM
There's due to be a postal strike!

You didn't have to open it yet  :rofl: I have to make a list of the few people that will receive one - I may buy a box of 30 rather than crawl into the attic to find the ones left over ..........

Um CLKD - you may laugh - I don't normally leave mail unopened and really didn't think it was a Christmas card due to it being 22 November! The postal strike is not going to happen (if it does at all) until after the election. Still no excuse for Novemeber!!!!

Hurdity x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on November 24, 2019, 06:56:30 PM
Saw my first Christmas tree in someone's window today. It November  >:(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 24, 2019, 07:00:36 PM
Nnnnnnooooooooooooooooooo
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Yorkshire Girl on November 24, 2019, 07:59:24 PM
Littleminnie when in Scotland week before last there were two houses near to where we were staying that had their decorations up, then last week as I was walking in a nearby town one house had all their's up as well. Surely you would be bored of them by the time Christmas rolled around!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 24, 2019, 08:12:50 PM
I am thinking about which wreaths to fetch from the attic to put up through Dec. into mid-Jan..  But haven't got into the attic yet. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 24, 2019, 08:35:24 PM
We have absolutely no decorations   ;D no point,we're not here yabbadabbadoooooooo  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 24, 2019, 09:42:04 PM
My brother rang me last week and mentioned his daughter has had her tree and decorations
up for the last two weeks...!!!!! WHY!??:neutral:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 25, 2019, 08:58:48 AM
Jill!!!! Get right round to her house and pull them all down,should be illegal  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 25, 2019, 09:39:59 AM
What he didn't tell you was, she hadn't yet taken them down  :rofl:

I saw a decoration yesterday: really wanted it but it wasn't for sale  >:(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 25, 2019, 06:39:40 PM
Yeah, that's more like it, she's had em up all year!   :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 26, 2019, 09:42:39 AM
Phew.  By this time next month it will be ALL OVER  :-X and I will be home tomorrow .
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 26, 2019, 01:05:52 PM
And I'll be on my my my ............ ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 26, 2019, 04:00:26 PM
Oh no you won't  ;D

I got the cards from the attic earlier  :-\ now I have to raise the energy to write some. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Lanzalover on November 26, 2019, 06:03:23 PM
We used to have lots of decorations, a huge tree, outdoor lights the whole works when the children were little but as we now go away after Christmas we have scaled it all back.

I did however buy a 2ft pre lit white  tree today as youngest DGS couldn't understand why we didn't have tree last year. It's now on the coffee table in the conservatory just need to get the fairy lights out and few decorations but that won't be happening until mid December at least more likely the weekend before Christmas.

Lanzalover x

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on November 26, 2019, 06:12:47 PM
A girl after my own heart Lanzalover ( hope you don't mind being called that?!). We are the same - put up the tree as near as possible to Christmas Eve - otherwise how is it special? I used to get nagged by the children when they were small but they got used to it being close to Christmas and made it all the more exciting. I now wait until most of them have come back so that they can help decorate it.  Always a real one....Two years ago I bought a potted one from Tesco, kept it in the pot and used it last year, repotted it and it is still just about serviceable this year. Then I'll plant it in the ground and hopefully will stay in shape so I can cut it next year so that will be 4 years for £20 and then it will be used as kindling to keep us warm...

Hurdity x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on November 26, 2019, 06:14:19 PM
Less and less cards are being sent every year.  At work, the younger ones don't bother. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 26, 2019, 06:15:41 PM
It's such a waste of money,I'm with the young ones at your work  :)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on November 26, 2019, 07:12:39 PM
I'll tell them Jaypo 😂
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 26, 2019, 07:25:44 PM
Hahaha they'll say,who cares what an old granny thinks 🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Countrygirl on November 26, 2019, 09:24:45 PM
Mine are kept up with the decs in the loft so by the time I get the decs down it's too late to post them honestly 🤣 x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 26, 2019, 09:28:39 PM
Yes yes CG we believe you 🤔🤔🤔😂😆
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Countrygirl on November 26, 2019, 09:32:53 PM
one year the mice ate the cards along with the wrapping paper so I invested in plastic storage boxes so can't use that excuse now 😁 perks of country living lol x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 26, 2019, 09:54:42 PM
Were you good at excuses at school for not doing your homework?😂😆
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 26, 2019, 10:01:03 PM
 ;D ...... that would have been an excuse to buy a kitten/s
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Countrygirl on November 26, 2019, 10:28:00 PM
haven't had any mice in the loft since the cat moved in, I think the word got out he had taken up residency 🤣 😂 x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2019, 10:17:37 AM
Many++ years ago we had mice eating lemon soap in our airing cupboard  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 27, 2019, 04:34:43 PM
 ;D Little lemon burps
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Countrygirl on November 27, 2019, 04:48:56 PM
I was wondering if they looked a tad rabid frothing at the chops 😁 x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Two hoots on November 27, 2019, 05:11:39 PM
 :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2019, 05:14:01 PM
Yep.  Blew yellow bubbles  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 27, 2019, 06:43:30 PM
Both ends  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2019, 08:39:13 PM
Nope.  That's sprouts  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 29, 2019, 03:09:10 PM
Muzaac everywhere  >:(.  Roll on February  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 30, 2019, 09:33:16 AM
That day we went to Bath,my daughter was saying that employees should be allowed to wear headphones,imagine listening to that god awful music ALL DAY?!?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 30, 2019, 07:19:26 PM
I sing and get jiggy in the shops I do, I get some very funny looks...😂🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 01, 2019, 10:44:40 AM
You get some funny looks all the time though Jill not just at Xmas  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 01, 2019, 12:50:19 PM
True, so very true...🤣😂
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on December 05, 2019, 08:27:41 PM
Well three weeks today Boxing Day will be nearly over so we are getting closer.... today I made my mincemeat which is now soaking in brandy and sherry, and also made the chestnut stuffing for the turkey and froze it! I wanted to feel as though I was doing something.... haven't started Christmas shopping yet but there is plenty of time for that  ::)

Hurdity x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 07, 2019, 03:14:03 PM
Yep - 2nd January  ;D

Neither of us has even thought about gift buying for each other  :-\  ::).  I know what I am getting it's about going to the shop and handing money over.


1st 4 cards arrived today ..........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 07, 2019, 07:23:53 PM
Aww sorry about the breakup Stella  :(
Myself and OH never buy presents for  each other clkd,just because we'd end up buying stuff we don't need,we buy something nice for ourselves when we go on holiday
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 07, 2019, 08:34:54 PM
Good idea jaypo

stellajane - is this a recent breakup?

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 08, 2019, 05:00:15 PM
U C - now that Mum is in care they get C.mas Lunch served to which we are invited.  However  :-X

So DH cooks our main meal on C.mas Eve in Mum's oven.  Pheasant with trimmings.  So we eat it cold the next day, in our car, whilst Mum is having her meal in the warm  ;D.  We do get an invite to join her.  However  ;)

We usually have Boxing Day with his brother/wife for which we provide a hunk of beef and they cook it with their veg..  No one has mentioned that we do the same.  For several years we took my Mum along which made a nice afternoon for her.

Then we travel home after visiting Mum in the home the next day.  She doesn't want us around for long in case someone sits in Her Chair  >:(

When we had 4 years here, at home: we would have a brisk walk after breakkies then C.mas pud with custard.  Evening meal went on in the afternoon ........... same again Boxing Day: brisk walk, cold meal with chips.   We always have pheasant, veggies and a Good Gravy. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 08, 2019, 08:07:05 PM
New routines take a while but new traditions will grow.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 08, 2019, 10:17:55 PM
Thank you for enlightening us clkd,we were thinking all sorts  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 09, 2019, 09:30:55 AM
Probably anything better than sitting in a cold car , actually we might take the camper van this year.  With a porta potty and kettle  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 09, 2019, 02:27:47 PM
Wayhey you pushing the boat out there clkd  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 09, 2019, 02:33:52 PM
Yep.  We know how to Live  :lol:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 09, 2019, 03:58:34 PM
I switched the twinkly lights on at the weekend, they hang in the tree outside the lounge all year.  Seems they are on an 8-hour on/off cycle  :-\ ......... can't remember that happening last year  ::). 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on December 12, 2019, 02:13:07 PM
Done the few cards that I send or hand deliver round the village - although will get sons to do that just before Xmas - doesn't do to be too early! The others will get a charity e-card - never done this before.... Bit early for decorations too but the weather is do awful I didn't fancy Christmas shopping so might put up the odd thing. We leave (gathering and putting up) the greenery until a few days before too otherwise it dries up before the 12 days! For those who don't know - I'm in a rural area! Hope everyone's managing to take their mind off things (and I don't mean the C word!!!!)  ::)

Hurdity x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 12, 2019, 02:58:31 PM
Yep.  The weather isn't anywhere like C.mas  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 12, 2019, 03:26:55 PM
did you see the old man on tv this morning,when the youngsters were singing outside his house,he was so emotional..........as was I :'(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 12, 2019, 04:05:50 PM
Yep. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on December 12, 2019, 05:50:21 PM
did you see the old man on tv this morning,when the youngsters were singing outside his house,he was so emotional..........as was I :'(

Me too. 😥
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 12, 2019, 06:11:12 PM
It was a group of Muslims that bought and decorated his tree  :-* and he has been invited out for lunch.  How many people who would like to celebrate feel that they would be 'too much of a bother' or that it's a 'family occasion'  :-\


The lights on the tree outside have failed  >:(  :'( ........... I didn't think that they were 'right' when swtiched on last week and now they have given up the ghost .  Look our Jan Sales  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 12, 2019, 06:26:54 PM
There's been a report that people feel side-lined if they don't drink alcohol at C.mas parties.  Can't people learn to say 'no, not for me'  :-\.  It has never bothered me if I don't want alcohol I don't accept the glass.  Why not start a trend .......... or if really really worried simply don't go the 'do'?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 12, 2019, 06:39:33 PM
Been there clkd,drink after drink appearing in front of me and feeling under pressure to keep up but not these days, I can only stand one glass of wine or a very tonicky gin
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 12, 2019, 08:07:48 PM
😏
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 12, 2019, 08:19:07 PM
Jill,we don't need drink,I think we proved that on Sunday , I like a lager when I'm thirsty and I do like a champagne on special occasions
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 12, 2019, 08:29:16 PM
True, very true. I get drunk on my very silly humour! 😉
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 12, 2019, 08:43:25 PM
I have never felt pressure to drink.   Many years ago a Barman offered to build a rainbow cocktail but I wouldn't have drunk it so it would have been a waste.  So I've never seen one built.

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 16, 2019, 07:11:48 PM
A trailer full of Brussels sprouts has spilled over a road and pavement in Fife.

The vehicle pulling the trailer full of the Christmas dinner vegetable overturned in Queensferry Road in Rosyth at about 10.45.

Police Scotland said it had closed the road and was urging drivers to avoid the area.

A spokesman tweeted: "There's been a bit of a BrusselSprouts accident at the roundabout at Admiralty Road."
The tweet added: "Please avoid the area if possible. Traffic and Christmas dinners may be affected. Apologies for any delays.


Whoops  ;D

Also: our neighbours have some sort of machine so that they have large snow flakes projected onto the front of their house  :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on January 02, 2020, 04:53:41 PM
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me......

Nine ladies dancing....

Yippee! Let's dance :)

:cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:   :cancan:


(well that was more than nine!)

It's not over yet!!! Hope you're all still enjoying the festive season....

Hurdity x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 02, 2020, 06:05:04 PM
Tnx Hurdity: actually. Yes.  I feel birthday-ish still.  Shops are quite quiet.  Decs sorted, some into the loft that we don't need this year.  The others are collecting dust.  Quietly  ;D

10 what ever it is ...........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 26, 2020, 11:42:40 AM
What were you all doing 4 weeks ago  ;D  :drunk: :party:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on January 27, 2020, 11:57:14 AM
Cruising  :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 27, 2020, 12:45:59 PM
 :hug:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on January 27, 2020, 06:55:56 PM
Wishing it was all over! 😆
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 27, 2020, 08:15:46 PM
It did though, go over  ::).  I try not to think about the next one though it does pop up in a form of anxiety quite regularly  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on January 27, 2020, 08:27:06 PM
Just another day,although ours is now going to be marred by the death of our niece on Xmas eve :'(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 27, 2020, 08:49:03 PM
Of course.  So lighting a candle?  She is at Peace. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on January 27, 2020, 08:55:19 PM
Yes,no more anguish or despair
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 25, 2020, 07:21:04 AM
:whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on June 25, 2020, 08:19:04 AM
Clkd I'm going to hoof ones arse in a moment  ;D ;D
CRUISE CRUISE CRUISE CRUISE  ;D ;D
Oh,or maybe not  :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 25, 2020, 06:01:42 PM
 :rofl:  you've got to catch me first  :lol:

I tell a Lie - not  :whist:  6 months and it will be all over  :P
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 25, 2020, 06:06:50 PM
Don't even think about that Teresa - U look OK from here ;-)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 25, 2020, 06:40:33 PM
with both eyes shut, a paper bag over my head and in the dark ?  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on June 25, 2020, 06:41:37 PM
She looks good when she's throwing cans of cider at me  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 25, 2020, 06:42:21 PM
No good if they are empty ?  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on June 25, 2020, 08:34:05 PM
Yep,even passers by eh Teresa   ;D good on ya girl
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on July 25, 2020, 04:00:55 PM
5 months  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on July 26, 2020, 12:38:44 PM
I've just pinged your ear,did you feel it? ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Sparrow on July 26, 2020, 12:53:02 PM
Christmas is Cancelled.

Boris is on a diet so we all are.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Salad on July 26, 2020, 02:28:51 PM
Christmas is Cancelled.

Boris is on a diet so we all are.

Oh no! I Love Christmas - although could do with dieting or perhaps jaw wiring  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Sparrow on July 26, 2020, 02:29:59 PM
I hate Christmas.  >:(
Bah humbug
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on July 26, 2020, 03:32:35 PM
So do I,hence the reason we go away,well,maybe not this year  :'(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on July 26, 2020, 04:17:55 PM
Add me to that aswell. 🙁
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Yorkshire Girl on July 26, 2020, 06:13:30 PM
I have always loved Christmas, but recently not so sure...
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on July 26, 2020, 06:26:09 PM
I love Christmas as it’s family time. We have never gone overboard either with gifts or food. I have admit buying this year’s Christmas cards (shock/horror), but the charity I buy them from give a 15% discount at the moment. Spreads the cost, but I’ll probably forget to post them until the last minute!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on July 26, 2020, 07:01:36 PM
jaypo - was that necessary  :rofl:  5 months today it will be ALL OVER  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on July 28, 2020, 02:59:25 PM
jaypo - was that necessary  :rofl:  5 months today it will be ALL OVER  :D
Yes it most definitely was ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on July 28, 2020, 03:19:18 PM
we will be here ;-)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 08, 2020, 10:25:26 AM
ordered the first presents this morning
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 08, 2020, 11:10:14 AM
GET OFF OF THIS FORUM CLKD  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 08, 2020, 11:55:32 AM
 :na:   I haven't wrapped anything yet  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 08, 2020, 12:20:37 PM
I'll bloody well wrap you,Christmas indeed  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 08, 2020, 01:40:36 PM
Not in cling film, it's not good for the environment  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 08, 2020, 02:27:12 PM
Nah,with buttons and bows........I feel a song coming on  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 08, 2020, 05:36:53 PM
How Much is that Doggy, In the Window  :scottie:

Buttons and Bows - I now have an ear worm though can't remember the words  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 09, 2020, 01:18:24 PM
Who even sang it? Was it Doris Day?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 09, 2020, 06:57:47 PM
The best-known version of "How Much is That Doggy in the Window" was the original, recorded by Patti Page on December 18, 1952, and released in January 1953

Mercury didn't have a good UK following.  Therefore, a recording by Lita Roza was the one most widely heard in the UK, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1953.[2] It distinguished Roza as the first British woman to have a number-one hit in the UK chart. It was also the first song with a question in the title to reach number 1.

The most popular version of 'buttons and bows' was recorded by Dinah Shore in 1947 and reached the charts the following year
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 11, 2020, 01:58:44 PM
If U usually buy a turkey but have less people expected this year: do buy as large a fresh bird as possible and get the butcher to quarter it, cook what is necessary and freeze it raw rather than have farmers going out of business because people reject large birds [though I can never understand why any1 would want turkey anyway  :-\  :-X ]
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 26, 2020, 11:55:44 AM
I've fetched my cards from the loft yesterday and typed a list earlier 2day
Put a few small decorations up  8)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 26, 2020, 01:28:42 PM
Oh I have long strands of hop climbing over the trees in the garden :-) and our holly bush is full of red berries :-)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 29, 2020, 01:32:05 PM
 :'( - I wonder whether the producer will get compensation.  It was bound to happen due to the spread - not that the main papers/news have mentioned it at all  :-\.   

All 10,500 turkeys will be culled at a farm in North Yorkshire after bird flu was confirmed at the site.

The H5N8 strain of avian influenza was found at a turkey fattening premises near Northallerton on Saturday.
The birds will be humanely culled to stop the disease spreading, the Department for Rural Affairs (Defra) said, as it investigates the source.
Risk to public health from the virus is very low, Public Health England (PHE) added.

A temporary control zone of 3km (1.86 m) and 10km (6.21 m) is in place around the infected site.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 29, 2020, 01:50:28 PM
Oh yes,I've just read this,something else to add to a disastrous year
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: sheila99 on November 29, 2020, 02:20:37 PM
Can they still use them? Not the poorly one obviously but many will still be OK.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 29, 2020, 03:21:00 PM
Nope.  The whole flock will be culled.  There are several in the South of England that have been culled too, media is trying to keep it quiet.  With over 10,500 how would the producers be able to tell which are affected?  :-\.

I've put some of my decorations into the trees around the house ;-). 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 02, 2020, 05:33:03 PM
Tree is up :-). Plugged in, lights worked, hey presto!  Lights and decorations hung in the trees outside.  No cards written yet ........ might bother later in the year  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 05, 2020, 02:23:12 PM
Turkeys at a farm in Norfolk are to be slaughtered after cases of bird flu were confirmed.

A number of birds were found to have the H5N8 strain of avian flu, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.
It has set up a temporary 3km (1.9 mile) exclusion zone around the farm, near Attleborough, in an effort to limit the spread of the disease.

 :'(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: sheila99 on December 05, 2020, 04:24:14 PM
I don't know for definite but I think they'll be compensated, you are anything else the government tells you has to be slaughtered (foot & mouth, bovine TB etc).  They get some back from the tb cases as any meat without lesians goes in the food chain. And a surprising number have no lesions at all so didn't actually have it despite the test showing positive. In fact they're probably the ones that should be kept and bred from having been exposed to it but not developed it.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 05, 2020, 04:49:00 PM
sheila - only a 1st World country would slaughter cattle on such a scale  :'(. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: sheila99 on December 05, 2020, 05:12:57 PM
Tell that to the acting PM Carrie Symonds. Apparently it was her that had the badger cull in Derbyshire stopped last year though it has gone ahead this year. It takes a certain mentality to think it's OK for any animal to die a slow, painful death from TB. 32,000 cattle slaughtered last year, I think it was around 100,000 before the cull. And all because it was such a political hot potato they didn't get a grip on it when it was confined to Devon/Cornwall. We haven't had it yet but most of our neighbours have.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 05, 2020, 05:29:54 PM
What annoys me is that none of the badgers culled have had a post mortem 2 C if any actually have TB!  DEFRA thinks it's 'not necessary' so how will we ever know the truth?

It's all costing the Tax Payer after all.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 17, 2020, 06:34:37 PM
Any1 put the sprouts on yet?  ;D. I love 'em.  We grow over 200 varieties in the UK ;-).  How do U like yours?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 17, 2020, 07:48:34 PM
Covered in butter  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 18, 2020, 09:42:05 AM
...... + black pepper in this house  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on December 18, 2020, 12:47:07 PM
Sprouts are disgusting ladies  :sick02:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Sparrow on December 18, 2020, 12:50:09 PM
I love them.

Can't stand curly kale though.  That is a step too far.  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 18, 2020, 01:43:04 PM
Now now LM,eat your greens or you won't be allowed to leave the table  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Salad on December 18, 2020, 02:24:46 PM
Any1 put the sprouts on yet?  ;D. I love 'em.  We grow over 200 varieties in the UK ;-).  How do U like yours?

I love sprouts too!
 I like them cooked and still quite firm. Perfect with any roast dinner, but I also eat them on their own in a bowl as a snack  :P
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 18, 2020, 02:26:13 PM
If 1 finds sprouts bitter add a teaspoonful of sugar to the cooking water ;-).  Now kale - never been tempted to try that.

Gifts wrapped, cards written  :-* - now I can't wait until the 25th 2 hand them over  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 18, 2020, 03:46:31 PM
Oh that's rude  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 18, 2020, 04:50:46 PM
I thought there was a funny whiff in the air  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Joaniepat on December 18, 2020, 05:19:55 PM
Sprouts are OK but I agree with Shadyglade on curly kale. It just wraps itself around your teeth - not a good look  :(
JP x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on December 18, 2020, 06:17:17 PM
Kale is nice if it’s cooked in the oven.  It goes crispy.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 18, 2020, 06:18:33 PM
I agree with Salad. Hate sprouts mushy. I just love em.
Curly kale, 🤮
Roasted parsnips anyone? ....

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 18, 2020, 07:07:24 PM
It's the only way to eat parsnips  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 18, 2020, 07:09:13 PM
Oh LM I was going to mention that,chopped kale with a drop of oil,in the oven,yum yum,stinks the house out mind you  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 18, 2020, 09:04:35 PM
 :rofl:    :lol:  that's made my day  :thankyou:

I can't drink anything that's green  :-X
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Salad on December 18, 2020, 10:24:26 PM
Do people have to stand down wind Salad after you have been at the sprouts.  ;D

Have you been talking to my husband Rattymaid  ;D

Tbh it’s not just sprouts  :madeyes:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 18, 2020, 10:31:48 PM
Lucy has found a new home after being found in a wheelie bin:

The Scottish SPCA said: "Lucy's new owners tell us that she has made their house back in to a home again after their last cat sadly passed away.
"Lucy has already rightfully claimed the sofa.
"We are thrilled that Lucy has now settled into her loving forever home with her amazing new owners in time for a very happy Christmas."


Happy Holidays Lucy  :-*
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 21, 2020, 11:29:17 AM
Lots of lorry drivers will be stuck both sides of the Channel as the UK is literally closed for business.  Hopefully some will help those caught in Operation Stack with hot drinks, loo breaks and conversation.  From 1 January no one is allowed to take food to or from mainland Europe.

10,000 lorries per day cross the channel daily! not sure if that's under and over ......... and if it's both directions.

Do not panic buy! 
 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 21, 2020, 01:24:09 PM
£MK Scottish shell food stuck at Dover destined for France and Spain.  Well, mayB sell it to people in the UK? instead of it straight onto iced vans which then go to load it into the bigger trucks?  The various UK Chefs tell us to buy local but if fish/shell fish isn't available ...........  >:(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on December 21, 2020, 04:27:34 PM
This variant strand of covid seems to be a problem in areas where there are strong links to Europe eg tunnel in Kent and ferries in Portsmouth, suggests that it could have come from Europe and identified here. So France closing its border is not going to help.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 21, 2020, 04:29:52 PM
As well as Brexit - getting their own back  :-X

Hopefully the Red Cross will step in to support any drivers stuck on this side?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 22, 2020, 08:59:55 PM
Royal Mail are not delivering parcels until after C.mas due to staff isolating, lack of delivery personnel and a 4 week backlog.  Hopefully most cards will get through.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 11, 2021, 02:53:47 PM
I'm ready: my tree hasn't got back into the loft. Yet  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Hurdity on January 12, 2021, 09:58:48 AM
Some people are leaving their decs up until eve of Feb 2nd ie Candlemas as per some ancient tradition! There was publicity about it around Jan 5th with the usual discussion about 12th night.... ::) - so if its still up (your tree) - then it can stay for a few more weeks yet!

Hurdity x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 12, 2021, 10:29:17 AM
I can't be bothered to haul our tree from the corner  ::).  Most of the decs are away but always leave my New Year Wreath on the front door until mid-Jan..  Not that anyone notices. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on January 12, 2021, 12:18:21 PM
Some people are leaving their decs up until eve of Feb 2nd ie Candlemas as per some ancient tradition! There was publicity about it around Jan 5th with the usual discussion about 12th night.... ::) - so if its still up (your tree) - then it can stay for a few more weeks yet!

Hurdity x

Couldn’t leave it up that long, it would drive me mad.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 12, 2021, 12:19:56 PM
 ;D ..........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on January 12, 2021, 02:53:28 PM
We are SO bah humbug we don't put any up in the first place,although we are usually away for Xmas and new year  :(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 12, 2021, 02:54:18 PM
I could join you but not on a cruise  ;D

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on January 12, 2021, 02:56:39 PM
You'd LOVE it clkd,we don't go on those massive tacky ships that have fun fares and bowling alleys,Cunard is the old style cruising,very refined.......a bit like myself............shut up please and thank you  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 12, 2021, 05:09:50 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: befuddled on January 13, 2021, 09:20:37 AM
Christmas... wow, that feels like a long time ago now!

  On the govuk website,  "Making a Christmas bubble with friends and family"  Sounds like a happy family activity, like that 70s Blue Peter thing "making a hanging decoration with coathangers and candles"?  Made me smile!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 13, 2021, 09:35:38 AM
Here's 1 I made earlier  8)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 02, 2021, 08:31:34 AM
 :-X  ;D  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 02, 2021, 09:41:00 AM
Shhhaaaaaaaadddddaaaaaappppppp clkd  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 02, 2021, 11:31:57 AM
jillydoll started it  :lol:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 19, 2021, 10:49:20 AM
Homeware store beside me has all there Xmas decorations up for sale.......ITS ONLY MID SEPTEMBER..........AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHH
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: sheila99 on September 19, 2021, 01:00:49 PM
Yes but haven't you heard? There aren't enough lorry drivers, fewer containers from China... panic buy NOW!!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 19, 2021, 02:14:48 PM
 :lol:   I wish  :rofl: yes I had heard.  My wish may arrive  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 19, 2021, 03:51:29 PM
I've done it sheila I've done it,got 6 Xmas trees and 325 bobbles  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: sheila99 on September 19, 2021, 04:51:06 PM
All festooned in toilet paper?? Might be a shortage of that too...
Laid back here, same Xmas tree for the last 15 years, no CO2 required to murder our turkey.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 19, 2021, 05:08:34 PM
R tree is already festooned, in the loft - pull it down, plug it in, voila!  Lights work every time  ;D. 4 the last 12 years at least.


Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 19, 2021, 05:09:36 PM
Go Compare really makes me  :-X  >:( .......     :-\ ............  :-\. ? wrong thread
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 19, 2021, 05:34:04 PM
I haven't put up decorations for years,usually away,so no point
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on September 19, 2021, 06:46:29 PM
No tree and decorations this year for meeeeeeeeee. 🥳🥳🥳🥳
We’re going away for Xmas. 😃🤞🏼
Can’t flipping wait! 💃🏼
After what we’ve been through, we need this more than ever.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 19, 2021, 07:46:41 PM
No Santa and reindeer on the roof this year Jill?  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on September 19, 2021, 08:42:27 PM
After years of battling with a huge artificial Christmas tree, that my son bought, I bought a new smaller tree in January at a reduced price. Branches like arms with lights attached. No battling again. I don’t bother with other decorations round the house. I’m all for simplifying things. Used to dread putting the old one up as it took so long. The last straw was toppling off the step ladder trying to string the lights on it!  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 20, 2021, 08:41:56 AM
You R organised!   I had 1 with branches that lit up in different colours until the battery ran out: it was more expensive to replace the battery than buy another tree 🌲  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on September 20, 2021, 08:59:45 AM
Nah Jay, think I’ll give that a miss this year. Saying that, I’ll miss the blow up Santa on the doorstep. 🤣😂
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 20, 2021, 12:56:14 PM
You're gonna do WHAT to Santa?  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 20, 2021, 04:25:13 PM
 :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on September 20, 2021, 05:53:50 PM
Gosh is that what porches are for? Better have one built or perhaps find somewhere for a chimney to be built! I’m obviously missing out!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 20, 2021, 06:59:58 PM
Our neighbours have a blow up Santa which supposedly climbs a ladder to the chimney - OK until Boxing Day but they leave it up until mid-January  :(  >:(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on September 20, 2021, 07:11:14 PM
Haha, I soon run out of puff, I can tell you! 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨.  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 26, 2021, 11:39:40 AM
So: I've dragged most of the decorations no longer required from the loft and spent 2.5 hours sorting.  I know one of the baskets is from 1968 ....... and has travelled with us when ever we moved.

2 boxes will go to the charity shop

2 will go to the food bank - they have a table of odds and sods for users to pick up for a small donation

I will never require C.mas paper  ;D - I was raised to keep, iron and re-use ;-).  Same with cards: I have 10 boxes of 'labels' which will not be used, as we don't send that many gifts.  I feel a shred coming on!

Which is a shame as cards are pretty.  I wish that we had kept ours, swapping every Bday and C.mas ;-). 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on October 26, 2021, 12:05:41 PM
I’ve bought some Christmas lights for outside 🙀
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on October 26, 2021, 12:12:31 PM
I’ve bought some charity Christmas cards. :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 26, 2021, 12:26:22 PM
 ;D

Many items will be stuck at Felixstowe  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on October 26, 2021, 07:06:03 PM
All my Xmas stuff, tree, decorations, ect….. have gone.
Charity shop had them, as this year, hopefully, I’ll be away for Xmas.
I’ve intended to buy a new tree for a couple years now, but never did, so this is a good excuse to buy one next year. ( if I’m here, might be away again, if I have my way  ;) :whist: ).
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 26, 2021, 07:52:49 PM
Our tree is in the loft, I gave it a nod earlier  ;D.  No space for it in the lounge - it's dressed, ready to be plugged in Hey Presto!

Food bank doesn't want a table of C.mas stuff this year  >:( so charity shop it will be.  5 boxes thus far and still to sort rolls of paper!

I wish that we could give up buying gifts  :-\ 4 people that don't require anything! but DH says 'give it another year'  >:(. I've cut down to something 4 Mum (she won't be aware) and a card, a very close friend and card, DH  :-* and he buys for me.  I've cut cards down too.  Any1 who didn't get in touch through 2019 hasn't had one. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on October 27, 2021, 07:56:14 AM
I don't buy gifts for family or even my OH,you just end up buying stuff people don't want or need
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on October 28, 2021, 09:28:11 AM
I buy for my partner, ex-husband, sons and their wives/girlfriends plus a few close friends. I always ask my sons for a list as I have no idea what they like. Two of them are great at coming up with things but the other one tends to wait till last minute.  My biggest downfall is their Christmas stockings. I love doing them even though it gets a bit expensive. Can't possibly stop though as my mum was still doing mine for me right up till she died when I was 49! Luckily my ex-husband and my partner still do one for me. My ex loves Christmas but my partner could do without it. That's one of the best bits of Christmas for me -  unwrapping all the silly/lovely things on Christmas morning  ;D






 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on October 28, 2021, 09:49:55 AM
YOU BUY FOR YOUR EX?!? Mind you,in my case that's isn't a bad idea,arsenic filled chocolates comes to mind  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Taz2 on October 28, 2021, 10:05:23 AM
Yes we are all good friends! I host Christmas Day in what was the marital home and he hosts Boxing Day in his new place just up the road. We're just lucky I guess that we all get along. He's an excellent present buyer! ;D

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on October 28, 2021, 10:07:46 AM
Bonus!! ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 28, 2021, 05:57:31 PM
 ;D

Mum did pillow slips 4 us until she went into care at the age of 91.   ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 02, 2021, 08:32:05 PM
I sorted lots of C.mas paper this morning, this evening I wrapped two gifts which I will hand over later this month. Job done!

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 03, 2021, 09:00:26 AM
Clkd........be quiet  ;D
Hopefully I'll be swaning it up on a cruise ship in the warmth aaaaaaaahhhhhh
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 03, 2021, 10:01:03 AM
Won't keep quiet so there  :na:  .........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 03, 2021, 10:50:14 AM
You tell her,  CLKD  ;D

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 03, 2021, 01:22:19 PM
Did too  ;D

I have two gifts to wrap: Mum's and a close friend's.  Then there will be DH's .......... I must get cracking  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 03, 2021, 04:56:19 PM
That's IT you two are off my Xmas card list  ;D
I don't give my OH a prezzy, I mean, I'm his present every day of the week.......shhhaaaadddaaapppp you two
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 03, 2021, 06:09:12 PM
Hope he kept the gift receipt.  ;D
Love ya really.  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 03, 2021, 06:16:53 PM
🤨🤨🤨🤨😂🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 03, 2021, 06:17:56 PM
DH gave me a hand shovel which cost £2.00 today, he bought himself a Hardy's fishing reel with line.  "That'll do this year." he told me ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on November 03, 2021, 06:21:07 PM
Jaypo, now I wonder if that strategy would work for me! After all DH did once call me his sex kitten! ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 03, 2021, 07:41:35 PM
Of course it will Ju Ju,just keep reminding him how lucky he is to have you  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 03, 2021, 07:50:08 PM
With my hair legs, I get called a ferret down the bed  ;D so I tell him to shut off the lights  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 04, 2021, 07:37:04 PM
I’ve been called some things in my life JuJu, but never a sex kitten. 🤣😂🤣
Meeoowwwwwww.  :cat88:


My hairy legs the other day were like bottle brushes.
I’m sure I blocked the shower up shaving them.  :-[
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2021, 08:06:11 PM
I looked at my legs last night : spiders :  ;D.  I shave in the bath, putting most of the hairs into a pot of water which then goes into the loo.  Not many remain ;-)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 04, 2021, 09:26:51 PM
They match your face though jill  ;D 🏃🏼‍♀️ 💨
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on November 04, 2021, 10:58:01 PM
Just looked at my legs! Definitely not sex kitten material! Hairy! Don’t bother to shave unless I go out with bare legs or wear tights. DH doesn’t notice and if he did, I would challenge him to shave his legs!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on November 04, 2021, 11:02:08 PM
Hang on a minute, weren’t we discussing early Christmas preparations? Not hairy legs!  ;D PS I have bought all my Christmas cards! Feeling smug! And a new Christmas tree. Bought that in January. In the sales.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 05, 2021, 08:30:41 AM
 ;D only we meno ladies can go from Xmas to hairy legs
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 05, 2021, 08:38:26 AM
 :rofl:  last night we were watching the woodworker programme and there was a discussion with Mel and a contestant - I muttered "Women would get that conversation"  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 05, 2021, 02:16:27 PM
My hairy legs would blend in lovely with a Xmas tree. 🤣😂

One thing about Xmas I like are the twinkle lights. On a tree outside, they look magical. 😊
Until you pass next door who have them EVERYWHERE. 🤣😂
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 05, 2021, 02:35:14 PM
However: on the back of COPS26 should we even be considering lighting our trees ...........  ;D.  I have to cut hard back the tree B4 we can see them, they remain wound in the branches and switched on about mid-December though it might be earlier this year  :-*
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 05, 2021, 03:15:28 PM
Haha,yeah,I've ALWAYS said that,they're always telling us to switch off your tv,switch off your kettle but Xmas?? Noooooo,let's light up every bulb in the U.K.what a joke........MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE   ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 05, 2021, 05:26:21 PM
 :clapping: 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 17, 2021, 08:21:23 PM
Already the adverts are GETTING ON MY NERVES!!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 18, 2021, 08:53:52 AM
 ;D I see what you did there  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 18, 2021, 09:12:17 AM
I haven't noticed any C.mas adverts.   Adverts these days are way beyond my ken  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 18, 2021, 12:09:00 PM
Aye aye who's this Ken clkd? ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 18, 2021, 01:14:50 PM
 :rofl:    shhhhuuush  :lol:  I thought that you would know him too .......  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on November 18, 2021, 03:52:13 PM
We have been watching Christmas ads even before Halloween!  Now it's mid-November that's all we see now. Even the children at work have been singing Jingle Bells! :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 18, 2021, 04:33:24 PM
 :o .......... now I've got an ear worm  ;D

Any snow yet C.C.?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on November 19, 2021, 01:30:30 AM
Sorry  :lol:

Nope, no snow yet.  It's been cold enough for wet snow but all the nasty weather has been waaaay north of me.  We might get a mix of snow and rain now and then.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 19, 2021, 07:36:02 AM
WWaaaay North would be ?  the Artic?

I've seen houses decorated  >:(.  We were out overnight ............ mid-December is early enough ?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on November 20, 2021, 02:15:03 PM
WWaaaay North would be ?  the Artic?

I've seen houses decorated  >:(.  We were out overnight ............ mid-December is early enough ?

Well yes the arctic has snow, but I'm talking near the Ontario-Manitoba border.  That area gets slammed every November.  I'm in the south part of the province, about an hour from the US border, so Lake Ontario really affects our weather.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 20, 2021, 02:38:01 PM
At least you will see if Santa and the Reindeer have been, footsteps in the snow .........  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on November 27, 2021, 01:27:24 PM
Seen a few houses with lights up.  People seem to be going earlier this year
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2021, 02:05:42 PM
Yep.  How many of them are 'green' the rest of the year, like us  ;D.  DH tried our outside lights yesterday ....... they works they does ;-)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 27, 2021, 03:51:20 PM
That's what gets me clkd,everyone is told NOT to waste electricity but come Xmas the U.K. lights up like the sun  :-X
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2021, 04:00:23 PM
I love it  ;D.  It's not for C.mas though, it's because my birthday is in December  :whist:

During the week I was thinking about finding the address book and cards ........ I've got time yet.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Cazikins on November 27, 2021, 05:12:52 PM
We are booked to go away at Christmas. A cottage in Dorset for a week. Just me, hubby & the dog... oh & some wine & spirits, nuts, chocolates, turkey, beer, lager, cider, crisps, nuts, crackers port, sherry. oh & dog food.  :drunklaf:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2021, 08:09:27 PM
.......... and poo bags ?  ;D

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on November 27, 2021, 08:54:47 PM
We are slowly accumulating new Christmas stuff, dh ordered a lighted snowman, I bought a set of super cute gnome tea towels, and a new ceramic gnome mug for my Christmas morning coffee with Bailey's...or more like my Christmas morning Bailey's with coffee  ;D  The lights on the house have not been put up yet, we got new eavestroughs installed in the summer and they are a different shape than the old ones.  The problem is the clips on the lights don't work on the new eaves and dh isn't sure how he will figure how to put up the lights. ???
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 28, 2021, 09:26:05 AM
Will there be room to put string up and behind and over the troughs to hold the lights?

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 28, 2021, 10:18:02 AM
Not even bought Xmas cards yet bah humbug  :P
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 28, 2021, 10:44:06 AM
I have some left from years ago ........ probably because they aren't suitable for anyone I know  ;D.  Now: who could I send 1 too  :-X :P
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on November 28, 2021, 07:05:17 PM
Will there be room to put string up and behind and over the troughs to hold the lights?

No idea, we may have to get brand new clips for the lights.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on November 28, 2021, 07:51:49 PM
I have wrapping paper, but nothing to wrap! ::) Armchair shopping, here we come!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 29, 2021, 08:44:23 AM
That's a girl Juju  ;D
Title: 1st December already! It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 01, 2021, 04:13:38 PM
How on Earth did we get here  >:(  ::) .............   :'(. I'm no where near ready to even get out the cards and list.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 01, 2021, 06:26:22 PM
Me neither,my ordered Xmas cards arrived today,they'll probably sit plonked on the kitchen table for another two weeks  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 01, 2021, 10:01:59 PM
If it's like our kitchen table, they will disappear underneath the next block of post that arrives, plus the books I'm going to read next and the laundry ........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on December 02, 2021, 12:53:17 PM
Besides cards we hardly get any post these days.  Everything is online
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Two hoots on December 02, 2021, 09:30:32 PM
Made Christmas cards for close family today, I’ll go to the charity shops tomorrow and get the rest  :)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 03, 2021, 09:24:29 AM
Hahahahaha TH thought your picture was an onion  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 03, 2021, 09:56:48 AM
That's energetic.  I did put our outside lights on last night, they are on an 8-hour timer.  They are creamy coloured bulbs with 4 options, the really fast flickery one is OTT!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 03, 2021, 10:13:27 AM
Awww, that’s a nice bauble, TH.  :o. ( Jay says that to every bloke she meets)   ;)

Suppose I’d better buy my Xmas cards this weekend. Haven’t thought about them tbh. 🤷🏼‍♀️
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Two hoots on December 03, 2021, 10:46:51 AM
Hahahahaha TH thought your picture was an onion  ;D

 :rofl:

Its my favourite owl bauble  ;D

I had a chat yesterday to my cousin about Christmas  baubles, she has a colour theme and only red or silver round baubles this year, my tree is crammed with decorations I’ve collected on my holidays, lots of penguins and a few owls (not onions  ::) ) they bring back happy memories when we decorate, whats on your trees ladies ?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 03, 2021, 12:41:38 PM
I'll start a thread  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 03, 2021, 07:13:56 PM
Rude Jill  ;D
I'm really in the Christmas spirit,just texted all my contacts saying not to send any cards  ;D such a waste of money as we are always away over Xmas and new year (hopefully) but all the replies came back agreeing ,saying stamps are really expensive etc and the cards just go into the recycling so,all good.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 03, 2021, 07:41:46 PM
The room would look so empty without cards and I do enjoy that part of the lead up ......... I wrote a couple today but they aren't really Cmassy.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on December 04, 2021, 09:30:20 AM
I don’t put the cards up anymore. One year one fell over and set the burglar alarm off. 🙄
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 04, 2021, 10:39:40 AM
They're just a pest LM I can never wait to take them all down to dust but as we're never at home,what's the point?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on December 04, 2021, 12:54:27 PM
Young people don’t bother with cards, especially Christmas cards.  They may die out eventually
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 04, 2021, 01:46:02 PM
Then in 50 years time they will fetch £Ks in auctions  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on December 04, 2021, 10:09:54 PM
I have made the first of 3 Christmas cakes today. Considering I can’t eat them, l think I’m an  :ange: This was gluten free for DH.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 05, 2021, 03:45:57 PM
Aww what a good wife,hope he appreciates you  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 05, 2021, 06:06:44 PM
Waft the smell towards us pleased  ;D

I've skimmed up into the attic  :medal: and found boxes kept 'in case' we need to send packages - now in recycling.  Brought down the shopping bag of cards so will require an up2date list to work from.

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Ju Ju on December 05, 2021, 10:02:30 PM
I feed the cakes brandy!  ::) Wonderful smells coming your way, CLKD!

Yes, I am appreciated! Used to make one for my Dad. GS gets one now! I have to send my recipe to my son. Not a tradition in the USA.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 06, 2021, 07:14:00 PM
DH meets friends twice a week so I sent along the cards to hand over: he decided it's 'too early'  ;D ......... is it?  I did point out that if we go into complete lock down  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 22, 2022, 01:55:06 PM
Gird your Loins Girls - there's going to be a shortage of turkey  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on June 22, 2022, 07:46:02 PM
Clkd!!!!! You've bumped the Xmas thread!?!? You'd better start running Mrs   ;D Haha, I don't care,being a veggie n al  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: sheila99 on June 22, 2022, 08:14:55 PM
We can eat CLKD if she mentions the c word again before December  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on June 22, 2022, 08:36:29 PM
 ;D ;D ;D ;D we can put her in that sheep tipper upper you have Sheila  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 23, 2022, 06:28:21 AM
I don't like lamb/mutton so your babies are safe sheila  :D

"we" are being asked not to buy C.mas presents early - in case prices rise  :-\.  I've done most of my gift shopping  ;D not wrapped.  Quite.  How dare 'they' tell me when to shop  :bang: :bang: :bang:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on June 23, 2022, 07:36:37 AM
I just don't buy any Xmas presents........problem solved  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 24, 2022, 07:54:38 AM
Don't the dogs get a gift ?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on June 24, 2022, 08:21:47 AM
Obviously  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on June 24, 2022, 08:34:54 AM
PHEW  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on July 26, 2022, 08:34:00 AM
 :whist:   5 months and it will be all over
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on July 26, 2022, 12:05:42 PM
Don't remind me ;D, it's bad enough we have back to school commercials on already and school doesn't start til Sept. 6th ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on July 26, 2022, 12:06:36 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on July 26, 2022, 01:06:24 PM
Ooh - turkey and all the trimmings - can't wait  ;D
🦃
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on July 26, 2022, 02:56:48 PM
You EAT your trimmings  :o  :-X

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on July 26, 2022, 03:37:32 PM
Mais oui  :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on July 26, 2022, 08:30:59 PM
Clkd!!! Can I not leave you for one minute without you saying the "C" word??
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on July 26, 2022, 08:40:40 PM
Whoops - I didn't think you would be listening  :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on July 28, 2022, 02:35:32 PM
I'm always listening,even though I'm in Norway   :valkyrie:  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on July 28, 2022, 03:18:28 PM
The fjords have good acoustics then? ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on July 28, 2022, 03:59:06 PM
 :lol:  The Hills Are Alive, with the Sound of Reindeer  8)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on July 29, 2022, 11:05:48 AM
No C.C it's just that clkd is SOOOOOOOO loud  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on July 29, 2022, 12:00:20 PM
You know me (him) so well ..............

 :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on July 29, 2022, 12:34:25 PM
No C.C it's just that clkd is SOOOOOOOO loud  ;D

 :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 06, 2022, 10:20:02 AM
Workers have voted to take strike action at the UK's busiest container port in a dispute over pay.

The union Unite said 92% of its members at the Port of Felixstowe voted in favour of strike action and there was an 81% turnout.


for 8 days.  Then what ........... do we need to do shopping early  :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 03, 2022, 12:07:48 PM
Around 48m birds have been culled across the UK and the EU in the last year as a result of the largest outbreak of avian flu on record.

In the UK, 161 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were detected in poultry and captive birds, leading to the culling of 3.2m birds.

That compared to the previous record of 26 cases in 2020/21.

The UK government said the culled birds were a "small proportion" of total production - about 20m birds a week.

There have also been 1,727 cases of avian flu in the UK's wild bird population, in 406 locations involving 59 bird species.

Last week, all of Norfolk and Suffolk, and parts of Essex, became the latest areas to be placed in an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).

In previous years, the virus has mostly died out during the summer months but this outbreak has persisted year-round, with it proving more easily spread among bird populations.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 10, 2022, 01:04:32 PM
Try not to buy foreign imports this year: due to bird flu there maybe a lack of poultry across the UK.  Decide now on something 'instead'.  The UK has in general the best farming standards possible which cannot be guaranteed for the US or Europe.  We will have as usual pheasant with lots of roasted veg..  Enough for 2 days for two people. 

We have a pudding left over from 2015 - anyone risk it  ;D still in the box unwrapped. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on October 10, 2022, 03:16:17 PM
Errrrrr, no thanx.  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 10, 2022, 05:04:18 PM
Oh go on - somehow has to try it  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on October 10, 2022, 05:10:40 PM
I reckon I’d risk it, CLKD. Christmas pudding and brandy sauce is my favourite 😋..
I’d eat it all year round! Same with Christmas cake. Scrummy yummy on my post menopausal  tummy  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on October 10, 2022, 05:12:08 PM
 ;D

I don't like C.mas pud in the Winter, preferring it in the Summer with a glass of wine and cream poured over the top.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2022, 10:05:41 AM
However: some tins of 'celebrity' may be lacking the coconut sweeties  ;D - apparently lots of people simply don't like 'em.  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 04, 2022, 02:52:11 PM
I do  >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
Need to write a sternly worded letter to them  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on November 04, 2022, 03:11:27 PM
I ordered my Turkey yesterday - what with all this bird flu, thought I’d better get a shift on 😲..
Blimey, M and S festive food has jumped in price. Morrisons for me  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2022, 03:51:38 PM
Get the turkey and freeze it?  It won't alter the flavour.  With avian 'flu spreading there will be a lack of most home-grown poultry - of course, the PM won't mind importing it!

Many buy too large birds for a family anyway so lots goes into the bin  >:(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 23, 2022, 02:50:52 PM
Does anyone else find that cards bought in a sale one year aren't suitable .........  ;D. I've gone through 3 packets and wondered why  >:(  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 23, 2022, 04:41:56 PM
I ordered my Turkey yesterday - what with all this bird flu, thought I’d better get a shift on 😲..
Blimey, M and S festive food has jumped in price. Morrisons for me  ::)

Cruise for me  ;D ;D

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 23, 2022, 04:42:47 PM
I now buy the cheap as chips cards,what's the point? They all end up in the recycling.....yep,bah humbug  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on November 23, 2022, 05:20:09 PM
Quite right Jaypo. Cruise is a much better idea  ;D
I buy the cheap cards too, have to be honest. I’m with you, Jaypo (and as for the price of stamps  >:()
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 23, 2022, 05:38:21 PM
Yep me too.

I’m home this year for Xmas, so I’d better enjoy it.  ;D
Not sure if I’m cooking tho, they’ve got my company, what more could they want!  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 23, 2022, 05:41:00 PM
Agreed jillydoll - how many are you expecting?  MayB everyone brings an item .........  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 23, 2022, 06:26:22 PM
I'll think about you all as I sip cocktails on my balcony aaaaaaahahahahahaha  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on November 23, 2022, 10:55:18 PM
I'll think about you all as I sip cocktails on my balcony aaaaaaahahahahahaha  ;D
Rascal  ;D ;D

I always do the cooking at Christmas. Just mum and my brother and his wife. My brother never offers to take a turn  >:( but I get my own back by insisting he splits the cost with me  ;D..
All joking aside, it's bloomin expensive and I'm a poor retired person  :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on November 24, 2022, 12:36:10 AM
Dh bought a tin of Quality Street chocolates so I guess that means Christmas is coming... :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 24, 2022, 08:38:32 AM
Oh yes songbird I can just picture you in the kitchen hobbling about with your walking aide in one hand bottle of wi............er, I mean wooden spoon in the other  ;D ;D

Pass the tin round then C.C, I bagsy the purple one........ ???   ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on November 24, 2022, 08:58:47 AM
 :drunklaf:
Champagne at Christmas dahling  ;D

Looove the purple ones. You can buy individual huge purple ones now. I can get 2 in my mouth at the one time  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 24, 2022, 09:47:13 AM
OK songbird - ??? photos ???  ;D

C.C. - that tin is for Thanks giving?  or don't you celebrate as your neighbours do?

I wrapped 3 gifts yesterday in bright appropriate C.mas paper, ready to buy Jiffy bags B4 putting into the post. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 24, 2022, 11:41:44 AM
Omg songbird,nearly spat my coffee over the dogs there  ;D ;D ;D
Oh champagne?? Yes but will you have a waiter serve you yours?  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on November 24, 2022, 02:21:54 PM
 ;D ;D......
Now there's an idea. I'll wrap up a bow tie and silver tray for hubby and see if he takes the hint 😉
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 24, 2022, 03:32:14 PM
A bow tie  :whist: :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: holidaylover on November 24, 2022, 03:56:08 PM
Butler in the buff!!! ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 24, 2022, 04:01:10 PM
Yes please  :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on November 24, 2022, 04:19:59 PM
Butler in the buff!!! ;)

 ;D  🤔 Maybe better wrap up a cocktail stirrer for my Christmas cosmopolitan- wouldn’t want the butler in the buff using anything dodgy to mix MY cocktail 🍹  :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 24, 2022, 04:27:56 PM
 :o    :lol:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 24, 2022, 05:16:13 PM
 ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2022, 02:11:35 PM
We keep any envelopes that aren't written on, i.e. those cards that we exchange to each other.  Handy when, like today, I found 6 cards without envelopes ! how did that happen  :-\.  However, in my box of spares  :whist:  now sorted  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 27, 2022, 02:25:54 PM
Haha I used to have that happen to me too,how on earth DOES it happen? I hardly send cards,cheapo pack from Tesco will do me this year,not point when we're not even here  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2022, 02:51:52 PM
 :na:  I'm wondering : would that be a cruise .........  8)

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 27, 2022, 04:13:39 PM
Blimey clkd how on earth did you figure that out  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2022, 04:52:45 PM
 :rofl:

? packed yet ?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on November 27, 2022, 05:08:54 PM
A lovely festive cruise - I'd be starting my packing now  ;D....and I wouldn't bother putting my Christmas tree up either - how lovely  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2022, 05:19:14 PM
I don't know where R tree is likely to stand this year, can't remember where it was last year  :-\.  We've had a change of furniture in recent months  :neutral:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on November 27, 2022, 06:33:25 PM
Seen lots of trees and decorations up already
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 27, 2022, 06:35:48 PM
We have literally NO decorations,it's bliss escaping over the festive period,neither myself or OH have particularly great memories of Xmas as children,so maybe that's why we enjoy escaping it so much,oh and the no cooking...bonus 🥳 ;D
Title: Food Warning It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 02, 2022, 09:23:46 PM
What ever you do DO NOT BUY a turkey which has been frozen then defrosted by the store.  I had to read it twice in the paper today, I do hope that the media are mis-informed or there are going to be a lot of upset guts on C.mas night   :'(  :-\

Poultry is likely to be frozen to avoid avian 'flu - so when buying leave it in a cool place to de-frost naturally and cook slowly and thoroughly.  Or choose something else.

Appanretly chipolatas will be in short supply  ;D go figure, why? 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Minusminnie on December 03, 2022, 08:17:10 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/nov/12/turkey-farmers-face-bleak-midwinter-as-bird-flu-ravages-flocks

Think id rather buy the turkey frozen and defrost myself.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 03, 2022, 08:56:44 AM
Honestly clkd don't you know ANYTHING ?? There's an outbreak of chipolata measles  ;D

Well,being veggie, I won't be missing much,not sure what OH will have if they decide not to serve it ON THE SHIP ON HOLIDAY  ;D
Just in case any of you didn't know  8)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 03, 2022, 09:15:36 AM
Do make sure if you opt for turkey that it hasn't been reared in Europe .............. where they vaccinate poultry which isn't allowed in the UK  >:(

Why would chiplatas become rare ......... with plenty of Butchers across the country  ::) - it's media hype. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on December 03, 2022, 02:06:41 PM
Blimey, I've no idea where mine was reared  :o. All I know is it's a fresh Morrisons bird and it's paid for so I'll take my chances. If I start glowing in the dark in the new year, I'll know what's happened  :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 03, 2022, 02:18:57 PM
We should all know where our grub is sourced from because British Farmers are treated differently to those abroad with regards animal husbandry (ours is better); vaccination is allowed over there but not here ......... how animals are transported across the UK with less Vets and even fewer abattoirs .........  :'(

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on December 03, 2022, 02:42:26 PM
 I caved and put the wreath on the front door on December 1st and dh put the Christmas hand towels in the powder room. Tomorrow we're getting our tree and I am wondering how the pup is going to react to it. She freaked out when she saw the wreath go on the door. I'm hoping she'll be scared of it and not go near it, otherwise we'll be shooing her away all the time as she loves to chew on wood. ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on December 03, 2022, 02:44:10 PM
As it happens, Morrisons meat is 100% British (just checked) so I'm in the clear with you, CLKD  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 03, 2022, 02:45:42 PM
Have U seen the SIZE of the new stamps  ;D - some will cover almost the whole envelope  :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 03, 2022, 04:48:54 PM
Looking 4 Baileys chocolates (not the liquor).  Can't find any in the big supermarkets  ???  :o looks like it's on line again  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 03, 2022, 05:56:25 PM
Make sure your chipolatas have been vaccinated too songbird  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on December 03, 2022, 11:58:34 PM
Chipolatas fully vaccinated Jaypo  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 04, 2022, 08:36:13 AM
well done Songbird - apparently Waitrose support British Farmers. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on December 04, 2022, 09:00:21 AM
Just watched a news item about a farmer in Norfolk who has lost his entire flock of free range turkeys and geese to bird flu  :(. And he isn’t allowed to restock until next October (which is then too late to provide birds for next Christmas!) 😩. Can’t blame him for rethinking the “free range” option!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 04, 2022, 09:17:27 AM
Is that the farmer looking for a new career  :'(.  Some are complaining that DEFRA should have put closures on earlier: i.e. having all poultry under cover.  However, had the farmers done that prior to DEFRA making the Law, they would have lost the 'free range' status.  Seems that they can't win!

Same with salmon - much of which is kept in appalling conditions with lice = antibiotic treatment; no freedom as they grow.  Pollution due to un eaten pelleted food as well as sea gulls flying over.  Salmon are a migratory species  :'(.  Not for keeping in cages  >:( The trout which we catch are farmed to a certain weight B4 being released into large lakes.  They don't breed in the UK.

Some have their lights on trees already  :o ??? looks Festive.  However. 

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Marchlove on December 04, 2022, 12:39:13 PM
This is a rather interesting article regarding bird flu.
Basically it seems to be saying that by locking birds up and then if any of them get it, slaughtering them all, this does not allow them to develop natural immunity which can be passed on to their offspring.
There must be something in that I think 🤔


https://dailysceptic.org/2022/11/30/do-avian-influenza-lockdowns-make-any-more-sense-than-covid-ones/

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 04, 2022, 12:46:32 PM
Most strains of avian influenza cause no or few signs of disease in infected wild birds. By contrast, the current outbreak is of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which can cause severe disease and high mortality.
. in general one wouldn't see many small wild birds - however, in recent weeks swans and geese as more than normal have been seen to be stricken have been culled as well as Zoos having to isolate their bird collections.




As far as I am aware they don't have off-spring!   The eggs are often imported from Europe, hatched in incubators then sent to farms as chicks at a very young age.  We were at a local outlet in June one year as a crate of young turkeys arrived to be fattened on for the C.mas Market.  They were so sweet and I would love to have a stag in our garden but there isn't space. 

Pheasants are hatched, fed I pens then released; I'm not sure about geese or ducks.  Quail are usually kept indoors throughout.

This particular virus is spread by wild birds in droppings which then get trampled by captive stock.  Same with F&M, starlings have often been blamed for spreading that. 

Keeping poultry in barns means that they lose the 'free range' status.  Free range means that poultry has to be able to feed in the outdoors for a certain number of hours daily picking up what they eat naturally: meaning that less grain/meal is required.  I can't remember the % of the latter required to mean that they remain free range.
Title: Oxfam cards
Post by: CLKD on December 10, 2022, 01:08:44 PM
Have an extra this year, either a decoration for the tree next year or puzzles etc..  I happened to read the back of the card this morning to find out that ours has a decoration to cut out  ;D.  Like many have time at this time of year  ::) but a Good Idea I feel.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on December 10, 2022, 01:29:14 PM
We were planning a nice holiday dinner for tomorrow with dh's cousin and her family but when I got home from work yesterday dh told me they had to cancel because they all have covid. :(  I'm hoping we can re-schedule for next month.

Tis the season to get sick. ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 10, 2022, 02:16:35 PM
R U very disappointed  :-X  ;). I was always ill at C.mas, the local GP at Grandma's would drop by on C.mas Eve so that he could eat his C.mas lunch in peace.

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on December 11, 2022, 01:16:14 PM
Yes, a bit disappointed but it's for the best as I'm under the weather today and I wouldn't have been good company anyway. We are planning again for next month.

Snow on the ground this morning, so it's looking like Christmas now.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 11, 2022, 03:32:31 PM
I must be running a temperature, I've bought some of the decs from the loft  :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 18, 2022, 03:07:13 PM
 :whist:   cards sent.  Some decorations up.  More to hang outside when the weather improves. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on December 18, 2022, 03:15:47 PM
68p for a second class stamp 😲. Outrageous.  I’m hand delivering to close family and friends only.
Bah humbug  :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 18, 2022, 03:51:41 PM
Especially if postage is held up due to the current strikes  >:(  ::).  Our postie was out and about today.

A week today, will it be over, please say YES  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 18, 2022, 04:06:02 PM
:whist:   cards sent.  Some decorations up.  More to hang outside when the weather improves.

No cards sent,no decorations up,inside or out
And you think you're bah humbug songbird  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 18, 2022, 04:33:13 PM
there's probably a long story short there jaypo  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 18, 2022, 05:22:44 PM
My tree is decorated and lights on. I even bought a new tree topper, a star that lights up. How’s about that for someone who doesn’t like Xmas! 😉🙀.  :D

It’ll soon be over, then we have to put them all away again.  ::)

I’m not here next year, can’t deal with all the fuss at the shops, too many people, too many cars.
We walked to the shops the other day, in the freezing cold, just because last time we were there, there was nowhere to park. Everywhere’s manic now. So next year, canaries, here we come. 🥳🏖
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 18, 2022, 06:05:34 PM
Booked already ?   ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 18, 2022, 07:45:58 PM
Nice one jillydoll, I hate staying at home over Xmas.
We've got 2023 AND 24 booked already  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on December 18, 2022, 07:46:51 PM
Ha, not yet. But I will soon.  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 18, 2022, 08:31:17 PM
Do U buy new clothing for each Cruise?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 18, 2022, 08:48:47 PM
Not fancy posh dresses,they've lasted for years,you only wear them in the evening for  a few hours,so not much wear and tear ,bet my OH is pleased about that one  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 19, 2022, 08:49:33 AM
How likely are U to meet the same people ?

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 19, 2022, 02:13:20 PM
Definitely will,the same folk seem to always do the Xmas cruise,when your in a suite,you have a private restaurant and bar area,so not that many people there,one lady is an artist,she sits and draws endlessly and she has done one of our dogs,which she will give to us on Friday   :)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 31, 2022, 03:58:51 PM
 :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on February 25, 2023, 10:19:40 AM
 :whist:    ..........    :oops:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on February 25, 2023, 12:36:14 PM
What are you on CLKD?  :poke2:  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: C.C. on February 25, 2023, 03:08:07 PM
10 more months til Christmas...better start my shopping... :beat: :stupid: :drunk: :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on February 25, 2023, 03:31:45 PM
......... I won't need to buy any C.mas wrapping paper ever again  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 26, 2023, 11:01:19 AM
Ok,so it's usually me that's telling everyone to shut up about Christmas BUT was at my local garden centre yesterday and guess what?? Big screens up over parts of the shop and behind them?? Yep,Xmas decorations going up 😩😩😩😩😩😩
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 26, 2023, 11:20:12 AM
 :rofl:  well, we've done and delivered the gifts that we need to ......... we need to buy for each other and I need to get monies over for the nephews from their Gran/us and monies to my sister from Mum.  I am FIRST  ;D :D

In Burford this week I saw that the C.mas 24/7 shop is closing down ........... probably because 'there's no call for products'? 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on August 26, 2023, 03:52:18 PM
🎼”Oh the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful”…… :rofl:
The staff in our local garden centre has been digging out the festive goodies ready to display at the beginning of September 😬😂…..
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 26, 2023, 04:10:26 PM
I saw a post on Facebook today that said it's 17 Fridays until Christmas!!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 26, 2023, 04:35:41 PM
Nooooooooooo penguin  ;D

Haha some of us will be on our annual cruise 😎  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 26, 2023, 05:04:49 PM
We have already planned and booked our Christmas market trips! Marseille at the start of December just me and hubby, and Baden-Baden mid December me and one of the kids.  They have been planned since May 🤣🤣🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 26, 2023, 05:05:19 PM
I do love Christmas so am likely to be very annoying on this thread...
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on August 26, 2023, 06:30:56 PM
Stop this right now! ⛄🎄

Am still desperately hanging on to the fact we are still (just) in August.  And yet. This post..... has made me get a teeny bit excited. Its the decorations that do it for me. I did buy a hand carved nativity set in July! Don't do religion, but oh, the donkey is so sweet!

mind you, we  haven't actually managed a summer break yet!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 26, 2023, 06:45:52 PM
Lol I'm done with August and summer completely! After my massive overheating experience in Turkey the week before last, the countdown to Christmas can begin 🤣

 Where on earth did you see a hand carved nativity set in July? Without actually searching for one? Come on, confess, were you googling christmas decsin July??!!!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on August 26, 2023, 07:06:47 PM
How dare you insinuate I am currently dressed a as Christmas Elf right now making a list for Santa?!

No, I found the set at a local car boot sale. Paid an entire pound for the set, then had to sneak it into the house as my lifelong suffering husband is the one who has to get all my decs in and out of the loft savvy year!  I shall think of You this  year as I do have a ceramic penguin dec too!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 26, 2023, 07:12:29 PM
I have a number of them! Perhaps we can exchange Christmas tree pics? When do you put yours up? I was always the first Sunday in Advent, but then I found I was peaking too early 🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 26, 2023, 07:14:03 PM
As ab aside, Elf is my favourite Christmas movie! Alongside the 1950s Christmas Carol movie with Alastair (?) Sim. Its been relegated to Ch5 now but I watch it every year ❤️
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 26, 2023, 07:18:22 PM
I have several pieces from Bethlehem, produced by local artisans.  In olive wood.  I'm not religious at all .......... we have a tree if I can find a space for it: in the attic, ready dressed to pull down, plug in and hey presto! Lit.

Last year I got rid of a lot of decs that I won't use, apart from a few from the 1950s.  I took them to the food bank in November. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on August 26, 2023, 07:23:00 PM
I put the tree up mid December and always take it down New Years Eve as I can't bear starting a new year with the decs still up.

It's an old artificial tree the first one my mum and dad owned from 1961 so it's the family tree. I lost my dad 14 years ago and my mum this year so this year will feel a bit mixed of sad and happy. Many of the decorations are old glass ones from when my mum was small. They go high up the branches so our cats can't get to those ones. The tree is battered and knackered a bit like me! But it is very special to me. I send a photo each year to my siblings. The fragile fairy my dad loved so much now sits beneath it. Many of the decorations are from people I love or loved it they are no longer here.

And Sound of Music for me each Christmas, me and my sister no every single word. And most of the script too!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 26, 2023, 07:27:52 PM
Trees causes emotive feelings - well done on keeping yours!  I remember that Grandma had a bay window where the tree stood every year. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on August 26, 2023, 07:34:48 PM
You're not wrong there. I can be a difficult season for many. I think as so get older it becomes a lot more emotive, which is not such a bad thing, it makes me realise how lucky I am to have good friends and family around me too, as well as a nod to those who have gone.

 Whilst clearing my mum's house we came across lots of the school ' artwork ' we all did in infant school! The Christmas Story retold in four childish pages!  They are hideously bad but so precious. We decided not to split things up but leave them all together. Strange, now I think my grandmother's never had trees up at all
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 26, 2023, 07:36:21 PM
Oh CLKD I bet they are lovely! I'm not religious either, more spiritual than religious but I do feel different at Christmas,  it gets to me.

Sarah T that sounds lovely re your tree, I would love to have one with that history We don't have a family one like that, ours from my childhood had about 200 different bits that you had to put together and it ended up being binned by my parents at some point before my dad died. We get a new real one each year now, have tried to grow pot ones after Christmas but it never works and I'm always disappointed.  I do have a lovely collection of tree decorations though, some from childhood and others wevd collected over the years from holidays etc. I can remember where each and every one came from, so hoping to pass this on to my children when they're older.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 26, 2023, 07:38:42 PM
What do U do with the real tree Penguin?  Some Zoos take them for the animals.  Some Councils pulp them for recycling. 

One can hire a tree apparently: it's dug up, potted, the company take it back; unpot and replant it.  Apparently 1 gets the same tree each year  :-\  ???

I also decorate the holly tree outside the front door.  No one else seems to notice  :'(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 26, 2023, 07:39:49 PM
The first Christmas without a parent is really hard, lost my mum in 2021 and refused to make any plans as I didn't want people to have expectations of me that I couldn't meet. The second Christmas was one of lots of memories, still hard, but I was more able to feel grateful for them rather than just upset.

We always take our tree down before new year too, sometimes even on the 30th if I've really peaked early!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 26, 2023, 07:41:49 PM
What do U do with the real tree Penguin?  Some Zoos take them for the animals.  Some Councils pulp them for recycling. 

One can hire a tree apparently: it's dug up, potted, the company take it back; unpot and replant it.  Apparently 1 gets the same tree each year  :-\  ???

I also decorate the holly tree outside the front door.  No one else seems to notice  :'(

I'm sure I'd notice, we do walk around the local streets with the dog of an evening to see all the different houses. I'm really naughty for peaking in windows as I pass to see other people's trees too 🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 26, 2023, 07:43:26 PM
We recycle the tree either via the council or through the local shop we bought it from.

I didn't know you could hire a tree, that's a reaply good idea but wonder how much they grow in a year and how long before they no longer fit 😕
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 26, 2023, 08:23:00 PM
 :lol:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 27, 2023, 07:51:40 AM
Haha penguin, I love the Elf movie too........"IT'S SAAAAAANNTTAAAAA"  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 27, 2023, 08:41:08 AM
Elf the Musical is on in London but the tickets are ridiculously expensive, for two adults and two children would be 500 quid for average seats
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 27, 2023, 10:03:37 AM
Just watch the dvd,cheaper lol
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: littleminnie on August 27, 2023, 12:34:46 PM
All the Halloween stuff is out in the shops.  More this year than I’ve ever seen before
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: sheila99 on August 27, 2023, 02:20:05 PM
FOUR months til Xmas and you're already talking about it. I'm going to report you all to Emma and have you banned 🤣. Bah humbug.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 27, 2023, 03:07:19 PM
Ooh there's a Grinch on the site 🤣🤣🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 27, 2023, 03:38:22 PM
 :lol:  'it's not Christmas yet' rather gives it away  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: sheila99 on August 27, 2023, 05:36:16 PM
It's allowed anytime after 1st Dec...
 :poke2:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 27, 2023, 05:48:35 PM
What isn't allowed ........  :whist:  I would have it from 24th-28th December  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 27, 2023, 05:56:16 PM
I think from 6th November,  once fireworks night has passed, is fairer?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 27, 2023, 05:57:02 PM
Or, and my final offer, is first Sunday I. Advent, so 3rd December this year 🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 27, 2023, 05:58:05 PM
Of course, if we were on the Persian calendar we would be years out  8)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on August 27, 2023, 06:02:01 PM
Yep, I'll go with that Penguin.

( even if so start getting those happy excited feelings browsing at online gift catalogues mid November. But that can remain just between you and me...)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 27, 2023, 06:55:00 PM
Haha I'm with the grinch,er , I mean sheila  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 27, 2023, 07:04:45 PM
Funny, but we have a 6 year old staying with us this weekend and just realised she has been humming Deck The Halls since yesterday. That's too much even for me 🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 27, 2023, 08:01:31 PM
 ;D. ...... that's a hint then ?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: sheila99 on August 27, 2023, 09:33:33 PM
Or, and my final offer, is first Sunday I. Advent, so 3rd December this year 🤣
The grinch is happy. Can we enforce that in the shops too?? 22nd Dec is plenty early enough for Xmas shopping.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 28, 2023, 06:47:46 AM
Omg no, I already have locked presents folder in my phone where I've been gathering ideas since around March 🤣. I need to have shopped by mid December latest!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 28, 2023, 06:48:26 AM
Lol you brought me out in a cold sweat at the thought of Christmas shopping on 22md December 🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 28, 2023, 07:08:19 AM
I bet I'm even worse than you sheila,no cards,No prezzys,we're never at home at Xmas,so I tell everyone not to bother and the majority are happy with that
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: sheila99 on August 28, 2023, 09:00:26 AM
And I thought 22nd was early. Best bargains at 5pm on the 24th  :)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 28, 2023, 09:18:56 AM
Or even 1st January when Sales were exactly that: queuing for hours for the stores to open ....... not sales all the year round  >:(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 28, 2023, 09:53:12 AM
And I thought 22nd was early. Best bargains at 5pm on the 24th  :)

See, I'm settled down with a Baileys and the 1951 version of a Christmas Carol on at 5pm on the 24th 🤣. Although I do have an aunt that would buy her turkey just before the shops closed on that day!

H
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 28, 2023, 09:54:29 AM
Or even 1st January when Sales were exactly that: queuing for hours for the stores to open ....... not sales all the year round  >:(

I do agree with you on that, Boxing Day sales are no longer boxing day sales are they
 Mind you, I used to opt to work on boxing day when i was at uni when it was double time.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: getting_old on August 28, 2023, 05:17:31 PM
I read that stores are putting the Christmas stuff out in the hope of generating sales as retail is suffering at the moment. Not sure it helps really, as personally I feel like it devalues everything. Instead of the delight of seeing new decorations in November and getting excited, it becomes the "same old same old" display I walk past for 4 months, so I'm less inclined to buy as it's currently too early, and then just old and boring.

Did you know you can get tree decorating services to decorate your tree. That seems sad to me as every decoration we have was bought for a special memory and I love reminiscing as I out them on / take them off every year.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 28, 2023, 07:05:46 PM
Hi getting_old - I suppose if 1 lives in a large mansion then standing back to guide someone up and down that ladder might be OK.  I think many of us have family decs from years ago ........ which makes it the tradition for each family.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: sheila99 on August 28, 2023, 08:37:43 PM
, it becomes the "same old same old" display I walk past for 4 months, so I'm less inclined to buy as it's currently too early, and then just old and boring.
Yes for Xmas 'stuff'. Xmas goodies, however, are a different story and much harder to ignore 😋🐽
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 29, 2023, 05:34:20 AM
Like the hot cross buns my hubby bought home the other day, which are now no longer an Easter treat 🙈
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 29, 2023, 07:37:20 AM
I don't like hot cross buns  :-X
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 29, 2023, 08:11:07 AM
I don't like hot cross buns  :-X

Whats your favourite Christmas treat then? I do love a mince one, but my favourite is probably a chocolate yule log, one of the type you need to keep in the fridge!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on August 29, 2023, 08:29:27 AM
Oh Penguin
I love all of the things you mention and, as for Christmas cake, I could eat it all year round (marzipan included). And, as a slight aside, if I’m at a wedding and the cake is sponge or chocolate, I feel cheated   >:(- heavy fruit cake with marzipan and soft icing (none of that royal icing that threatens your fillings)
 :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 29, 2023, 09:58:38 AM
Ooh yes defo gotta be soft icing. They do lovely Christmas cake slices in the m&s cafe, gosh I'm getting old 🙈
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 29, 2023, 10:17:50 AM
My fav C.mas treat is 2nd January  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on August 29, 2023, 11:44:47 AM
Fave treats for Xmas?
Definitely Yule Log. Just have a plastic robin on top and icing sugar ' snow '

We call that season Cheesemas,  because we both put on weight very easily, so most of the year we have plastic half fat cheese, but blow the calories and have  a multitude of full fat cheese. Cut the eating down to just 3 days now,so fully pig out. Oh and Twiglets.  Gotta have a . family bag size to myself!!! And mad flavoured coffee, particularly Yule Log! All the run and very few built trips!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 29, 2023, 11:56:20 AM
Oh god cheeses, I'd forgotten about cheeses. And the fact I then spend most of January dealing with the resultant constipation. We've usually gone to at least one Christmas market, which is where I buy said French or German cheeses, which hubby moans about as they stink the luggage out 🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 29, 2023, 01:18:19 PM
Buy proper cheese not processed!  Too many additives in processed foods.  Proper cheese is more filling to economically we don't eat as much at one sitting  ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 29, 2023, 01:20:55 PM
What do you mean by not processed? We buy traditional German Munster, French comte (the older the better) or their lovely unpasteurised cheeses 🧀
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 29, 2023, 01:25:03 PM
U R buying proper cheese.  Processed is those thin slices of 'cheese' .......... Comte, DH loves it  :o

Off to switch on the Brussels  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 29, 2023, 01:27:45 PM
U R buying proper cheese.  Processed is those thin slices of 'cheese' .......... Comte, DH loves it  :o

Off to switch on the Brussels  :whist:

Ohhhhhh I thought you meant if I bought proper cheese, I'd not get the constipation 🤣🤣🤣

Now Brussels, they are NOT a part of my Christmas 🤢
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on August 29, 2023, 01:30:13 PM
Oh god cheeses, I'd forgotten about cheeses. And the fact I then spend most of January dealing with the resultant constipation. We've usually gone to at least one Christmas market, which is where I buy said French or German cheeses, which hubby moans about as they stink the luggage out 🤣
It's pronounced Jesus penguin  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on August 29, 2023, 01:31:17 PM
Oh god cheeses, I'd forgotten about cheeses. And the fact I then spend most of January dealing with the resultant constipation. We've usually gone to at least one Christmas market, which is where I buy said French or German cheeses, which hubby moans about as they stink the luggage out 🤣
It's pronounced Jesus penguin  ;D ;D

 ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on August 29, 2023, 01:49:28 PM
 :rofl:  that took me a while to 'get'  :lol:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 01, 2023, 12:08:13 PM
Ummm Christmas have we forgotten about Christmas again????

16 Fridays!!!!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 01, 2023, 12:09:26 PM
 :o. U R joking  :-\  :'(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 01, 2023, 12:13:55 PM
Nope, I put my daughters name down on the waitlist for a body shop advent calendar a few days ago!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 01, 2023, 12:16:23 PM
 ???  :-X
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on September 01, 2023, 12:29:31 PM
Oh, my fave coffee shop has its own advent calendar out too!!!
16 weeks. September today ( white rabbits everyone) am I getting older or are the years going quicker??
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on September 01, 2023, 12:47:37 PM
I’m thinking of applying for a recent job vacancy posted by our local Dobbie’s Garden Centre……
Elves required for upcoming festive season - sunny disposition a must”…….
Now where did I put my elf costume?  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on September 01, 2023, 01:19:38 PM
That's me out then. " sunny disposition a must ? " no chance.😂

Songbird, if the jobs yours we demand photos!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 01, 2023, 01:28:03 PM
I’m thinking of applying for a recent job vacancy posted by our local Dobbie’s Garden Centre……
Elves required for upcoming festive season - sunny disposition a must”…….
Now where did I put my elf costume?  ;D

Ooh one of my children has one from last year, it's for an 8 year old. How big are you?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 01, 2023, 01:29:27 PM
Oh, my fave coffee shop has its own advent calendar out too!!!
16 weeks. September today ( white rabbits everyone) am I getting older or are the years going quicker??

Yeah they definitely are. Mind you, I spend most of last year thinking I was a year older than I actually was, so that kind of made it worse  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 01, 2023, 02:43:07 PM
Oh Penguin  :o how on Earth  :-\.  Better than being younger I suppose 'cos then some1 brave enough would have to impart the reality  :D

We do 'white rabbits' as well as 'pinch, punch, 1st of the month and no return'  ???

likewise - the first grumpy child would get booted out of the Grotto  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 01, 2023, 03:01:42 PM
Oh Penguin  :o how on Earth  :-\.  Better than being younger I suppose 'cos then some1 brave enough would have to impart the reality  :D

We do 'white rabbits' as well as 'pinch, punch, 1st of the month and no return'  ???

likewise - the first grumpy child would get booted out of the Grotto  ;D

Are you volunteering to work in the grotto then?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 01, 2023, 03:07:05 PM
Nope.  Tnx for putting my name forwards but I'm busy that month  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 01, 2023, 03:11:19 PM
That's okay, Christmas can start early for you, right after fireworks night!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 01, 2023, 03:13:03 PM
Oh Penguin  :o how on Earth  :-\.  Better than being younger I suppose 'cos then some1 brave enough would have to impart the reality  :D

We do 'white rabbits' as well as 'pinch, punch, 1st of the month and no return'  ???

likewise - the first grumpy child would get booted out of the Grotto  ;D

No idea, I'm rubbish at maths maybe? Only realised when for some reason I had to put date of birth AND age on a form that I realised it didn't make sense
..
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on September 01, 2023, 03:44:38 PM
That's me out then. " sunny disposition a must ? " no chance.😂

Songbird, if the jobs yours we demand photos!
No problem Sarah. Consider it done  ;D
I’m thinking of applying for a recent job vacancy posted by our local Dobbie’s Garden Centre……
Elves required for upcoming festive season - sunny disposition a must”…….
Now where did I put my elf costume?  ;D

Ooh one of my children has one from last year, it's for an 8 year old. How big are you?

Perfect Penguin. I’ll squish myself into it  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on September 01, 2023, 03:58:39 PM
The mind boggles....
Maybe we could all get together and perform a Panto this year as well? I claim being Grumpy if it's Snow White And The Seven Dwarves.

Maybe rearrange popular panto names... Due to Crap nights - (Not ) Sleeping Beauty?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: sheila99 on September 01, 2023, 04:10:40 PM
Us lot? Panto with 999 Grumpies and 1 Happy. The happy kids can find out what's waiting for them when they hit meno...
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on September 01, 2023, 06:16:01 PM
Sheila, you have a very valid point!  ;D

Raises the question who plays the Happy??
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on September 01, 2023, 06:33:24 PM
I'm happy to be Dopey.  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on September 01, 2023, 06:51:00 PM
Taking one for the team there Songbird 😍
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 01, 2023, 06:54:30 PM
I’m thinking of applying for a recent job vacancy posted by our local Dobbie’s Garden Centre……
Elves required for upcoming festive season - sunny disposition a must”…….
Now where did I put my elf costume?  ;D
Hahaha I read that as Elvis  ;D either or songbird,I'm sure you'd look fab  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 01, 2023, 07:08:41 PM
I read it as 'Elvis' too  ;D.  We could have a cat for 'happy'?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on September 01, 2023, 07:17:50 PM
Taking one for the team there Songbird 😍
I'm the obvious choice Sarah, honest to God  :rofl:
Jaypo and CLKD - Yep, I reckon I could pull off a good Elvis - I'd have to grow my sideburns again mind you  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on September 01, 2023, 07:19:01 PM
Ooh yes. We could lend it out to do Puss In boots.

Except. No one can ask a cat to do anything it doesn't want too. 😾
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 01, 2023, 07:24:19 PM
 ;D. 1 can ask .........  [my icons have disappeared] - goes away whistling
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 02, 2023, 07:20:26 AM
And that white all in one satin suit you keep for the cruises  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on September 02, 2023, 07:57:22 AM
  ;D Just say the word Jaypo and I'll pop it in the post for your Xmas cruise  :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 02, 2023, 07:58:31 AM
Is jaypo going on a Cruise at Cmas?  :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 02, 2023, 08:33:32 AM
And that white all in one satin suit you keep for the cruises  ;D

Whereas your cruise going Jaypo? I have two cousins coming over from Australia mid November for three weeks and they are spending the WHOLE trip touring around the various Christmas markets of UK and Europe!! That'd be too much even for me!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 02, 2023, 08:34:33 AM
Is jaypo going on a Cruise at Cmas?  :o

Lol I was about to say a cruise looking at Christmas markets on the Nilr, but obviously meant the ones they do on those long narrow boats on the Rhine  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 02, 2023, 08:36:48 AM
.... and that's B4 U've had a drink .
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 02, 2023, 08:40:59 AM
.... and that's B4 U've had a drink .

Christmas gluhwein starts at 11am for me, when the stalls open!!! My and my lovely mum went 13 years in a row to Baden-Baden Christmas market and were half pissed wandering around the shops by 2pm. Such lovely memories, I think it's why I love Christmas so much actually, all the times I spent with my mum ❤️
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on September 02, 2023, 10:54:01 AM
Oh that's lovely Penguin. Can be a bittersweet time.me my first without my mum this year so will be a bit mixed. Will feel good using the family tree and the old decorations.

Ooh, tell your rellys I read today about a new site for a Christmas market in Cambridge! Need to keep it quiet from my ever patient husband and go there for a day and "  accidentally" come across it😁 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 02, 2023, 12:00:44 PM
  ;D Just say the word Jaypo and I'll pop it in the post for your Xmas cruise  :rofl:
Aww thanks songbird,just get the lager stains out of it first please  ;D

Off to the Canaries,Madeira and Portugal penguin
And you button it clkd  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 02, 2023, 12:06:06 PM
Not going to say a word, except it's not Christmas yet !!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 02, 2023, 01:19:52 PM
Oh that's lovely Penguin. Can be a bittersweet time.me my first without my mum this year so will be a bit mixed. Will feel good using the family tree and the old decorations.

Ooh, tell your rellys I read today about a new site for a Christmas market in Cambridge! Need to keep it quiet from my ever patient husband and go there for a day and "  accidentally" come across it😁

I don't think they'll have time, their list is packed, Australians always do it that slway on trips to Europe as I guess it is too far to do multiple quick trips. My cousin has Parkinsons recently diagnosed too so is trying to pack in as much as she can while she can still travel.

Cambridge is a fab new option for me however and nearer than my other UK ones, York and Bath. Love your idea of stumbling across it, although I bet he knows you too well to fall for that one  ;D

I know what you mean about first Christmases. I felt different by the second Christmas, still hard but able to reminisce without getting so terribly upset each time. Had to for the kids though. It is good you have siblings to share this with x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 02, 2023, 01:20:50 PM
Not going to say a word, except it's not Christmas yet !!!

That's four words  ;D

What part are you playing in the MM panto then?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 02, 2023, 01:21:50 PM
  ;D Just say the word Jaypo and I'll pop it in the post for your Xmas cruise  :rofl:
Aww thanks songbird,just get the lager stains out of it first please  ;D

Off to the Canaries,Madeira and Portugal penguin
And you button it clkd  ;D

Ooh that sounds lovely, and I think you may just manage to avoid Christmas markets in thr Canaries, although I don't know about Portugal  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 02, 2023, 02:04:41 PM
Yes we'll miss Christmas markets etc,don't sail until the 23rd home on the 6th 🥳 Lisbon is our last stop on the way home.
MM panto I'll be wishy washy  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 02, 2023, 04:01:56 PM
Especially if the sea is ruff  ;D 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 02, 2023, 04:37:31 PM
 ;D ;D
Sicky wicky  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on September 02, 2023, 06:01:34 PM
Just be tired . Or rude. I read that as sticky willy.... :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 02, 2023, 06:16:03 PM
 :rofl:  Still deciding which Role I would like .........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 02, 2023, 06:25:28 PM
I'm not sure I'd go for the sticky willy one myself, there haven't been much in way of sticky willys for me lately  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 02, 2023, 06:28:39 PM
🤢  ;D
In Scotland sticky willys are those green plants with little bobbles on,that stick to everything,dunno what they're called 🤷‍♀️
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 02, 2023, 06:29:43 PM
****ly pears?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on September 02, 2023, 06:32:20 PM
Cleavers?
Those balls get everywhere. I find myself picking them off the fur of any passing dog or cat!

But so also knew them as sticky willy live in SE England. But I misheard them as a file and called them sticky willow. Think my brain needs a rewire..
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on September 02, 2023, 07:47:58 PM
Hubby got an ointment for a sticky willy -  :rofl: naughty songbird  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 03, 2023, 08:06:39 AM
Ahh,cleavers,never knew that,just always known them as sticky willys  ;D and yesssssss,I'm constantly picking them off the dogs fur.

SONGBIRD!!! Go sit on the naughty step  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 13, 2023, 12:03:38 PM
Adverts for M&S Christmas pyjamas have just started popping up on my Facebook feed this morning, I'm having a rough day but it cheered me up no end- there are omes with dogs wearing reindeer headbands that I will buy for 9 yo daughter and haven't checked to see if they have matching adult ones ❤️
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 13, 2023, 12:05:00 PM
Oh blimey,it seems to come round quicker and quicker every year 😩
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 13, 2023, 12:08:48 PM
Oh blimey,it seems to come round quicker and quicker every year 😩

This is early, even by my standards. I don't want her size to sell out,  but it'll ruin my November fun if I do it all now 🙈
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 13, 2023, 02:21:06 PM
 ;D. what are pyjamas ?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 15, 2023, 07:17:53 AM
Just coz you're a sexy beast clkd  ;D
That's Tesco got their advent calendars on sale 😩
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on September 15, 2023, 08:04:27 AM
Oh goody. My mammy always buys me a cadburys advent calendar. I take it home, rip the back open and tip the lot into my gob!  :rofl:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 15, 2023, 08:49:20 AM
Then run with the packaging around the garden ?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 15, 2023, 10:55:04 AM
Awww that's a beautiful Christmas image songbird  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on September 15, 2023, 11:00:00 AM
 :rofl:
What fun ladies  ;D (and don't forget the image of me in my elf costume  ;D)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 15, 2023, 11:04:07 AM
Phwwwarrrrrr  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on September 15, 2023, 11:24:25 AM
Songbird I fear the thought of you in your Elf costume will be forever seared into our  poor minds...

I for one remain grateful that this forum does not provide video links  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 15, 2023, 11:25:44 AM
?? photos ??  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on September 15, 2023, 11:47:09 AM
Oh alright, I get the message, I'll stick to my normal fairy 🧚‍♀️ costume then  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 15, 2023, 11:49:50 AM
Oh alright, I get the message, I'll stick to my normal fairy 🧚‍♀️ costume then  ;D

So where your little dog pic / avatar thing goes in your profile, that could be perfect placement for elf pic??? Just in case our addled meno brains forget the mental image...
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 15, 2023, 12:08:41 PM
Oh alright, I get the message, I'll stick to my normal fairy 🧚‍♀️ costume then  ;D
Do you sit on top of the Xmas tree songbird  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on September 15, 2023, 12:12:04 PM
Ok, even,I would accept that image seeing as my eyesight is getting worse and am unlikely to see it properly...e.g.

Perhaps Songbird could do the full 12 days of Christmas and dress up appropriately on each day?

( Note how I have thrown Songird to the wolves for this one last anyone suggests we have to do it too!)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 15, 2023, 12:13:41 PM
Good point Penguin  ;D

Mince pies would be easy as they can have different toppings = less costume changes required?  A small piece of holly; custard and cream on the side ....... not that I'm volunteering as remember, I HATE C.mas.   :-X
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on September 15, 2023, 12:27:49 PM
  :hapij:
This is good for the soul ladies. Laughter is the best medicine - it brings blood pressure down, honest.
I used to sit on top of the tree Jaypo but it played hell with my VA 🤪
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on September 15, 2023, 01:05:20 PM
Bit scratchy? 😂🤣😂
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 15, 2023, 02:44:44 PM
 :o     :madeyes:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 16, 2023, 12:17:30 PM
100 days to go  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 16, 2023, 01:31:57 PM
100 days to go  :whist:

Hahahahahha I forgot my Friday update!!!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on September 16, 2023, 03:16:34 PM
 :na: :kick:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on September 16, 2023, 05:58:22 PM
Well At Least someone's on the ball. Seriously Penguin? Next you'll be waiting until October to finish wrapping all the Christmas pressies!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on September 16, 2023, 06:46:11 PM
I have to fess up to giving in and buying first Christmas present yesterday. WH Smith had the latest Guinness Book of Records 2024 on offer for a tenner, and it was one I'd been planning to buy for one of the family children 🤷‍♂️. I've hidden it in our spare room! It won't be wrapped until December, I promise 🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2023, 10:18:50 AM
 :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 04, 2023, 11:07:51 AM
Shuuuuuuuuutttttt it woman  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2023, 11:15:30 AM
 :lol:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 04, 2023, 12:46:43 PM
I bought an advent calendar for my daughter today, hidden it in the car  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2023, 01:33:16 PM
Hopefully the chocolates won't melt - will U have to make sure ;-) ?  :D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 04, 2023, 03:16:08 PM
I used to love the advent calendars that had little gifts in them,little toys,like the kinder eggs have inside
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 04, 2023, 03:16:25 PM
Hopefully the chocolates won't melt - will U have to make sure ;-) ?  :D

Its a body shop one so no testing for me! I have bought the m&s beauty one though and I'm hoping she'll share! Son is getting a magic tricks one.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 04, 2023, 03:19:08 PM
I used to love the advent calendars that had little gifts in them,little toys,like the kinder eggs have inside

I made one at my sewing class for them to share and I put little sweeties, chocs, erasers, boumcy balls in it each year, they love it.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 04, 2023, 04:48:48 PM
Aww that's lovely penguin, I sooooooo miss my daughter being young,we used to make Christmas decorations,we'd go a forest walk and pick cones and twigs up,then spray them with silver and gold paint and glitter,we made them for the cost of the paint and glitter and M&S used to charge about £20 for theirs  ;D I loved Christmas in those days
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 04, 2023, 05:00:29 PM
Aww that's lovely penguin, I sooooooo miss my daughter being young,we used to make Christmas decorations,we'd go a forest walk and pick cones and twigs up,then spray them with silver and gold paint and glitter,we made them for the cost of the paint and glitter and M&S used to charge about £20 for theirs  ;D I loved Christmas in those days

We do the same with pine cones. Plus make paper chains. And have made a Christmas wreath the last couple of years rather than buy one. I can imagine going off Christmas a bit when the kids are older, well at least in that hiatus until I (hopefully!!l get grandchildren x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on November 04, 2023, 05:13:19 PM
I have to have paper chains....I am the youngest in our house age 57 but I need paperchains. And an old fashioned advent calendar. Lost my mum this year but she made little felt stockings and out chocolate in them for the tree, as I now do!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2023, 05:21:37 PM
I have a very large pine cone in gold paint that Mum picked up when we lived in Wales in the 1970s.  On a very long 'stem'.  As kids we made paper chains, each end was sticky so we could loop any colour we liked.  If they fell apart a little glue was found.  No 'calendars', these went by us.  We had a pillow case ...... and I remember the walkie talkie doll falling over in the early hours  ::).  It wasn't the doll I wanted  >:( as she has short curly blonde hair, the 1 I wanted had long dark hair.  Sadly Dolly is in pieces as the elastic snapped in the Summer ....... still she is 64 years old  :D.

Our rooms are long and narrow so no good for ceiling decorations and don't know where the tree will stand as we've moved furniture around this year  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 04, 2023, 05:40:00 PM
I have to have paper chains....I am the youngest in our house age 57 but I need paperchains. And an old fashioned advent calendar. Lost my mum this year but she made little felt stockings and out chocolate in them for the tree, as I now do!

Oh that sounds lovely, do you hang them om the tree? What chocs do you get? The homemade advent calendar I made for the kids to share is 24 little fabric stocking all joined together in a line like bunting. I hang them across out shutters in the living room. Hopefully they'll be kept and passed down too!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 04, 2023, 05:42:41 PM
I have a very large pine cone in gold paint that Mum picked up when we lived in Wales in the 1970s.  On a very long 'stem'.  As kids we made paper chains, each end was sticky so we could loop any colour we liked.  If they fell apart a little glue was found.  No 'calendars', these went by us.  We had a pillow case ...... and I remember the walkie talkie doll falling over in the early hours  ::).  It wasn't the doll I wanted  >:( as she has short curly blonde hair, the 1 I wanted had long dark hair.  Sadly Dolly is in pieces as the elastic snapped in the Summer ....... still she is 64 years old  :D.

Our rooms are long and narrow so no good for ceiling decorations and don't know where the tree will stand as we've moved furniture around this year  ::)

My children have personalised santa sacks, but I had a pillowcase as a kid. I remember my mum lying with me one Christmas Eve and me being still awake when my dad crawled in on his hands and knees to fill the pillowcase up. My mum distracted me by telling me she could hear sleigh bells from the window and she remembered me being absolutely convinced I could hear them too!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on November 04, 2023, 07:18:05 PM
Oh Penguin what a lovely memory. I made a little picture once for Santa, and Christmas morning he replied!! His not said he had pinned it to Rudolphs reins! I was so excited. And we put mini mars and bounties etc in the stockings, high up from the cats and any visiting dogs. Oh, found some vintage Christmas card cat hunting on Etsy this year... Just get an order in. Love bunting. Poor husband does indulge me on the decs front.

CLKD... There is always room for a Christmas tree! Rearrange that furniture back!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 04, 2023, 08:49:24 PM
1 person thus far has made a comment about my Autumnal door wreath to which I added a small poppy brooch for this month.  It will come down ready for the C.mas 1 which will be removed on 27th Dec for the New Year wreath - all have hooks in the attic so that I can reach in and choose. 



Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 07, 2023, 01:34:14 PM
To cheer me up today, I have been looking at M&S online. What does everyone think about family festive pyjamas? Thinking disco santa ones with a dark blue background and everyone wearing them (except the dog) on the Sundays leading up to Christmas 🎄 🎄🎄
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 07, 2023, 01:36:56 PM
No no AND the dog penguin  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on November 07, 2023, 02:38:34 PM
I won't write my views on Christmas PJs,  for fear of offending anyone. But hey, go for it. Just don't pick any for me if the forum does a Secret Santa!!!!!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 07, 2023, 02:52:59 PM
My husband has vetoed 😥
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 07, 2023, 02:58:44 PM
 ;D - get some for the dog then  ;)

We don't wear PJams
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 07, 2023, 03:01:00 PM
;D - get some for the dog then  ;)

We don't wear PJams

We don't either, at least not to sleep. Although my husband wishes he did when the police came knocking after midnight know Friday night and he had to answer the door in my fluffy dressing gown with pink hearts on 🤣🤣🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 07, 2023, 03:03:14 PM
Hopefully it wasn't any serious  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 07, 2023, 03:17:00 PM
Hopefully it wasn't any serious  :-\

No, just someone had damaged my car.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 07, 2023, 03:40:27 PM
That's serious enough!  Police wouldn't bother with that around here  >:(.  Professional thieves are getting into vans with jemmies, there might be an incident number handed out.



Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 07, 2023, 03:46:20 PM
That's serious enough!  Police wouldn't bother with that around here  >:(.  Professional thieves are getting into vans with jemmies, there might be an incident number handed out.

They arrested, charged and bailed him which I know is rare these days!
He was clearly looking for psychiatric help, had asked neighbours to call 999 for him.  Police wouldn't dispatch a car as there'd been no criminal damage so he lobbed a rock through my windscreen. Police came 🤷‍♂️
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Minusminnie on November 07, 2023, 07:16:33 PM
Sounds like he needed 999 for an ambulance to get into A&E and not the police.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 07, 2023, 07:27:08 PM
Where ever, mental health help is thin on the ground  :'(.

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 07, 2023, 07:32:19 PM
Sounds like he needed 999 for an ambulance to get into A&E and not the police.

There weren't any ambulances to come. When he was arrested the police arranged a mental health assessment for him which he refused to co-operate with, then his solicitor advised him to say no comment to everything so they ended up having to release him. I agree, he needed medical help but he then turned it down when he was offered it. As a result he has been charged with a criminal offence and let back on the street. There wasn't enough to section him.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 07, 2023, 07:33:55 PM
Where ever, mental health help is thin on the ground  :'(.

Agree. I doubt there'd have been a bed even if he had cooperated- see my reply above. And now I have a windscreen to pay for.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 07, 2023, 07:36:05 PM
I'd ditch that Solicitor HOW DARE HE/SHE!  It takes 2 professionals to pass a Section Order on a member of the public and if some1 is already 'known' and wasn't co-operating, he could have been seen as a danger to himself or others .......   Something that the Police could have arranged independently of what the solicitor recommended.  Again, too many people involved when some1 requires assistance. 

There is a fund for claiming against damage: i.e. involving un-insured drivers?  It might be worth you putting in a Claim for the windshield.   
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 07, 2023, 07:45:57 PM
I'd ditch that Solicitor HOW DARE HE/SHE!  It takes 2 professionals to pass a Section Order on a member of the public and if some1 is already 'known' and wasn't co-operating, he could have been seen as a danger to himself or others .......   Something that the Police could have arranged independently of what the solicitor recommended.  Again, too many people involved when some1 requires assistance. 

There is a fund for claiming against damage: i.e. involving un-insured drivers?  It might be worth you putting in a Claim for the windshield.   

We are actually getting it at a much reduced rate of 144 through a deal done with our insurers and the glass company. It doesn't count towards my no claims either which is good as I've never claimed before. I wasn't too upset that night when I'd heard he was getting help,  but thoroughly annoyed the next day when they rang me with an update and said what had happened when he was in the custody suite. One neighbour witnessed it from being outside and the other videod it from behind her shutters. So there was evidence to charge him with and he is misguoded to say he didilnt do it with unequivocal evidence like that, but what good will that do if he is mentally unwell. Unless he was just high on drugs and changed his position as the high wore off, I don't know 🤷‍♂️.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 07, 2023, 08:03:11 PM
Should go to Court?

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 07, 2023, 08:04:54 PM
Should go to Court?

Yes it will do. We've pressed charges. Stupid system. Gave my daughter a good story for show and tell at school yesterday though.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 07, 2023, 08:48:49 PM
Do the School do a Panto.?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 08, 2023, 07:01:35 AM
Do the School do a Panto.?

No, nativity in the first couple if years then a proper play. Good for my daughter, she is into drama.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Minusminnie on November 08, 2023, 07:02:05 AM
Sounds like he needed 999 for an ambulance to get into A&E and not the police.

There weren't any ambulances to come. When he was arrested the police arranged a mental health assessment for him which he refused to co-operate with, then his solicitor advised him to say no comment to everything so they ended up having to release him. I agree, he needed medical help but he then turned it down when he was offered it. As a result he has been charged with a criminal offence and let back on the street. There wasn't enough to section him.

If only an ambulance had come......
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 08, 2023, 09:58:10 AM
I remember Mum spending hours preparing for the Nativity, for 4-5 year olds.  She loved it all.  And took photos each year ......

At an antique fair recently I saw paper fold out decorations: bells, angels: and rolls of crepe paper that must have been back as far as the 50s.  When I returned someone had bought them, otherwise  ::)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 08, 2023, 10:05:07 AM
I remember Mum spending hours preparing for the Nativity, for 4-5 year olds.  She loved it all.  And took photos each year ......

At an antique fair recently I saw paper fold out decorations: bells, angels: and rolls of crepe paper that must have been back as far as the 50s.  When I returned someone had bought them, otherwise  ::)

I'd have bought them too! We have a crepe paper fairy for the top of our tree, might need replacing soon!

I love a nativity x
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Minusminnie on November 08, 2023, 01:31:17 PM


I love a nativity x
[/quote]

So do I. All the effort the teachers and assistants put into it and seeing the confidence in the grandchildren and others is great.  Some might say time when they could be doing other classes but to me it is worth it. Plus it is a fund raiser for the school.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 08, 2023, 01:39:52 PM
It's a bit like taking children on holiday in Term time?  'could be doing other classes' - no education is wasted. 

Holiday involves deciding what to take B4 packing the cases; checking passports/visas; looking at maps to see where they are going; the choice of travel; mixing with others; trying different food stuffs

Nativity: helping Mum making costumes even if it's a Tea-towel on the head for the shepherds; learning about the spices taken to the Stable, the spelling of which still goes by me  ::) ; learning about different countries involved in the story. 

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 12, 2023, 03:43:16 PM
Watching Elf with the kids this afternoon with a large bowl of salted popcorn and a box of Celebrations. I can't believe they've caved so early! Hubby walking the dog to escape 🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 12, 2023, 04:20:37 PM
 ;D

I'm headed away from celebrations this year other than my tree if I can find space: usually up from 18th Dec ;-). 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 12, 2023, 04:45:30 PM
;D

I'm headed away from celebrations this year other than my tree if I can find space: usually up from 18th Dec ;-).

We've just been debating when to get the tree! Looks like it'll be bought on the 2nd, rested overnight, then decorated on the 3rd which is first day of Advent this year. As we are away two weekends in December, it's either that or not until much later.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 12, 2023, 04:54:42 PM
There's too much trouble in the World to even consider C.mas  :'(  :-\.  Plus postage costs are higher than ever, not that I grudge sending cards ........ but the ethos doesn't sit well this year.  I walked out of Mass when I was 4 ........ apparently  :-X
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 12, 2023, 05:01:14 PM
Ah penguin I LOVE elf,so funny.
Well you should all be like me,go on holiday over the festive,no cards,no presents (apart from daughter) and no decorations as by the time we come home it's all over anyway
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 12, 2023, 06:22:16 PM
And my card Jay!  :beat:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 13, 2023, 08:05:00 AM
Haha you're the only one who gets one  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Fuzzwhizzer on November 15, 2023, 08:29:45 AM
I don’t put our tree up until a week before the big day, it feels more special that way( plus needle drop!) It’s also my daughters birthday on 1st Dec so nothing Christmassy is even touched upon until we’ve celebrated that. She is an organ scholar so we get to go to lots of different church concerts and I’m a deputy church warden so practically live at a church this time of year! My son hates all that so he stays home and guards the chocolate……😄
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on November 15, 2023, 11:27:39 AM
Hmmm.no one in this right kind would trust me to guard the chocolate!!! We listen to Classic FM who don't 'allow ' Christmas music or carols until 1at December. First day of my advent calendars ( Yep, age 57 don't judge me on this) the proper start of me feeling Christmassy.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 15, 2023, 11:31:05 AM
You think the 1st of December is bad,ask Jillydoll when hers is 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨😂🤣😂🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on November 15, 2023, 01:40:15 PM
I'm taking a wild guess here and assuming she isn't in her Christmas jumper and scoffing the box of Celebrations yet then? 🤔
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 15, 2023, 03:33:03 PM
😂🤣 thing is ,she's SOOOO demanding,wants a birthday AND a Christmas card,honestly,some people 😆
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 15, 2023, 05:42:08 PM
      :diablo:

 :kick:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 15, 2023, 07:40:30 PM
🎴 🃏⬅️there's two for you Jill  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 15, 2023, 07:46:30 PM
Ohhh thanx very much!  >:(
And I thought you were my friend!  :neutral:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 16, 2023, 08:31:24 AM
Oh OOOOOKAAAAYYYY since you're getting all meno about it  ;D I'll nip to Tesco and see if they have any of their "basics" in stock  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 16, 2023, 03:47:29 PM
 ;D

 :cuss:  they're basics! ....... :steamed:

Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 16, 2023, 03:56:05 PM
Hey hey,you can get a nice card for 50p  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 16, 2023, 06:29:07 PM
Ohhh yeah, like the one I got last year? 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

     
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 16, 2023, 07:01:47 PM
Yes???  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 16, 2023, 07:03:35 PM



      :hotflash:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 16, 2023, 08:22:26 PM
At least U got a card  ;D

Ill be older than U R  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 16, 2023, 08:33:01 PM
Oh yes clkd,Jill & I are a couple of spring chickens ,ok the chickens have a bad back,aching joints....... ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 18, 2023, 07:46:06 PM
AND.
also tight, they send 50p xmas cards!  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 19, 2023, 10:46:43 AM
See what I've to put up with? Mind you,at that card shop,they do 5 for a quid,even better 😀😀😀
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 19, 2023, 01:22:31 PM
 :lol:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on November 19, 2023, 02:58:09 PM
I can almost  feel the spirit of Christmas in these generous and happy posts.... ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 19, 2023, 03:00:25 PM
Do they?
That's where I'm going.  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 19, 2023, 06:26:20 PM
Oh no you can't  :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 19, 2023, 07:06:40 PM
Oh yes you can!!
See Sarah? We're getting into the swing of things now  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on November 19, 2023, 07:35:50 PM
About time too, Jaypo!

Mind you, even though I love Christmas, I had turn off Heart radio today due to the amount of Mariah Carey and Wham being played already . All this while driving around shopping for chocs to put in their advent calendars, and for matching Christmas slippers!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on November 19, 2023, 08:02:15 PM
Penguin... Just tell me you didn't get Christmas slippers for your dog as well?!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 19, 2023, 08:38:30 PM
When I step on that ship on the 23rd December THATS when I'll get Christmassy 🥳
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 19, 2023, 08:40:26 PM
Roll on New Year  8)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jillydoll on November 19, 2023, 08:58:23 PM
Here here!   :yes:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 27, 2023, 11:05:48 AM
Month 2day and it will be All Over  8)
Title: Alternative greetings cards ( It's not Christmas yet! )
Post by: CLKD on November 28, 2023, 10:45:43 AM
It is difficult to find cards that aren't directed to 'happy c.mas'  >:(.  Even those that state 'seasons greetings' have a c.mas message inside  >:( >:(

I'm not up to making cards even though I have plenty of ones from years gone by: mayB I need to get plain card in the New Year and set to using suitable 'fronts'  :-\ 8)

I have friends who suffered bereavements at this time of year and 'happy C.mas' seems inappropriate.

Looks like it will be individual New Year ones ....... off to our local shop for a lookC.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 28, 2023, 04:07:39 PM
As you know clkd my OHs niece took her own life at Xmas,so we always look for cards that say "thinking of you at Christmas " or the likes  :'(
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 28, 2023, 04:14:49 PM
Not an easy time for any1 who has sad memories.  I wanted to get completely away from 'c.mas' but even those with 'seasons greetings' on the front seem to have 'c.mas' inside  >:(

MayB I need to give them up .........  :-\ :-\
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on November 28, 2023, 05:07:27 PM
I always keep some cards at home that are completely blank inside. A simple handwritten message is ideal, Christmas can be a truly sad and emotional time for many, but may appreciate a card just to know people for care and are thinking of them. Maybe just a winter scene rather than all the Christmas images that can hurt those with difficult memories
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on November 29, 2023, 08:49:13 AM
Yes,the blank cards are the best and I agree Sarah,even though it's a terrible time for some,they appreciate others thinking of them ❣️
Title: Re: Alternative greetings cards ( It's not Christmas yet! )
Post by: Minusminnie on November 30, 2023, 08:23:21 AM

I have friends who suffered bereavements at this time of year and 'happy C.mas' seems inappropriate.


Timed appropriately i think a happy christmas card can help someone to move forward.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 30, 2023, 09:20:31 AM
 >:( If I received a 'happy c.mas' card following a bereavement it would go straight into the bin!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Minusminnie on November 30, 2023, 09:29:30 AM
>:( If I received a 'happy c.mas' card following a bereavement it would go straight into the bin!

I did say timed appropriately.
I wouldn’t dream of sending that type of card following a bereavement but given some time passing……
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on November 30, 2023, 09:34:02 AM
Is there an appropriate time, that's up to the bereaved person to decide upon - not any1 else. 
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Autumnwalks on November 30, 2023, 11:17:37 PM
My best and dearest friend of 50+ years died on Christmas Day 3 years ago from cancer. I got the message from her daughter Christmas morning and she said they were still opening presents and cooking dinner and trying to make the very best of the day and she hoped I would do the same and that the day wouldn't become synonymous with her death as she loved Christmas and all the fairs, food, wreath making etc. So I raise a glass and think of her with a smile. We still send Happy Christmas cards to each other.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 01, 2023, 09:39:12 AM
Your friend led the way so that friends knew how to approach a very sensitive subject.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 01, 2023, 09:40:22 AM
I think it's down to the individual,no right or wrong,my SIL is obviously distraught at losing a child to suicide on Christmas Eve and sending a "happy Christmas " card just isn't appropriate but that's lovely what you do for your friend,she'll be smiling down on you 🥲
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Autumnwalks on December 01, 2023, 09:50:43 AM
That's a terrible situation Jaypo. No opportunity for conversations of how to handle moving forward, if such a thing is possible. When death is expected, although it's still a shock, it gives you a chance to talk about these things. Thank you, I like to think she is.
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 01, 2023, 12:58:28 PM
😊❤️
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 13, 2023, 07:04:16 PM
Could some1 give Chris Rhea a sat-nav so that he can travel home for C.mas and get there on time?  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on December 13, 2023, 07:08:50 PM
Gasps in horror.... This is actually a half decent Christmas song! Not as good as the Wombles obviously ;)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 13, 2023, 07:17:36 PM
<   laughs with delight - because he's been trying to get home since God was a Lass  ;D >. when we were travelling every year from Wales to Norfolk it was on the radio. 

We sang 'little donkey' in school ........
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on December 13, 2023, 07:39:14 PM
Oh I adore little donkey.
In infant school we had to write the story of Christmas. I did the whole thing in about six lines and glued a glittery card of a donkey in at the ending! My mum kept it to this very day. Even though she died this year it will remain with some of the other odd offerings her children created!
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on December 13, 2023, 08:25:45 PM
Love that Chris Rea song too,heard little drummer boy with Bowie & bing crosby the other day,such a beautiful song 🥲
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Songbird on December 13, 2023, 10:24:55 PM
Ooh yes, Little Drummer Boy........ ;D
"Pa Rumpa pum pum"  ::)

I must say my favourite Christmas Carol is
"Hark the Herald Angels 😇 "
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on December 14, 2023, 09:10:22 AM
A bit sinister, those Heralds  ;D

Love it SarahT - will U frame it?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: SarahT on December 14, 2023, 11:07:46 AM
Haha! No, I feel my literary masterpiece is best place in safe keeping with the crudely painted Easter cards and unidentifiable family portraits we tend to inflict on our parents when we are tiny!

Oh Holy Night my absolute favourite carol, stops me in my tracks whatever I am doing. And a smooch with my beloved to Fairytale Of New York, wherever,whenever.😍
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 08, 2024, 09:07:03 PM
 :bouncing: :ola:  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on January 09, 2024, 08:22:45 AM
I'll bump you in a minute Mrs  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on January 09, 2024, 08:36:29 AM
How many days Jaypo?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on January 09, 2024, 09:54:42 AM
Not enough penguin but then Christmas in this country starts in July 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 09, 2024, 09:59:14 AM
Easter eggs in the shops.  Apparently  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: Penguin on January 09, 2024, 11:00:54 AM
Not enough penguin but then Christmas in this country starts in July 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤣

In my favour I did put a stop to Christmas on 28th December, I love Christmas (usually) but am not a lingerer 🤣
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 09, 2024, 11:47:13 AM
This morning as I opened the lounge curtains I found more decorations that DH needs to take down  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 25, 2024, 10:11:36 AM
What were you all doing a month ago ...........  :whist:
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on January 25, 2024, 11:12:07 AM
Blimey,where DOES the time go?
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 25, 2024, 12:10:36 PM
Valentine cards and Easter eggs in the stores already  :o
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on January 25, 2024, 03:37:29 PM
No to both and you thought I was miserable with just Xmas  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 25, 2024, 03:54:02 PM
 :lol:  I don't like Easter chocolate ....... preferring 'twix'.  We have Val cards in a chest in our loft ;-)
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on January 25, 2024, 07:37:35 PM
Mine are in a recycling factory somewhere  ;D ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 25, 2024, 07:47:46 PM
I'm hoping to recycle ours by giving them again  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: jaypo on January 25, 2024, 08:27:54 PM
Awww geeze,never thought of that clkd  ;D I'm going to do that with birthday cards now,he'd never remember what he got last year  ;D
Title: Re: It's not Christmas yet!
Post by: CLKD on January 25, 2024, 08:59:10 PM
That's our reckoning  :lol:  seems a shame to bin lovely cards.  I wish now t hat we had bought 1 large card each and swapped it year on year  :whist: