The Christmas Countdown Thread!

[Kira's Mom]

Just bought a tree today to replace the one that finally fell apart after 15 Christmases!

I love real trees, but they're not good for my cat.

I've started working on Christmas lists- I know what to buy for some people, plus I'm cross stitching some special items and cards. I love this time of the year!


One thing I don't like- Christmas ads on T.V. already. I just saw the Pampers "Silent Night" ad. It's only Nov. 4!!!

 

[Tribbles]

That's too bad, Tora Ziyal. At least you found a nice artificial tree! They have gotten pretty expensive over the last few years. We've had a cheap one for a few years that has seen its last holiday, I'm afraid.

I'm tempted to get a pre-lit tree. I love decorating trees, but I wouldn't miss stringing the lights.

 

[F. King Daniel]

-50

Happy fireworks night, Brits!

(another bang-filled afternoon one of our cats will spend hiding under a table)

 

[Miss Chicken]

"Remember, Remember, the 5th of November"

In Tasmania, our fireworks night is in May.

 

[KimMH]

That's too bad, Tora Ziyal. At least you found a nice artificial tree! They have gotten pretty expensive over the last few years. We've had a cheap one for a few years that has seen its last holiday, I'm afraid.

I'm tempted to get a pre-lit tree. I love decorating trees, but I wouldn't miss stringing the lights.

how about the good old days of icicles? I remember picking them out of the tree. yech! ouch! but they looked so nice! I don't see them in stores much anymore. I guess that will save me the expense of getting them exticated from the cats via the vet. (they love string and WILL eat if much to my dismay!)

 

[Tribbles]

Hee, icicles! I remember putting them on my grandma's tree when I was pretty young. They were a mess... but they went well with foil garland and oversized colored lights!

 

[Hugo Rune]

Just found out that I have to fill in for someone on Xmas Day (they have gone long term sick and I'm the only person on the team trained to take their place) and so my mother, who can not travel, will be on her own for Christmas. And I know no other family member will travel to be with her...

Very fustrating


Hugo - Grrrr

 

[Mary Ann]

Just found out that I have to fill in for someone on Xmas Day (they have gone long term sick and I'm the only person on the team trained to take their place) and so my mother, who can not travel, will be on her own for Christmas. And I know no other family member will travel to be with her...

Very fustrating


Hugo - Grrrr

I'm sorry to hear that, Hugo. Can you see your mother the day before or after, or will you have to wait several days and have a belated Christmas celebration?

 

[Holdfast]

Just found out that I have to fill in for someone on Xmas Day (they have gone long term sick and I'm the only person on the team trained to take their place) and so my mother, who can not travel, will be on her own for Christmas. And I know no other family member will travel to be with her...

Very fustrating

You've worked in the public sector for several years now, right? You should already know the answer to this sort of dilemma.

"Sorry, I can't come into work today, my back's playing up again."

 

[auntiehill]

I have one bought one gift so far. I have GOT to get moving with my shopping.

The problem is that no one will tell me what they want. There may be a lot of gift cards this year.

 

[trampledamage]

I have to do my Christmas present organising early - little miss trampledamage's birthday is Dec 10th and young master trampledamage's birthday is Jan 15th, so once we get to about mid-November anyone else in the family who I haven't bought for doesn't get anything until February because I'm just not thinking of anything but birthday parties and organising Christmas day.

Thank goodness for internet-shopping - it makes an emigre's life a lot easier!

 

[Amaris]

I can't really afford Christmas gifts this year, at least not in the traditional sense, so everyone gets muffin baskets that I have baked myself. Blueberry, Pumpkin and Chocolate chip.

I think this is a lovely idea. I'm also going to do some baking (I always do), and I'm thinking of diving into my yarn stash and knitting some hats, gloves and scarves, provided I can find the time. I already have the yarn and the patterns so they will be cheap and cheerful gifts in that sense.

Daniel, I'm sorry I couldn't come up with any better ideas. With such a crafty mother and sister no wonder you feel the pressure!

Thank you, macloudt! You have the gift of knitting then. That one really comes in handy around winter time, and what great gifts you'll make!
Which reminds me; I was surprised, yesterday, when I told my friends I didn't have the money for gifts this year and that I hoped they liked muffins. One of my friends jumps up and says "woohoo!". I laughed and told him he didn't have to spare my feelings and he said, "I'm not! I'm diabetic and all the low sugar muffins I buy from the store taste like $#!%! Your muffins actually taste good!".

 

[WillsBabe]

Today I will be buying Christmas cards. More usefully, I have also made a selection of Christmas avatars for the board.

 

[F. King Daniel]

-49

 

[Spot's Meow]

Ah, Christmas cards. Is this a dying custom? It sure seems like it. My parents still receive some, but pretty much everyone in the family has stopped sending them. Since moving out on my own 6 years ago I have only received about 2 Christmas cards a year, both from my grandmas! I've never sent them out myself. Friends my age would probably think it strange if they received one from me. Maybe they are a thing meant to send out when you are older and have made more connections throughout life.

 

[Tribbles]

I'm sending out Christmas cards for the first time this year. I'm 25, but I have a few friends my age who send cards. Maybe it's more common down here in the deep South...

 

[RoJoHen]

Unless there is money included, I have no interest in receiving Christmas cards. I know it's Christmas. I don't need Hallmark to remind me.

 

[auntiehill]

No one I know even sends Christmas cards anymore. I kind of miss it.

 

[ShamelessMcBundy]

I send Christmas cards! I love doing that.

 

[Kira's Mom]

Most of my family sends cards.

I just finished a Christmas cross stitch:

It's supposed to be an ornament, but it's too big. I'm going to make it into a cover for a small Christmas memory/recipe book.