Almost finished or barely begun?

[Plantaholic]

You are all making me exhausted.

[Gemini]

An OH who does the wrapping Qwerty, well he is a treasure

[Gemini]

Daisy I know you were not moaning. That is a lot of work added to your normally busy schedule

I would just like slightly more lively and less boring Christmas Day For all the years the DDs were growing up it was just us and their dad on 25th. We saw my parents on Boxing Day. Christmas Day was lots of fun and laughter, and I didn't have to cook! I miss that, but life changes and I am lucky to have Boxing Day to look forward to.

[Daisy]

Gem - things change for all of us, don't they.

One year I wouldn't want to repeat was moving house on 21 December! Most of our furniture had been in store for 3 or 4 months and trying to find anything was a nightmare. Eventually I found the Christmas tree and stood it on a bare table. Decorations? No chance, they didn't surface until well into the New Year.

[Nana]

Half my family live North...the other half South. I wrapped & swapped Christmas presents for the Southern lot at the family get together (DD's 40th). Just got the few Northern ones left to wrap.

I looked everywhere for my Christmas cards but only found 4 from a pkt of 10. I bought more but still need to write them.

When I was food shopping the other day I noticed a large turkey crown with trimmings in the butcher bit. It was £32 reduced to £16. It was to be used that day. I asked the butcher if it was ok to freeze for Christmas & he said it was. What a bargain!

[Daisy]

Nana - that was a bargain, and I'm sure it will be just as tasty. I've never cooked a turkey crown because we like the leg meat, but they must be a bit easier as you do't have to worry about drying out the legs.

[Gemini]

A bargain indeed Nana. I would have bought it, even though we are not planning turkey this year!

DD3's parcel is at the moment residing in Montreal. Everything is held up due to the Canadian postal strike, so please cross fingers their things get to them for Christmas!

I have just ordered some more stuff online from M & S. PJs for my sister from mum, and some stocking filler socks for OH and GC. My shopping is done apart from a restaurant voucher to pick up when I am in town. Just a couple more little things to get on behalf of my mum.

[Qwerty]

All done and ready apart from putting the tree up says she smugfaced 😐

[Plantaholic]

Just ordered two more jumpers for DS for his birthday, I can collect them tomorrow and return the one that didn't fit. If one of them doesn't fit I will give up, can't keep going up to JL Have almost finished my cards but not wrapped any presents. I will probably put the tree up, tiny as it is next week.

[Gemini]

We bought our tree this morning Plant. We will put it up at some point next week I hope, but it is a busy week!

[Grauntie Mag]

We had our ‘Christmas Stars Here’ party on Saturday. Now eating leftovers. 😁 It’s full pelt from now until Christmas so onward and upward, best boot forward and all that stuff.

[grannyjules]

Oh gosh! now I'm worried. I'm not half as organised as you lot.
Still not bought everyone a present, and short of ideas. Though Grandkids are sorted, phew!
As for card writing, I started today so hopefully make Scout post tomorrow, which will be a first for me.
American cards only just written, don't know if I'm too late???
Trimmed the frontroom, but still got the diningroom to do.
Six for Christmas dinner, and nothing bought or made. Plus four more for tea.
We'll get there, we always do

[Daisy]

grannyjules -I think you and I are in a race to be the last ones to finish our Christmas preparations!!

I hope to get some more cards written on Tuesday. I've got a few presents which I ordered last week and most of them have arrived, but I've still got to get main presents for both DSs, both DILs, three friends (all difficult to buy for) and OH. I've had suggestions from DIL1 for GSs' presents, but still don't know what to get as main presents for either of our GDs, plus GD2's birthday on the 27th.

As for Christmas dinner - we've got a family do on the Sunday before (plus DSs having a sleepover) so I need to decide on lunch that day, then Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's eve (although I'll only have to do one course for that).

I hope that makes you feel better. xx

[grannyjules]

Well Daisy, at least I don't feel alone.
Now we've got Fred the dog, and my Mam stopping for a few days, that will add to the chaos. Though no matter what goes on in the kitchen all looks good on the table, and it hasn't put our two friends off accepting our invite for the last few years. My Brother would come, no matter what, anyway.
It's nice that our two friends get on so well, we all went to the same school but they don't actually remember each other, not in the same year. We did assure them that we weren't match making , so no pressure. They only meet up on Christmas day , but it is all nice and relaxed.
I've had a lovely time buying for our GD. She loves dressing up, so I've gone to town . Dress, tiria, wand, gloves and wigs, so "Girly".

[Daisy]

grannyjules - it's the same at our house. It might be chaos but the food gets put on the table, nobody starves, and there's lots of laughter and fun. I'm sure Fred will add to the enjoyment, and your mum will love just being with you. It's lovely that your old school friends join you - what a nice idea.

We have got DIL2's parents joining us for Christmas Day. They have been divorced for around 20 years but get on well so it won't be a problem.

GD will adore her princess outfit.