The start of Christmas!

[Gemini]

Today I bought and downloaded my Jacqui Lawson Advent Calendar. That's the start of Christmas for me

My subscription runs out in December, I always pay for two years.
I have found that as it gets closer to the time they offer you the Advent Calendar for free if you renew!

[Nanto2girls]

Thats a good start to Christmas gem.

[Daisy]

Gem - what a nice little early Christmas gift if you get it free. Enjoy. xx

[Oma]

I renewed mine yesterday too Gem

I have started on Christmas gifts , DD wanted a Pandora charm Nightmare before Christmas , a ugly little thing but that's what she wanted ,
Also bought her the Nightmare before Christmas Calendar , need to get some little things for her ,

Still waiting on SIL to say where he wants his Boots from
We know what GS1 wants ,
The other two we are putting money in their bank accounts , we haven't seen them since 23rd December last year and DS isnt making any effort so no idea what they want or need
Once they reach 18 they will get their money and it will include all Birthdays and Christmas moneys ,

I would sent the money but I know DS would dip into it .So this way they get to get all of it .

Already have my friends gifts in , we only buy each other fancy Chocolates now , just token gifts really .

MIL we have decided to buy her two potted box plants for outside her front door ,
she doesn't want anything else but has often talked about how nice they look outside other peoples houses ,

[Daisy]

Even I might start a bit earlier on Christmas shopping this year!!

We don't have to get a lot of presents - grandchildren, their mums and dads and a couple of friends. I think I shall get books for the friends with say a box of chocolates or bottle of wine. I've had a chat with the GDs' mum and dad. They're getting the new X-box, but only the basic one, so we'll buy them some more memory for it. Some clothes and books and probably a game for the X-box which they can choose. The GSs are impossible to buy for! They will probably get money. We'll have to think about what to get their parents!

[Gemini]

I am waiting for all my orders to arrive so I can lay them all out, see what is for whom then I will know if there are any more to buy. I do think I have them all though.
I like to make an early start , but this is unusually early for me.

A combination of reasons. Lockdown so having more time, and needing to keep occupied. The first Christmas for years when I haven't been looking after mum which took a lot of my time, and fear that as more people that usual will be buying online stocks may run out or delivery delayed.

[Daisy]

I think a lot of people will be buying online this year - it's such a pity for the high street gift shops who are closed, but you can understand people wanting to make sure their loved ones don't miss out on a present.

[Gemini]

I agree Daisy.
Most shops are doing click and collect or delivery though. Not everything has to come from Amazon.
I have bought from Cotton Traders, John Lewis, M & S, Lakeland. L'Occitaine, an independent jewellery maker, a small pottery company, and a big order from the small and lovely local gift shop.
Hopefully people are being careful and not throwing all their cash at Amazon (not that I haven't used them a lot too!)

[Plantaholic]

I have sent out messages to all the family asking for suggestions. I have ordered a Pandora charm, for GD1's birthday and as she is a big Harry Potter fan and is collecting wands that is her taken care of GD2 wants a yoga mat from JL, my DD is going to order it as she gets a discount from JL. It is my DS's 60 the birthday on the 8th so as it is a special birthday I am buying him a smart watch Dil has told me that is what he would like. I have a jumper winging its way for Sil, so that leaves 4 GS's and DD and Dil. and a birthday present for GS1. I shall be bringing the hat round.

[Oma]

B hung our outdoor Christmas lights up today ,
Was going to do them tomorrow but the weather was good today so got it done

[Gemini]

How exciting Oma!