Christmas

[Nanto2girls]

I know some of you think it's too early to talk about Christmas, but here's few photos to brighten up a miserable day weather wise.

Just some of the displays at the garden centre.
Its our tradition that we buy one new tree ornament every christmas,this year we settled for the crown.

[Gemini]

Not too early for me Nan2
I agree anything which brightens a dark wet day is good.
My mum an ardent Royalist would have loved that crown for her tree.

I had my first mince pie of the year OH brought 4 back from Sainsbury's.

[Oma]

I love Christmas , I’ve already bought several bits , A snow globe, 6 Union Jack baubles, big red tartan bows for my living room doors,
Im going to Mainsgill at Scotch corner sometime next week to buy a light up Ginger house 😁

I love the garden centre displays so cheerful, it does brighten a dark dreary day.

Love the crown Im a Royalist too.

[Plantaholic]

I like to look but not buy yet. Would love a mince pie

[Oma]

These are my Baubles I bought from JL in the summer 😁

[Nanto2girls]

Nice baubles Oma. Very patriotic.

[Daisy]

I quite like seeing all the displays in shops and garden centres, but I never get to grips with decorations - they always look naff when I do them.

But, it's lovely that you have enjoyed your trip today, Nanto, and have found your 'new' decoration for this year.

[Grauntie Mag]

I just love the crown Nanto!

[Daisy]

Well, it's not quite December, but with Christmas Day in a month's time, I thought it was a good time for me to make a start!

Yesterday I did the dog food order which will come next Saturday - a few extra goodies as we are having the family here on Christmas Day. The extra goodies are for the family dogs, not the family humans!!

I did a Sainsbury's order last night including a Christmas pudding, an undecorated fruit cake which I'll almond paste and ice, jars of mincemeat and a panettone.

I actually got some Christmas cards the other day and have asked the family for ideas for presents. I ordered a decorated garland for the mantlepiece and a centre piece for the table from Dunelm and they have arrived.

I know there are some very well-organised grannies here who have everything done and dusted, but for me this is good progress.

[Gemini]

Well done Daisy!!

I have written the cards, but not addressed the ones for posting yet.
I have done the majority of the present shopping but still don't know what DD2 or GD want.

We have a Tesco delivery on Monday and Christmas cake ingredients will go on there. I would like to make that during the week.

[Plantaholic]

That is a very good start Daisy. I am doing less and less every year. My DD has taken over the mince pies (my recipe) and we don’t have Christmas Pudding anymore, nobody likes it only me. I usually make a load of blinis for Christmas morning but I am hoping GD2 might help me with those. But……I have finished Christmas presents as some of the GC asked for money. I have three birthdays before Christmas. GD1 will be 30 in December.

[Daisy]

Gem, I often make our Christmas cake using a recipe given to me by a neighbour who taught Domestic Science when I was about 14. But this year, I've taken the easy route with an undecorated cake, but as OH and I are the only ones who eat Christmas cake one of mine usually lasts till way after Easter. At least the shop bought one should get eaten up by the end of January!

Plant, I think it's sensible to take a step back and let the next generation do some of the traditional cooking. Otherwise, those traditions will get lost, and that would be a pity.

[Gemini]

Plant, stepping back on what we did is natural as we get older. You have had many years as mum and grandma of doing so much. Time to step back and only do what you want to

Daisy, until a couple of years ago I always made mine pies. One year I made the mincemeat too. Now I just buy nice ones.
I have never made a Christmas pudding but I do enjoy making a Christmas cake. OH and I love it, unfortunately for our figures!

[Daisy]

Gem, I still make mincepies - shop-bought mince with some added "flavour", unless OH decides to make some.

[Daisy]

I still think it's too early to think about Christmas, but I went to the garden centre today for horticultural fleece, some pansies and some compost, plus bird seed.

I came home with all of the above - plus two boxes of tree baubles, wrapping paper, some 'special' cards and an ornament for the window sill in the hallway which usually gets neglected. And a huge 'santa carrot' for Eva. (I'll post a photo later - I need to go and cook dinner now!)