Open house is a little early this week because tomorrow (Thursday) is my one and only Christmas shopping day this year.
I’ll be out early. Literally hitting the town centre at 9am. It’s my one (self-imposed) opportunity to purchase anything non-handmade.
I’ve made my list, and checked it twice!
It’s not a huge list, as I’m sure you’d expect. And it consists of a lot of consumables, again – no surprises there!
Today’s open-house-post isn’t an in-depth explanation on how I do Christmas gifts (there is one to come) but I wanted to start the conversation.
Particularly as (those who saw my Facebook update today will already know…) I saw a billboard advert this morning that kind of depressed me.
A retailer was claiming that this would be a ‘fabulous Christmas’ because you can now order up until 10pm for a next day delivery.
Maybe I’m just in ‘one-of-those’ moods, but I repeat – it depressed me.
Fortunately a day of decluttering, with Gary Vaynerchuk keeping me company on YouTube, lifted my spirits no end.
((Gary Vee always lifts my spirits! (The way he answered the last question 59 minutes in was pure genius). But beware – clicking on any link heading his way may contain colourful language. More colourful that even Sir Bob’s from Monday)).
We are really concentrating on re-defining christmas this year. This year, i kid you not i am more disgusted with the commercialism than i have been, ever. I have kids so i’m never gonna get away without buying a thing (nor do i want to) but i really don’t feel the need to shop like a loon. Each one of mine is getting a box (thanks jo) with (useful) stocking fillers and sweets and a main present. I really struggled and had to extract an idea from my 11 year old daughter as to what that main present could be. She did mention ‘Monty’. Monty (or the pursual of him) perhaps epitomises what christmas has become, and i’m not sure that’s a good thing. I certainley don’t want that kind of christmas. Oh and i really don’t need a new sofa intime for christmas. Thanks anyway DFS!
As always Jo looking forward to this series
Sharron x
I’ve got to confess I’m not sure who/what Monty is? Let me Google…Hmmm still not sure?
I know what you mean about the commercialism, is it getting worse? Or am I getting old?
Most of my minimal shop is done for close family… hoping not to have to go out into the chaos after next week at all!
From the John Lewis advert. A stuffed penguin. Out of stock. Silly prices on ebay!
Sharron x
We are really concentrating on re-defining christmas this year. This year, i kid you not i am more disgusted with the commercialism than i have been, ever. I have kids so i’m never gonna get away without buying a thing (nor do i want to) but i really don’t feel the need to shop like a loon. Each one of mine is getting a box (thanks jo) with (useful) stocking fillers and sweets and a main present. I really struggled and had to extract an idea from my 11 year old daughter as to what that main present could be. She did mention ‘Monty’. Monty (or the pursual of him) perhaps epitomises what christmas has become, and i’m not sure that’s a good thing. I certainley don’t want that kind of christmas. Oh and i really don’t need a new sofa intime for christmas. Thanks anyway DFS!
As always Jo looking forward to this series
Sharron x
I’ve got to confess I’m not sure who/what Monty is? Let me Google…Hmmm still not sure?
I know what you mean about the commercialism, is it getting worse? Or am I getting old?
Most of my minimal shop is done for close family… hoping not to have to go out into the chaos after next week at all!
From the John Lewis advert. A stuffed penguin. Out of stock. Silly prices on ebay!
Sharron x
I was at Walmart two nights ago to get a baby gift and thought to myself how easy it was to shop (no crowds), go through the checkout, park, and so on … and thought I should really, REALLY try to do my shopping within the next two weeks before it gets so crowded and crazy. I love your idea of one day of shopping. Hm. Thinking, thinking …
Jo I did most of mine today. I have a few bits and pieces to order online then I am done. done. done! It may be a good idea to get it over with – the chaos just gets more chaotic as we head into December!
I was at Walmart two nights ago to get a baby gift and thought to myself how easy it was to shop (no crowds), go through the checkout, park, and so on … and thought I should really, REALLY try to do my shopping within the next two weeks before it gets so crowded and crazy. I love your idea of one day of shopping. Hm. Thinking, thinking …
Jo I did most of mine today. I have a few bits and pieces to order online then I am done. done. done! It may be a good idea to get it over with – the chaos just gets more chaotic as we head into December!
I did the majority of my Christmas shopping online, this Monday. One of my kids still hasn’ t written his letter to Santa, so those pressies still need attention. 🙂
Luckily I could order everything from local (ie within the country) shops, and the fact that I did not have to go into any shopping centres saved time and my sanity! ? However, come December we will make a family trip into town. Just to browse, look at the Christmas lights, decor, and the Christmas market. In Dec, the kids and I will be making ‘coconut snowball’ biscuits for our neighbours, and Rudolf-decor hot chocolate jars for friends and teachers. ??
I made the mistake of going into a department store last week. I don’t like department stores, they never make sense to me, but I knew they had an item in that I’d seen on the web and wanted to see in person to see if I really did like it or not. I did really like it but they didn’t have it in my size and there wasn’t a member of staff to be seen!! I decided to be good and head off but got waylaid by their Christmas department – cue lots of ooohing and aaaahing over cute decorations. By the time I left I was in the process of convincing myself to get rid of my perfectly good Christmas ‘tree’ (it’s an LED cone shape thing!) and replace it with ‘stuff’ from this shop!! I give myself credit for not caving in then and there and as I’m guessing you can tell from this post am having a serious rethink. I can be guilty of being sucked in by the sparkle and the want but am doing my best to kick the habit. Reminding myself of the three bags of stuff I took to the charity shop at the weekend helps. More out, less in!
http://lessismoreihope.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/lately-nov-19th.html
I sympathise! I hit TK Maxx today to check out their boxes, and saw such a lot of lovely decorations. And with TK Maxx you need to buy there and then else it’s never seen again (which is why I love it so much – such individual items), but I resisted. However there were a couple of things (fantastically priced also) that I have thought about numerous times since getting home. I may have to make a purchase. (I’ve also been charity-shop-dropping this last week! A lot of stuff has moved out! yay!)…
Ooh, forgot about TK Maxx!!!
I made the mistake of going into a department store last week. I don’t like department stores, they never make sense to me, but I knew they had an item in that I’d seen on the web and wanted to see in person to see if I really did like it or not. I did really like it but they didn’t have it in my size and there wasn’t a member of staff to be seen!! I decided to be good and head off but got waylaid by their Christmas department – cue lots of ooohing and aaaahing over cute decorations. By the time I left I was in the process of convincing myself to get rid of my perfectly good Christmas ‘tree’ (it’s an LED cone shape thing!) and replace it with ‘stuff’ from this shop!! I give myself credit for not caving in then and there and as I’m guessing you can tell from this post am having a serious rethink. I can be guilty of being sucked in by the sparkle and the want but am doing my best to kick the habit. Reminding myself of the three bags of stuff I took to the charity shop at the weekend helps. More out, less in!
http://lessismoreihope.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/lately-nov-19th.html
I sympathise! I hit TK Maxx today to check out their boxes, and saw such a lot of lovely decorations. And with TK Maxx you need to buy there and then else it’s never seen again (which is why I love it so much – such individual items), but I resisted. However there were a couple of things (fantastically priced also) that I have thought about numerous times since getting home. I may have to make a purchase. (I’ve also been charity-shop-dropping this last week! A lot of stuff has moved out! yay!)…
Ooh, forgot about TK Maxx!!!
Today I braved a department store sale to finish my Christmas shopping. Well, I still have 3 overseas family members to buy for, but I need to do that at a specialist shop, and I can’t get there until next week, so I’m DONE!!!!!!! And it’s only November 20th 🙂 Happy 🙂 And I shop with a list, having planned everything out at home thanks to the wonders of the internet, so I can spend as little time in said shop as possible, and not buy anything I don’t need. December is a bit crazy for us anyway, so I traditionally like to get everything done early, but I have beaten my own record this year! We are really not into having a commercial Christmas. Of course, having kids, presents are a pretty major feature (!) but they are useful, wanted and there are only 5 or 6 things at home on Christmas morning. The main focus is usually charity concert/Church commitment related closer to the day, and we try to keep Christmas day focussed on spending time with family (and not over eating…I’m talking about you Mr Trifle…) Right, off to hide the gifts before the kids get home…It’s very nice to actually be posting on a Thursday! 🙂
Our plans sound very similar! My two have a few items on their list (I limit it to 5 plus they can request surprises) – but they are quite significant items this year (aka costly). But… I’d rather put the cash together for a useful and long-term item rather than fritter it away on a pile of stuff that looks impressive under the tree, but ends up being thrown out due to low-quality or no-real-interest in it after the big day.
Today I braved a department store sale to finish my Christmas shopping. Well, I still have 3 overseas family members to buy for, but I need to do that at a specialist shop, and I can’t get there until next week, so I’m DONE!!!!!!! And it’s only November 20th 🙂 Happy 🙂 And I shop with a list, having planned everything out at home thanks to the wonders of the internet, so I can spend as little time in said shop as possible, and not buy anything I don’t need. December is a bit crazy for us anyway, so I traditionally like to get everything done early, but I have beaten my own record this year! We are really not into having a commercial Christmas. Of course, having kids, presents are a pretty major feature (!) but they are useful, wanted and there are only 5 or 6 things at home on Christmas morning. The main focus is usually charity concert/Church commitment related closer to the day, and we try to keep Christmas day focussed on spending time with family (and not over eating…I’m talking about you Mr Trifle…) Right, off to hide the gifts before the kids get home…It’s very nice to actually be posting on a Thursday! 🙂
Our plans sound very similar! My two have a few items on their list (I limit it to 5 plus they can request surprises) – but they are quite significant items this year (aka costly). But… I’d rather put the cash together for a useful and long-term item rather than fritter it away on a pile of stuff that looks impressive under the tree, but ends up being thrown out due to low-quality or no-real-interest in it after the big day.
Hi Jo, thanks for this post. I am aiming to finish Christmas shopping and cards by the end of November. I am working really hard to make sure gifts that we do buy are useful and fun. I like homemade things but don’t have much time. My bright idea this year is to engage my 11 year in fudge making to give to grand parents, as it doesn’t take long. We have been having fun trying out different recipes. I think we are going with this one https://www.carnation.co.uk/Recipes/Recipe.aspx?RecipeId=67.
Hi Ruth – I’ve cut back on home-made this year. I’ve bought home-made (by others) to compensate. But not everything is of course!
As with you the Kids and I will be planning activities to make cards/gifts.
Will check out the recipe! Thanks
Like the recipe Ruth!
Good it’s a bit laborious stirring and beating but the results are worth it!
Hi Jo, thanks for this post. I am aiming to finish Christmas shopping and cards by the end of November. I am working really hard to make sure gifts that we do buy are useful and fun. I like homemade things but don’t have much time. My bright idea this year is to engage my 11 year in fudge making to give to grand parents, as it doesn’t take long. We have been having fun trying out different recipes. I think we are going with this one https://www.carnation.co.uk/Recipes/Recipe.aspx?RecipeId=67.
Hi Ruth – I’ve cut back on home-made this year. I’ve bought home-made (by others) to compensate. But not everything is of course!
As with you the Kids and I will be planning activities to make cards/gifts.
Will check out the recipe! Thanks
Like the recipe Ruth!
Good it’s a bit laborious stirring and beating but the results are worth it!
I have 4 children, 2 of which have birthdays either side of Dec 25th – and a large extended family. I also love Christmas so enjoy pretty much everything about it. However, I have cut down my list of whom I give presents to (and even cards) I buy cards (inc the majority of individual ones), wrap and tags in the sales. I reuse gift bags (only buying if mega good price in the sale) I have a present stash box of things I pick up throughout the year at good prices/ things I’ve been given which I can regift (I have no scruples about regifting) I make chutneys and jams (and this year have progressed to fruit vodkas) and give mainly consumables as opposed to ‘things’ (although my children get things in the main) I also give up-to-date photos of my children to grandparents/ greatgrandparents as gifts.
I do probably buy a few new tree ornaments each year – I let the children choose one each if they see one that they like. I certainly don’t feel the need to revamp everything every year. I use holly and ivy from the garden in the house.
I do still have some shopping to do. (No more making though – I finished the last yesterday with a dozen jars of marmalade) I hope to have it all done by 6th Dec – an updated list will be made this weekend to try and see just what is left to do.
Dinner – The bird is in the freezer (YS from the supermarket) No idea what I’ll make for dessert yet – possibly poached pears in wine for adults with choc brownies and ice cream for children.
We do go to the panto every year on boxing day – it’s one of our household traditions now. It’s a treat which we all (adults, teenagers and two primary school children (youngest being 5) enjoy.
Most of all I like catching up with friends and family, not getting up to an alarm 🙂 and having all my children around with the chance to spend some good time together as a family
Those fruit vodkas sound good. I saw a recipe for toffee vodka also – may have to try!
Yep photos for grandparents – you just can’t go wrong with those…
You should ultra organised! I like it!
I have 4 children, 2 of which have birthdays either side of Dec 25th – and a large extended family. I also love Christmas so enjoy pretty much everything about it. However, I have cut down my list of whom I give presents to (and even cards) I buy cards (inc the majority of individual ones), wrap and tags in the sales. I reuse gift bags (only buying if mega good price in the sale) I have a present stash box of things I pick up throughout the year at good prices/ things I’ve been given which I can regift (I have no scruples about regifting) I make chutneys and jams (and this year have progressed to fruit vodkas) and give mainly consumables as opposed to ‘things’ (although my children get things in the main) I also give up-to-date photos of my children to grandparents/ greatgrandparents as gifts.
I do probably buy a few new tree ornaments each year – I let the children choose one each if they see one that they like. I certainly don’t feel the need to revamp everything every year. I use holly and ivy from the garden in the house.
I do still have some shopping to do. (No more making though – I finished the last yesterday with a dozen jars of marmalade) I hope to have it all done by 6th Dec – an updated list will be made this weekend to try and see just what is left to do.
Dinner – The bird is in the freezer (YS from the supermarket) No idea what I’ll make for dessert yet – possibly poached pears in wine for adults with choc brownies and ice cream for children.
We do go to the panto every year on boxing day – it’s one of our household traditions now. It’s a treat which we all (adults, teenagers and two primary school children (youngest being 5) enjoy.
Most of all I like catching up with friends and family, not getting up to an alarm 🙂 and having all my children around with the chance to spend some good time together as a family
Those fruit vodkas sound good. I saw a recipe for toffee vodka also – may have to try!
Yep photos for grandparents – you just can’t go wrong with those…
You should ultra organised! I like it!
The way I do battle is by starting in September. It just makes sense to me to spread it out, financially and otherwise. Ninety percent of mine is done online now (grandkids toys) and our grown children get small gifts and a gift card.
The way I do battle is by starting in September. It just makes sense to me to spread it out, financially and otherwise. Ninety percent of mine is done online now (grandkids toys) and our grown children get small gifts and a gift card.
Not quite a response to this but just wanted to say I used your slow cooker chutney recipe today. Kitchen smelt yummy by the end of the day. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Hope it tastes fab when you get round to trying it!
Not quite a response to this but just wanted to say I used your slow cooker chutney recipe today. Kitchen smelt yummy by the end of the day. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Hope it tastes fab when you get round to trying it!