Christmas: Doing it sober and in style

[Bela]

Love your window, Muriel. Snow here too this weekend.
Are you in the U.S?
Odd, I've dreaded putting up the tree for several years now, but am looking forward to it again!

[qwerty]

Hi Bella, Muriel. I've also dreaded putting the tree up, in fact haven't bothered the past 2 years, but I am planning to decorate the house and put the tree up the second weekend in December. The trouble is, putting up the Christmas tree was always an occasion for a drink, (well, just breathing was an occasion for a drink really), but I think I'll risk it this year. Just because I'm not drinking doesn't mean I have to be miserable...does it?

[qwerty]

hi muriel, I'm also in the north, you must be in the east, I'm in the west...you get snow, we get rain . I was in wick (Scotland) the past week staying at my sons, it started snowing on Thursaday and was still snowing on Saturday when he was driving me down to Inverness to get the train home. That was a very hazardous journey The snow made them put thier Christmas tree up (well, that was thier excuse)

[Bela]

Lovely, Muriel! You pics are just inspiring me.

Someone suggested a Christmas thread (it could be a combo solstice or other holday thread).

How do we start one?

[Lush]

I think the mods will be thinking of a festive name for the monthly Hop thread soon

Susie
xx

[bumpydog]

No snow here. Just rain and hail.

[Amber]

I am excited, great thread, I love winter and Christmas

[Bela]

Thanks, Darcy.
Should be lots to share here.

[Amber]

OH and I forgot to say, I keep my little Christmas tree up all year round, plus my Christmas lights around my mirror

[Bela]

Hi Bela, I think a christmas season thread would be a good idea as well as the December Hop thread. We could include things about what to do and drink instead of alcohol and getting drunk. Christmas films we enjoy, family games we might play (– I think my grown up boys just play them to humour me – but I've got a couple of new ones I'm going to get for this christmas!). !

Someone posted on another thread about facing the holidays without money and worrying about her 13 year old. A thought I had was that we could also share ideas about inexpensive things to do/make.

[Lush]

Excellent idea, Bela - and very thoughtful of you
Will get my thinking hat on.

Susie
xx

[hamster]

This is such a cheerful thread and Im feeling all festive already

We are doing Christmas on a shoestring budget this year. I think many will be in view of the economic crisis - so much uncertainty out there now. I have set a strict budget and will be sticking to it with much more time spent on doing things with the children rather than giving them material things.

I have cancelled presents for nieces and nephews this year because I just cant afford it - they are grown up now so I am sure they will understand.

No new decorations - making do and making my own with my son (there are loads of ideas on the internet).

I found two great pressies at a car boot sale during the summer - still in origional wrapping and cost a pound each. They have been on top of my wardrobe since - bargain

Julie
x

[patty]

Hi everyone,

Love this thread. Derbyshire had snow overnight but it turned to icy rain, been bitterly cold all day and we have just had a new calf born this am (only tiny) so going up to check on her now. Hope you like me avatar which has took me about an hour to sort out at last thanks to qwerty.

Love patty xx

[bumpydog]

New calf! How lovely.

Just don't go putting sunglasses on it like your avatar! It wont thank you for it!

Bumpydog x

[Kitty]

Oooh Patty can we name the calf?

love your avatar

Kitty xx

[qwerty]

Patty, a yuletide baby (well, almost) what's she called?

[Lush]

Awww congrats on the new calf, Patty! Loving the avatar too

Susie
xx

[qwerty]

Susie, I keep trying to catch you and think I'm missing you each time! Have you had a new hairdo or is it the make-up, you just look different from when I last saw you!

[hamster]

Hi Patty

Adore the avatar and congrats on the new calf - So lovely.

[patty]

Kitty,

go ahead and name HIM, just told OH one of the girls want to name him and he said hes been calling him fillet or rump I dont think so , so go ahead kitty hes all yours!!!!!

So glad everyone likes me avatar Im soooo proud that Ive finally done it made me day!!

Love patty xx