Christmas Watch 2022 #2

[Milktray]

Ahh thanks but we rent so not an option, hence looking for creative ways to do it.

You can get outdoor battery lights. The battery is concealed in a waterproof container. I think you can get lights that are run off 3 X D batteries (as opposed to AA) and so they're brighter/last longer.

You're best looking at a shop that specialises in lights/Christmas goods as opposed to a high street store, they will have more choice (albeit, more expensive).

Well Manchester was absolute manic yesterday . Me and my husband went For a night away we had evening plans anyway but thought we would do a bit of Christmas shopping and then go to the markets. We lasted all of 15 mins in the Christmas markets it was just wild.

I hate the Christmas markets now.
I started going over 15 years ago, I was able to get a cheap hotel and it was always really quiet. So much so, that it was one of my Christmas traditions. I would actually buy things from the little stalls.

Suddenly one year, it was absolute carnage. Its become more of a 'drinking/social' experience than a shopping one. Its a shame really, because you can't walk around the little stalls due to the sheer amount of people. Its hideous.

 

[WeepingCassandra]

You can get outdoor battery lights. The battery is concealed in a waterproof container. I think you can get lights that are run off 3 X D batteries (as opposed to AA) and so they're brighter/last longer.

You're best looking at a shop that specialises in lights/Christmas goods as opposed to a high street store, they will have more choice (albeit, more expensive).


I hate the Christmas markets now.
I started going over 15 years ago, I was able to get a cheap hotel and it was always really quiet. So much so, that it was one of my Christmas traditions. I would actually buy things from the little stalls.

Suddenly one year, it was absolute carnage. Its become more of a 'drinking/social' experience than a shopping one. Its a shame really, because you can't walk around the little stalls due to the sheer amount of people. Its hideous.

One thing I’ve noticed as well is that the stalls are massively repeated and also mass produced products that people have been given to sell. Even in Germany - there’s the odd little local craft person but the majority are mass produced and found at every market.

 

[Milktray]

One thing I’ve noticed as well is that the stalls are massively repeated and also mass produced products that people have been given to sell. Even in Germany - there’s the odd little local craft person but the majority are mass produced and found at every market.

Yeah, that's it. I'm talking years back, there used to be some unique stalls that sold little crafts quite reasonably but now, as you say, there's little in the way of that.

 

[CallMeHollywood]

What are you asking for Christmas this year?

Husband gets annoyed because there’s nothing I ever want or need so I usually find a couple of things, usually beauty, that I ask for.

 

[CrystalWench]

What are you asking for Christmas this year?

Husband gets annoyed because there’s nothing I ever want or need so I usually find a couple of things, usually beauty, that I ask for.

The only people who buy for me is my ex mother in law and ex brother in law, I’ve asked for M&S or next vouchers (I use them for food or clothes for my son) and a little shower gel set and next perfume. My sons school do an Elf workshop and for £10 he gets to pick gifts for us, that’s really nice to see what he thinks we want. Last year was a shower gel and a wax melt, really sweet and meant so much.

 

[Milktray]

What are you asking for Christmas this year?

Husband gets annoyed because there’s nothing I ever want or need so I usually find a couple of things, usually beauty, that I ask for.

Same. I have a mental list in my head until about November and then when someone asks, I get all flustered and can't recall anything I actually want or need.

I think I'm going to ask for hot sugar scrub, Adidas gazelles, borg jacket, bath and body works candle, green amber ring.
I never usually ask for anything but this was the best I could come up with and that took some effort. I'm not expecting all of it.

 

[heretoreaditall2019]

Yeah, that's it. I'm talking years back, there used to be some unique stalls that sold little crafts quite reasonably but now, as you say, there's little in the way of that.

Yeah agreed the big markets are ttl tat, there are dedicated independent makers markets which look lovely from pics so far, I’m going to one early December so as that’ll be where I’m doing a lot of present buying!!

 

[Crybaby Tania]

Ahh thanks but we rent so not an option, hence looking for creative ways to do it.

I can recommend the outdoor battery lights, I put them along my hedge, they work on a timer.
My sister gave me her old Christmas display light projector, it lights up the house beautifully, so easy to set up. I don't need to hang out Christmas lights now, but a power supply is still required.

 

[Milktray]

Yeah agreed the big markets are ttl tat, there are dedicated independent makers markets which look lovely from pics so far, I’m going to one early December so as that’ll be where I’m doing a lot of present buying!!

The independent makers markets are fab and most definitely the way forward. We have them set up in pub car parks and in the town. Its great to support local and it beats having to traipse into Manchester on a sweaty train.

 

[heretoreaditall2019]

The independent makers markets are fab and most definitely the way forward. We have them set up in pub car parks and in the town. Its great to support local and it beats having to traipse into Manchester on a sweaty train.

Spitalfields had the same problem. In the early 2000s it was more like Camden which isn’t perfect but was better than how it ended up early 2010s which was a few independent makers but largely tat resellers. They then super gentrified it & it became too expensive for the OG makers/food stalls and idk how well it was doing as the pandemic happened soon after + imo the price points didn’t really match the lunch time & after work footfall…? But yeah such is the cycle of market life I suppose?!

 

[coconochanel]

Bought a couple more gifts today thats the gift buying almost finished.

 

[Bobby Chariot]

Just noticed a house with an illuminated Xmas tree in it's window on my way home from work

It is the 14th of November

 

[Chocolategoggler]

Just noticed a house with an illuminated Xmas tree in it's window on my way home from work

It is the 14th of November

Everyone seems to be starting early. I've started handing out Christmas cards to people when I see them (to save on stamps). Times going so fast it'll be Christmas before we know it!

 

[Boredofthegram]

Made a real dent in the Xmas shopping today (online) just bf and son to finish and then will be done.

 

[Marylou]

I wrapped some gifts this morning and organised the cupboard I keep gifts in. Feel so much better now because I'm far more organised than I thought.

 

[HoGi]

Did a bit of Xmas shopping with my mum today. Everywhere was so busy!

 

[Our Cilla]

Does anyone please have any advice how to hang lights outside at Christmas? I don’t really want to have to drill into the brick if I can avoid it. I saw something on google about using a hot glue gun but not sure how secure that would be??

Use gutter clips. Really cheap online. Attach to gutters and then hang lights on.

 

[calmyourritas]

We’ve bought some outdoors lights today to put up! My usually Grinch husband is feeling so festive this year, he says it’s because it’s our baby’s first Christmas and it’s special, but it’s very unnerving

 

[FenellaTheWitch]

We’ve bought some outdoors lights today to put up! My usually Grinch husband is feeling so festive this year, he says it’s because it’s our baby’s first Christmas and it’s special, but it’s very unnerving

I think having baby does that. I was very similar. Always worked Christmas and never batted an eyelid. Just meant I didn't have to get involved with anything.

Then I had a baby and it became a thing.

 

[HoGi]

Anyone else awake ready for the annual tesco delivery slot battle