Christmas Watch 2022 #2

[ChubClubThug]

I was out walking the dog this morning and my neighbours hailed me over to discuss outdoor Christmas lighting for this year we’re new to the cul de sac so I need to buy some outdoor lights - any suggestions? I’ve found loads but I don’t know if they’re any good.
I also want to wrap them around out bannister this year so I’ll get some battery powered ones for inside, too.

Homebase have some amazing lights for a reasonable price. I've got a 6ft blow up santa dinosaur for my back garden, and prancing reindeer and Christmas trees for the front lawn. I also found Wilko really good for battery powered lights indoors. Good price/quality for various sizes. B&Q also do great outdoor lights

I live in a cul de sac and no-one used to decorate till I moved in....now most people do but it's ultimately your choice if you want to! I'd never pounce on my neighbour and tell them to decorate

 

[Orphan_Black]

I feel like a Grinch because the JellyCat toys are cute enough, but I dunno, yeah, they're just cute stuffies.

Modern day Beanie Babies.

 

[FenellaTheWitch]

My niece who lives in America is very excited. She's just text me to tell me Target are introducing M&S food and treats for Christmas.

 

[watermelon sugar]

I’ve not even started my shopping yet 🫣

 

[JSquared]

Not too impressed with the John Lewis ad tbh, it's a nice sentiment but not very Christmas like. Just saw the Irish Aldi ad and it's brilliant.

Perhaps that’s the point - there are many kids/people who won’t get a Christmas…

 

[ATV2021]

I’m tempted ngl

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That front left penguin is creeping me out...

It looks like it has teeth

 

[Hastaggifted]

Feel a bit privileged writing this after all the donating chat

But thank you to whoever it was that said rather than buying the tubs of chocolates they buy lindt balls etc instead and fill a jar. I never even thought of doing that They are currently on clubcard price so I've ordered a couple of different flavour boxes, along with a box of Ferrero rocher, also on club card and will fill my own tin with fancy chocolates we like . I was bought a personalised quality street tin so will happily fill that up. Will buy some malteser truffles next time I'm doing some shopping to spread the cost. Roll on 12th December when I'll have them out for eating

 

[Silverback]

Saw a huge display in a local shop of Christmas jellycats today! I was tempted to buy them all!

 

[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.

 

[MrsLucas]

I really don’t understand why anyone would queue at silly o’clock at Next when you could just join their online VIP thing and shop online in the sale on Christmas Eve. I’ve done that the last couple of years to get basics in the next size up for my daughter.

totally agree especially on Boxing Day. I think all shops should close Boxing Day.

 

[Chocolategoggler]

Thank you that might be a good idea for my nephew who is 10. My kids are 1 and 5 so pretty easy to buy for. Really struggle buying for my nieces and nephews that are between 8 and 14! I’m only 28 and have no idea what teenagers/pre teens are into anymore, I feel old

I usually follow age appropriate kids discreetly round a store when I'm stuck to see what they go "apeshit" about and it usually goes down well with the child/teenager I'm buying for.

 

[ATV2021]

Why do I need this? Lol John Lewis

 

[Tangent Tiger]

Someone has to snip up my card, I have bought all the main presents but keep buying little extras. I can't be the only one who does this!

 

[jackolantern]

We are only doing presents for kids and my Gran this year and its such a load off. Don't me wrong I adore gift buying but we are in so much debt and struggling to stay afloat, we just can't afford it. My goddaughter is 12 and is getting an Anime board game, stranger things tee and I'm making her a stuffed, chunky chocolate bar with her favourite toppings and my Gran will get a hamper with different M&S goodies I'll choose. She doesn't really like 'stuff' so food is always a hit. About £60 between them and we usually spend at least £300-£400 on gifts alone for everyone so huge difference. Sad times but reality now.

 

[MrsLucas]

I may or may not have put up some Christmas decor in my kitchen . A nice surprise for my husband when he gets back tonight .

 

[KitcRed]

It’s quite ambiguous though. Are they adopting this child? Is it a family member who has been removed from them who’s being allowed to spend Christmas with them? I couldn’t figure it out.

It's a 2 minute, fictional TV ad - do you really need all the details?

 

[I_Like_Tractors]

I'm almost finished my shopping too. I like to get wrapped in November and then the presents are almost a surprise to me too although I have a spreadsheet so could remind myself.

I would rather walk around the shops all decorated picking up anything extra with no pressure

 

[ChubClubThug]

Do any of you do Christmas eve boxes?

I've never bothered but I'm thinking of having a go this year, now my youngest is 4. It won't be anything elaborate, just chocolate, pjs, Xmas book, maybe some bubble bath to use. I won't go overboard because I do Christmas stockings that end up costing a bomb to fill.

But I absolutely love it! My oldest is 22 (nearly 23) and his best Xmas memories are of his stocking he still gets one now, in the form of a food hamper because he's moved out

 

[calmyourritas]

Been to B&M today and got some malteser reindeer to have with a brew this afternoon and some Xmas books to add to my little girl’s collection. AND I got the matching family pjs because Mr Rita actually said he’d do wear them!!!!

 

[seymour52butts]

Did a family box with 4 mugs, hot choc and marshmallows last Christmas eve. Was lovely.