I can't stand queuing. Mind you, I never thought I'd see myself standing outside a stage door either, so if something good enough comes along - I'd probably queue.

Well queues should be something we'll all get plenty of in the shops ion the run up to Christmas.

 

I'm way behind. I've only bought 2 complete presents and bits and bobs for other ones. I'm hoping to be inspired and get them all in Paris this year.

We're having an economic Xmas - we'll enjoy it just as much as it's not the amount spent that matters. It's all being together that's special - the first Chrismas without my father-in-law actually pulls us closer together.

I'm taking the dog for a quick walk and then goimg home for a while. I wish my Mum would get internet access.

I always feel its the family get together and the meals that make for a good xmas, the kids enjoyed father christmas - but now they are grown except the youngest, presents arent that special , the presents everyone got arent even on the memory list for christmas' past - plus they seem to expect more and more and are never content with what they get how ever expensive - this year I have told them - its the credit crunch, and not the time for expenditure!! famlily time will be priority now my dad is so ill.

It's having special people around you that makes Christmas. Sue

Sorry to hear your dad is very ill PiP.

 

Christmas is family time in my eyes....unfortunately as your children grow older and start lives of their own it all alters.

 

Stephanie is having her first married Christmas just with Andy...understandable.

 

We normally see her Boxing Day but this year she is going to her in-laws as that is the day her now niece is spending with her dad so they are having their family Christmas then.

 

So we wont see her till Sunday.

 

My youngest will be at his girlfriends and Stuart just doesn't want to celebrate.....

 

Stephen's mum will be at our house for the morning then goes to her other sons for the afternoon

....I'm working the afternoon....so that's Stephen on his own

 

As long as we remember the message of Christmas........

 

Oh dear, Spam, sounds like your Christmas celebrations will be well spread out. But at least you will see all your family, albeit

on different days. Was the garage completed?

We're back up to number 3 in the Artists' Forums League.

No the garage was never started...we are trying to sort his mum's bathroom first.

 

It may be put back till the spring now

Thanks Bramley for the information. Great.

 

I always find Xmas a bit of a worry. Having two children both married I never know what is happening until about a week before so its difficult because there are other in laws involved. I would be upset though if I didnt see my grandchildren so generally it finishes up splitting the day. I am ahead with presents though, packed up quite a few. I do think though it will pay to shop late as there will be lots of reductions, even now there are.

I'm trying to go for a reasonable price but something a bit more original so I haven't been shopping in department stores or the usual shops in the shopping mall.

 

I bought a few things earlier in the little boutique type shops in the West End (Glasgow) and got quite a few presents at the big craft fair at the SECC last Sunday, so I'm really pleased about that.

 

I'm determined that any I don't have by 9th December, I'll buy in Paris. I'll enjoy the shopping experience there a lot more. The pavements are so much broader, I hardly ever feel at all crowded there.

But you don't want to spend too much of your holiday shopping, BT.

Mine are all getting money this year, I decided it would be cheaper....

 

 

 

 

....except for the odd presents I've bought whilst I've been here.... :rolleyes:

 

 

 

 

...well they have to open something :D

 

 

I got another half dozen yesterday. I'm on a roll.

Well done BT.

I bought my daughter a present today....and Stephen.....must stop now

 

.........just need my mother-in-law then my neighbours

 

......and I usually get a small something for the staff I'm working with on Christmas day.

Are you sure you'll get through customs with all your acquired baggage?

Sorry about your Dad, pip - i hope he's OK.

 

The only thing we've planned is Christmas lunch. I walk into shop;s and just walk out again. Still, Mum let slip that she wanted something so I'm OK there. 2 of our lot are having mama Mia. I'm wondering about buying them an extra secure box to put it in and not showing them how to open it.

 

 

Hope your father will soon recover, Pip.

 

I went to buy Xmas cards today........ but didn't. Surely they can't have been picked over already. Hubby decided it must be the leftovers

from last year. Will try somewhere else tomorrow.