Who’s Ahead Or Behind Christmas Prep-Wise!??

[Smowball]

Don't think I've ever been so far behind! I've bought about 2 presents, sent just Xmas cards to Australia & none here, bought nothing food/drink wise, tree isn't up....... just a couple of decoration  in lounge, and that's it!

I know people who are all done! Every present bought and wrapped, house fully decorated...... everything!

How are you lot doing?? Don't think the miserable wet dark damp weather is really helping with the festive mood tbh.....

[Canary42]

I've yet to start any of it.

[nicebloke1]

Way ahead, just put the roasters in the oven.

[brainiac]

"I know people who are all done"

This makes Christmas sound like it's some chore that has to be 'got through' as quickly as possible, when it should be just the opposite: a season of goodwill and as much joy as we can find, not some task to be undertaken.

This year we have been bombarded with Christmas TV adverts since the beginning of November, and Channel 5 has been showing TWO Christmas films every afternoon since the beginning of October.  Talk about ruining things - why can't everyone wait for Advent?

And don't get me started on another sign that some people see it all as a chore: those who send Christmas cards in  November.    I think that's rather insulting, just ticking off a list as soon as possible.  Oh, and if you're sending a Christmas card, actually write something meaningful in it, don't just put your name(s)!

[Smowball]

lol nicebloke & canary.....

I know what you mean brainiac.....I really do. Think I'm just always worried about forgetting something lol.

[anneasquith]

It's only the 5th of December . 

[-SharonA-]

Slowly getting it done bit by bit. Not much left to buy. Still looking for a decent wreath!

[Countrylover]

Years ago I realised that all  Christmas did for me was stress me out.  Son was in his teens and had no interest and would rather be out and about mountain biking and we just did a few presents.  Now we virtually do nothing.  Son and wife go hiking with a picnic down on the coast.  We have no other relations anywhere near.

So I have a few cards to send, no presents to get and no decorations.  Himself will buy a box of lager.  I don't drink and we will not buy any Christmas type food.  

And there will  be no stress hopefully!

We'll  just sit back and relax and the dog will get her usual walk over the fields and woods!

So I send about 4 cards to relations and friends who are scattered far and wide.

[youngmafbog]

Got me Turkey in the freezer :-)

[brainiac]

This puts it all better than I ever could:

Christmas

The bells of waiting Advent ring,
The Tortoise stove is lit again
And lamp-oil light across the night
Has caught the streaks of winter rain
In many a stained-glass window sheen
From Crimson Lake to Hookers Green.

The holly in the windy hedge
And round the Manor House the yew
Will soon be stripped to deck the ledge,
The altar, font and arch and pew,
So that the villagers can say
'The church looks nice' on Christmas Day.

Provincial Public Houses blaze,
Corporation tramcars clang,
On lighted tenements I gaze,
Where paper decorations hang,
And bunting in the red Town Hall
Says 'Merry Christmas to you all'.

And London shops on Christmas Eve
Are strung with silver bells and flowers
As hurrying clerks the City leave
To pigeon-haunted classic towers,
And marbled clouds go scudding by
The many-steepled London sky.

And girls in slacks remember Dad,
And oafish louts remember Mum,
And sleepless children's hearts are glad.
And Christmas-morning bells say 'Come!'
Even to shining ones who dwell
Safe in the Dorchester Hotel.

And is it true?  And is it true,
This most tremendous tale of all,
Seen in a stained-glass window's hue,
A Baby in an ox's stall ?
The Maker of the stars and sea
Become a Child on earth for me ?

And is it true ?  For if it is,
No loving fingers tying strings
Around those tissued fripperies,
The sweet and silly Christmas things,
Bath salts and inexpensive scent
And hideous tie so kindly meant,

No love that in a family dwells,
No carolling in frosty air,
Nor all the steeple-shaking bells
Can with this single Truth compare -
That God was man in Palestine
And lives today in Bread and Wine.

John Betjeman

[piggynose]

Neither! 

[piggynose]

Xmas in Africa for me and the mrs this year !

[naomi24]

Thank God for Amazon!!  All the gifts are bought and waiting to be wrapped, but I've spent the whole morning writing Christmas cards and still not finished.  The letters that go with several - to people abroad and to those in this country I rarely see -  aren't done but I'll get there.  It might not be until tomorrow or the next day - but I will get there.  Honest I will!  :o)

[naomi24]

Whereabouts in Africa, Piggy?  

[rowanwitch]

Sprouts are on.....   But a bit of shopping done ready to take to London, cards ready to write, and That's about it, not my celebration so really not that bothered.  

[-SharonA-]

Piggy, Kigali??!! 

[Maydup]

80% done now. Presents bought and wrapped. Card sent to Oz, written half of the UK ones. Too early for food shopping but stocking up in a few extra bits each week.

Spare room cleared out ready for visitor to use. Bed to make and decorations to put up. 
 
I have a 400 mile round trip to visit family and an overnight stay so that's prompted me to get ahead.

all much easier when you no longer have to go to work full time!