We made one very firm decision about Christmas this year. We would not go crazy about presents. One each and nothing over a tenner!
Looking under the tree yesterday evening, I could see at once that we'd failed. It does look as if there are probably even more than usual.
It may not look excessive from the photo, but let me assure you that there are possibly 100 presents there! The one's in stripes are all from me, and there are more to come; they're not all wrapped yet.
We really did try to be a bit more frugal this year, but it simply hasn't worked. But at least, we haven't spent a fortune.
And, of course, Santa hasn't even been by with all the gifts he's bringing us too.
Best wishes.
You are going to be like a couple of children opening all your presents tomorrow. We have bought gifts for the "children", "grandchildren" and particularly the great- granddaughters but not for each other.
ReplyDeleteThat was almost our aim too, but somehow it got sidelined. The photo doesn't show the full extent of the gifts, but there are lots. The only thing we've stuck to, is that they didn't cost a fortune.
DeleteWe are trying to declutter so more is going out of the house than in. Mind you, when we got married it was two houses into one so there was a lot of STUFF.
DeleteI can guess what is in your black and white striped presents - humbugs - lots of them. When the recipients open them, they are sure to say "Bah, humbug!"
ReplyDeleteThey may not look 'festive', but everyone will know who was responsible.
DeleteIn Newcastle and Turin - that's how everybody wraps their gifts.
DeleteHa ha!
DeleteAll this and you get to open the Harrods hamper. It's all very exciting. Hope Santa is good to you this year. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYes, we can hardly wait to open the Harrods package. We're pretty sure it'll be good things to eat and drink, but WHAT we have no idea.
DeleteMerry Christmas Cro, and enjoy all this goodness.
ReplyDeleteWe will. Thank you.
DeleteMerry Christmas Cro, Family and Billy and a Happy New Year
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol. I wish you well also.
DeleteTrouble is you buy one present and it doesn't seem enough so you buy another little 'something', then you feel guilty because one person has more than another and it goes on and on. Or after buying the present you find something better.
ReplyDeleteOh well, it's Xmas!
Wishing you and all your family a very merry and warm Christmas. Good health to all
To be honest, I expect most families are the same. We make resolutions, but never keep them. At least we haven't spent a fortune.
DeleteSome people I know buy their grandchildren so many things throughout the year . We don’t ( apart from the odd thing , birthday presents and a bit of money when they go on holiday) but, at Christmas I do indulge them a bit ! Nothing massive but a few things that they want. We also buy the grown ups so we do have a fair few presents around the tree ! Wishing you all the merriest of Christmases Cro and look forward to more interaction in 2025 ( oooer missus ! ) 🎄XXXX
ReplyDeleteI blame my mother. She would start her present buying on Boxing Day, and hide things all over the house. Of course she always bought far too much. Like mother; like son!
DeleteWishing you and your family, near and far, A very Merry Christmas Cro. I think I'm almost as excited about what might be in that large hamper as you!
ReplyDeleteYes, we can hardly wait. What larks!
DeleteWe can't take it with us, we might as well enjoy it while we can.
ReplyDeleteWell, there is that side of it, but I hate the idea of giving people things they really don't want, or need.
DeleteWe don't do presents at Xmas, we only get them for the grandchildren, nobody else, not even each other. The only thing we do is xmas dinner, xmas pud and the obligatory dates and Lindt truffles. Everyone understands and no-one stresses out.
ReplyDeleteAw gosh, I forgot to wish you and Lady M a happy xmas! Hope you have a great time.
DeleteWhere do you buy your Lindt Chocolate Truffles? I can't find any anywhere!
DeleteGot Mr Asda to deliver them!
DeleteI almost always buy something to eat that the person doesn't normally buy for themselves but that they enjoy. That way, no more stuff you need to store.
ReplyDeleteLindt truffles online...one of my foods. :)
Happiest of Christmases Cro. I think of you and smile.
Many thanks Gemma. It's strange, in France choc truffles are everywhere. We love them. Someone is missing a trick here in the UK. For me they're the very best chocs. xx
DeleteLovely. Your Christmas tree looks fantastic with all the gifts beneath it.
ReplyDeleteI also buy too much. That said, some gifts are joke gifts. I like encouraging good fun and laughter.
I've noticed one 'joke gift' for me. But in very bad taste!
DeleteMerry Christmas xx
ReplyDeleteDear Cro, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope the new year brings much joy to you and Lady M and sweet Billy.
ReplyDelete