My christmas traditions

Hey readers,

Today I want to talk about Christmas traditions that I and my family partake in.

So, where do I Start I guess with Christmas Eve I tend to now tune in to Channel Four's special Christmas movie they air each year.

 I have done this since the boys were little and it is just a lovely way to settle down in the eve before Christmas. Channel four are normally good at picking some really calm films perfect to watch just for bed. The kind of thing is The Snowman and the snowdog or we are going on a bear hunt.

Along with watching the Christmas Eve film, we make a luxury hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows, yummy.

Each year my boys 'help' with putting up the Christmas tree whilst blasting out old classic Jazz Christmas songs, I also prefer that music, and reminds me of my own childhood.

On Christmas day I love to go for a family walk, normally ending up at a park. When we go to the park it is bizarre because it is so eerily quiet when normally it would be buzzing with kids everywhere.

Can't be Christmas without an advent calendar to lead us up to Christmas. Nothing like getting tiny chocolate in the morning, lol.

Every year we go visit Santa locally (it was the same one I went to as a kid so happy memories associated) so it holds happy memories not just for my children but for me as well. It is really fun as there is a Santa sleigh ride where you are still in a sleigh and it moves. It is really pretty with the lights and the kids get all excited to go meet Santa.

My boys are now at that age where they love to write Christmas cards to relatives and friends. They love personalising it with their drawing and stickers - it is a lovely activity to do during Saturday afternoon.

Every Christmas I put up two stockings for the boys to enjoy small little presents and random items, which ironically are some of their favourite things they get over Christmas.

This tradition is more of my husband's thing, which is Christmas crackers at the table. 

Me personally I think they are a waste of money but I am sure I waste money on other things over Christmas. Nonetheless, the boys the surprise by the noise from pulling on crackers and we can have a laugh at the rubbish jokes that come with the crackers.

Going to school play at Christmas is magical to go and see as parents and see your little ones dressed up and singing Christmas songs. I always come away feeling cosy inside and the boys feel proud of all the effort they put into their roles.

Awful cheesy Christmas jumpers that are just glorious to wear during Christmas. My boys love Christmas jumpers especially when one of theirs has lights on it and sings songs, which adds to the excitement of Christmas.

Finally, the last tradition is, of course, leaving a plate out for Santa that consists of a glass of milk, mince pie, and a carrot for the reindeer. My kids after being super happy in the morning to see the plate empty bar a few crumbs, hehe.

Cheers for reading X

  

10 reasons to love Christmas

Hey readers,

It is now less than a month away from the big day of Christmas and what better way to get you in the festive mood than to give you all the good reasons why you should love Christmas.

1. Christmas. 

Christmas is a time where you can relax and you don't have to feel like you have to be doing something because it's a holiday and that means you can be as lazy as you want bliss.

2. Twinkly lights.

Christmas is all about the decorations and twinkly sparkly colours to decorate your home with. I'm partial to twinkly lights because they are not so daring. I like them also because they are relaxing and they just make everything so magical.

3. Hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate is the beverage of the festive season. There are so many varieties now in the coffee shops perfect to take time out from Christmas shopping. Alternatively, hot chocolate is delightful when at home when you want to snuggle down watch a film and feel all cosy hot chocolate is a drink for you.

4. Food.

Christmas is a time to fill up with glorious food that has a million calories but it doesn't matter because it doesn't count because it's Christmas. Food can vary from mince pies to a full roast dinner with all the trimmings followed by trifles. Therefore when you are full-on Christmas day you can sniffle down on the soda and have a nap. so that 

5. Music. 

I am partial to a bit of Christmas music especially from old-time crooners such as Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin. Them jazz notes are perfect to relax in the evening or when you are wrapping Christmas presents with a little drinky poo. 

6. Food containers. 

Isn't it lovely when food comes in something where music plays and lights up? I am such a sucker for this type of product us it also makes a wonderful gift for someone? 

7 TV specials.

For once Christmas is an opportunity to have at least one or more decent programs to watch at Christmas time. For my children, they channel 4 special films aired on Christmas eve. However, for me this year I can not wait for Gavin and Stacey's Christmas special. 

8 Dark nights. 

With winter being dark and cold nothing is better when closing the doors pulling the curtains closed and getting cosy with the family, perfection. 

9. Knitwear. 

Christmas is all about being cosy and happy. What better way to achieve this than wearing coy knitwear perfect for staying warm and snug especially after Christmas Dinner where you can have a checky nana nap in your warm, cosy jumper because it's Christmas and it is socially acceptable. 

10. Booze. 

Booze is lovely especially a glass of Babycham to make you feel merry. What is even better is the fact that is not frowned upon for one day only on Christmas day where you can drink before 10 am without any judgment made, get in! 

What do you love about Christmas? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 19/12/2021

Yay my youngest returned home after a week in hospital with two infections in his foot. 

 

                                                  

The A to Z of Christmas

Hey readers,

Not sure if you are aware that it is the month of December which can only mean one thing..... Christmas! Get ready as I give you the A to Z of Christmas, Ho Ho Ho.

A - Christmas would not be Christmas without an artificial tree to set off the living room decor nicely and place them Christmas presents under.

B - The bells, the bells yep them lovely shiny gold and chiming away in the classic Christmas hit of Wizard's 'I wish it could be Christmas every day. Though personally not sure I would want that as it would be a hell of a chore to do every day.

C- Well as December is the Christmas month that means it is socially acceptable to have chocolate EVERY day and shock horror you can even have it after breakfast, whoop! No guilt is needed, it is all about getting in the spirit of Christmas ok people!

D - Decorations are one of the main features at Christmas time. Some people like traditional plain baubles or glittery baubles but not me, I have a cow, ice cream, and a pink fluffy silhouette. I personally, got more interested in tacky and non-related Christmas decorations when I learned how much my husband hated them, lol you have to get your sh*ts and giggles somewhere.

E - Christmas is all about exchanging gifts, who doesn't like a Lynx gift set or a pair of socks, this is the dream right there.

F - In the UK it is freezing during December, so remember to wrap up warm.

G - Christmas is all about making memories and having a good time. But you need to have at least one argument because you know it is bloody Christmas and it is stressful.

H - The ultimate beverage is no other than the hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows - now your talking!

I - Irrational fear about where you left the Christmas presents that were saved from the January sales. Arghh, they are hidden so well you have forgotten where you have left them, PANIC!

J - Everyone has to be jolly and plaster that fake smile because it is all about having a good time ;)

K - Kris Kringle is the main geezer of this big event, every single year.

L - If you do have an argument you can sit in the room having a sulk and staring at the twinkly lights.

M - Moody me? Not only when my husband decides to lie back and snore and I can't watch The Royal Family (not the real one but the comedy).

N - Nob is my favourite word to mouth at my husband when he is stressing me out and we need to sort out dinner.

O - Organised because that is how I like my life.

P - Panic when you forgot the goose fat, these things matter at Christmas.

Q - queues everywhere, heating whacked up in the shops. I think I might be sick with this overload of chaos. Christmas in the air when you enter a shop so be warned because everyone is on the same mission.

R - Rejoice it is 8 pm on Christmas day and now we can sit back and check out the sales.

S - Must remember to stock their stockings.

T - Trimmings are crucial in the Christmas dinner game.

U - Unwrap and leave your mummy to move around like a ninja with the black bin bag.

V - Visit from Aunt Sue who sits there and moans.

W - Wintery because it is freezing.

X - Is for Xmas in case you might have forgotten.

Y - I blinking love a chocolate yule log just for your information.

Z - ZZZ because this Christmas business is knackering init.

Cheers for reading X

How to reduce food waste at christmas

Hey readers,

How often do we buy too much food over the Christmas period and end up chucking that food away? well, here I am going to tell you ways to help reduce food waste at Christmas time.

Shopping List.

Instead of just going full force when you go food shopping make a list beforehand and plan your meals so you know exactly what to get and use up.

Link up food.

Make food last longer and use up more by putting groups of food that are used in different items.  For example - If you're going to make custard with the yolk of the egg, you can save the yolk-white for making meringues instead of just throwing the used egg away it is going to get used in something else.

Frozen.

Instead of buying fresh food swap it for frozen then you can take out what you need and freeze the rest for a later date. You don't have to worry about going off quickly as it will last longer in the freezer.

Fruit and Vegetables.

Instead of going for the perfect vegetables use the wonky vegetables, not only is it cheaper but also it is not getting wasted win-win.

Buy the exact amount needed.

When you go shopping instead of buying a bag of carrots say go for the desired amount such as three carrots - therefore you know you are going to use them and not have food lying about rotting then end up in the bin.

Buy seasonal produce.

When looking at the seasonal product it is what the farmers are harvesting and are ready to be sold to the supermarket. It is fresh and full of flavour. Depending on the season would equate to what food would be the season.

In season right now the types of food would be Brussel sprouts, goose, potatoes, parsnips, and apples to name but a few.  

This will cost less because it has not been needed to travel to get to supermarkets as far and doesn't come with the premium prices, therefore, saving you money on your shopping.

Supermarket deals.

It can be very tempted to buy the deals that are in the supermarket such as buy two products and get the third three or buy one get one free. 

They are easy to spot in the supermarket as they have bright yellow labels and bold text to stand out and catch your eyes whilst shopping. 

But don't be fooled as you may not actually be saving money as they may be items that are hard to shift or close to their sell-by date. 

Also, check the quantity as you may get as much as you would if you brought the same pack on its own.

 For example, if one pack of digestives is 150g for 50p but you get 75g for buy 2 to get one three. It may be cheaper just to buy one pack and not have an unwanted stock of food at home.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 12/12/2021

 

                                                  

Tips for saving money on your Christmas shopping.

Hey readers, 

Christmas is fast approaching and with lockdown, it can be quite daunting especially as a lot of people are going through financial difficulty. 

Here are some ways to save money on your shopping at Christmas. 

1. Budget. 

It is important to set a budget and stick to it. Not only does it feel like you are in control but it allows you to also enjoy the event without getting flustered. Christmas doesn't have to be OTT with presents because remember it is also about sharing time together with loved ones. 

Don't let finances rule you, take control, and if you can't afford something don't buy it, people will understand if you tell them. Christmas should be a time to relax not get stressed out.

2. Sell. 

A good way to earn some money is to look around your home and sell stuff on eBay or Facebook marketplace. 

I have done this myself and it has helped with my Christmas budget, which again is a great deal of pressure off. 

3. Cashback sites.

If you are shopping online for presents then I recommend using cashback apps such as Quidco and Top Cashback. 

What you so go on the site search a shop you want to buy something from click on the link and it will take you directly to shop. 

Once you have brought something from the shop you get a certain percentage of cashback.  

4. Spread the cost. 

Spread the cost of your shopping so buy x amount each week and then this means it won't be overwhelming if you left it to the last minute. 

5. Research. 

Before hitting the shops, take some time to do your research online with google shopping to find the best deals on the things you want to buy for Christmas. 

6. Planning.

Planning is key and is the one main thing to help you keep within your finances. Write down a list of your budget and the things you want to buy within that budget. Always stick to a list than less likely to impulse buy. 

7. Loyalty cards. 

I really like loyalty cards as they give you money back which will save you money. Shops like Tesco (Tesco rewards), Sainsbury's (nectar card), Boots (Boots advantage card) give you x amount of points when you shop with that store. 

Then once you have accumulated so many points can transfer money from your shopping from the store. 

8. Vouchercodes. 

Check out Vouchercodes where they have a search engine for voucher codes and discounts on a lot of stores such as Tesco, New Look, Debenhams to save some money if you are planning to shop in certain stores. 

9. Supermarkets.

Swap supermarkets when you do shop for budget-friendly ones Lidl and Aldi are so much cheaper and the quality is still very good. 

Remember to write a list before you go as I have been guilty of being caught up in the moment and at least with a list you can stick to it and not buy too much food.

10. Yellow stickers.

In my household, we buy our Christmas meat in the yellow stickers that are reduced at the end of the day and put it in the freezer. Saves an absolute fortune. 

Also nowadays people are braver and don’t all go for turkey – don’t feel pressure if you don’t want, there are so many meats to choose from. Even better if you feel up to it you could go vegetarian and save the pounds there.

11. Courier.

If you are sending presents to relatives or friends don't just rely on Royal Mail as a courier. Have a look around as there can be some services that are much cheaper.

12. Christmas post. 

When sending a Christmas card in the post to someone a cheaper way to do is to use second-class stamps. 

However, it may take longer but make sure you’re earlier, and then it should not be a problem and your purse will be happier for it.

13. Christmas tree.

I know it is tempting to have a fresh tree as they seem to be the fashionable thing to do. But really it is a lot cheaper to opt for a fake tree as this will save you money in the long term. 

Not to mention the positive impact of choosing a more environmentally friendly option as a pose to buying a fresh tree that is chopped down just for Christmas and then checked away in a few weeks’ time.

14. IOU.

We all know items in the shops are cheaper instantly after Christmas Day. One way to save some money is between you and say your friend is doing an IOU (I owe you) meaning instead of handing your friend a present at Christmas do it after.

Hope this helps. Have I missed any tips on saving money that you find helpful? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X