Next Year...

[c1403]

Around this time I always reflect over Christmas and think what I will (but usually never do) do different next year.

1- Plan more days out between Christmas and New Year.
Despite all the new toys and games we're getting bored. Friends of mine have done pantos, theatre shoes, cinema etc and I definetly want to get us out of the house.

2- Start buying a bit later and buy less
I start buying too early then start thinking of more ideas after Christmas I wish I had got so going to try saving for Christmas early then buy in November. Also need to cut down as they mainly like select things I just like to bulk up their lists.

3-Buy less junk food
We got gifted so many that I actually didn't need to buy anything

4- Chill out and Enjoy
I get myself so worked up about everything being perfect that I actually didn't really enjoy the actual days themselves.

We have had a lovely Christmas and been so spoilt and seen all our lovely family. DH is back at work now until 5th Jan so I'm going to try and enjoy NYE although I usually hate it.

Didn't want this post to come across a negative more a reflection. Argh I do hate this bit between now and January!

X

 

[Scout]

Plan a Christmas break get away for myself and dd as a gift, and then cut back to 3 or 4 Santa gifts. I always moan about how much crap (and I say that bc she loves those little bitty LOL's an boxy girl dolls, but once she's unwrapped the whole thing, she's basically done with it all) anyway, she has too much that she seldom plays with. She enjoyed Christmas, as did I, but a little trip would be more fun than all the 'stuff'. I'm a teacher so this 2 weeks off at Christmas gets boring, but I've usually spent all my money on Christmas gifts so we can't go anywhere.

 

[kirstybumx3]

Yes I always do! I say every year I plan on buying less, this year I actually did buy less. So I plan to do the same next year as it’s been much easier to find homes for all of the new toys etc and I feel much less stressed.
I think next year I’d like to host a Christmas event at home. Probably not Christmas Day as we always go to the in laws, but maybe invite friends and family over either a couple of days before Christmas or on Boxing Day for nibbles and wine or something. We never spend much time at home around Christmas when socialising it’s always us having to go to others so would be nice to stay home a bit.

 

[Bevziibubble]

I will start buying earlier and definitely buy less. They've ended up with so much and I just have no idea where to put it all!

 

[george83]

Agree with the thought of planning more days out but trying to do some leading up to Christmas too especially as my youngest is getting older now. My oh always gets depressed during December and I don’t do things with the kids as he then complains that I’m taking them out without him but this year I really feel like they missed out on the excitement leading up to it.

I bought a savings tin in January this year and added to it throughout the year and that was my Christmas spending money so I’m going to try that again this year but try harder to not buy anything until I’ve opened that.

 

[c1403]

Love the saving tin idea. Popped into town today and the girls ended up with yet more toys as they knew they had money. Tried convincing them to save some for a day out but they were having none of it. Thinking of putting a few pounds away each week as their pocket money....they don't need toys.

Agree Kirsty, we travel everywhere and it's tiring. Would love to have a family/friend event at home. Just wish we had a spare room for sleeping.

 

[Babybump87]

1 . Keep the girls present list to a minimum like we did this year. Last year they had way to much and were overwhelmed this year they had a nice amount .

2. Start buying earlier for family and friends !
3. Wrap presents earlier!
4. Look forward to our first Christmas as a family of 5 ! ( so I best be more organised haha !)

 

[bbbbbbb811]

1 - buy less food. There was so much waste and I think I might only get meat from food to order too. Previous years I hosted, so found food to order easier but this and next year it’s only us so I think I’ll get the meat as usual from m&s, then do all the trimmings myself.

2 - definitely more Christmasy things before and after Christmas. We did nothing this year because we moved 6 days before Christmas

3 - start buying earlier, so I don’t get in a flap about affording everything so close to Christmas and can buy more for family. But maybe less big presents for the kids, I really don’t know where I’m going to put their presents and they are still taking up half my living room waiting for a home.

4 - set up presents more slowly, with everything being unpacked at once I feel some presents are missing bits and not set up to their full potential iykwim.