I’ve Done It

Hard to believe but I have managed to get all my Christmas presents purchased, wrapped and labeled and all just  13 days before Christmas – give or take an hour or two.

The Nativity Ornament I have had since a child. It always has pride of place at the front of the tree.

This year they are all wrapped in brown paper – lovely strong, craft brown paper that won’t rip at the slightest feel of a present and there by giving away the fact I may have had a small snoop at what is in each present.  Never mind the fact I tell the kids that if they touch any of the presents they get nothing….vbg…..shhhhhhh it’s our secret.

Can I just say I hate Christmas paper that you buy in the shops. Unless you spend a fortune on something that will be ripped off then tossed, most of it is so thin it tears before you even get it off the roll.  My sticky tape never sticks to it and I always seem to spend more time patching holes in the carefully wrapped present than I do wrapping it in the first place.  So this year they are wrapped in brown paper and I spent the money on some stunning Christmas ribbons (from the cheap shop) which make the presents look really scrummy and a bit mysterious.

I must admit the Christmas organiser I created for myself this year was brilliant.  Please note I’m mentioning it here this late more as a reminder for me to create the same reminder next year – than to rub it in that I’m organised and maybe others aren’t quite so.   I divided it into different sections using different coloured pages for each section.

1. Christmas presents – with plenty of room for each persons gifts and gift ideas – cause lets face it just because you have hit upon the perfect present idea doesn’t mean it is in the shops.  I include not only the immediate family but also friends and teachers who also receive a gift.

2.  Stocking stuffers – the children all have Santa sacks for the big man to deliver to, but we also hang smaller stockings on the chairs which are no fun unless they are filled with goodies.

3.   Christmas menu for both Lunch and Dinner.  This is a detailed list including what we are having for snacks and drinks.

4.  Grocery list – ingredients are governed by the Christmas menu.  This list also includes drinks, lollies, chocolate (which should be at the top of the list) plus anything else we might need such as sprinkles for decorating ginger bread men etc.

Ok so now I’m off to cut up fabric for Elise to make the last of her Christmas presents  – I think it’s a cushion cover destined for Nan – by the time Elise left for school I wasn’t quite game to ask – I just follow instructions.  Maybe then some shopping and definitely some work on the two CQ blocks I have left for Sandie.  My dream is to get them finished so I can post both Maureen’s and Sandie by Christmas.  We shall see if that happens.  At least (touch wood) it doesn’t look like I will have to work with Ashley.