I think we're just about ready for Christmas. Hooray and the kids are getting more and more excited with every day that passes and I am too.
I finally finished all of the present wrapping this week! What a difference from years gone by where Stu and I would still be wrapping presents late on Christmas eve night. I have even filled the stockings with all the little presents. I did get a little help from Becky, she wrapped some of the presents for my dad and his partner. hehehe
The Christmas cards have been posted, whether they get there on time is yet to be seen. Our post has been so hit and miss over the past week. We've had 2 letters for next door posted here and someone from up the road dropped a letter off for us that went to their house. I still have a parcel to post for my great Aunt but the post office was closed because the person who runs it had to self isolate. It's fine though, she's happy to wait until January.
I have added and removed things from the food shop order, mostly added. We're not seeing family and friends so I have bought a few extra treats for us. I think it's just about done. I will check once again the day before the shopping is delivered to see what has gone out of stock and isn't available and add alternatives but I've done all I can with that for the time being. .
It's Ellie's last day at school and I am so ready for her to finish. I had a phone call from school this week and thought it was to say she has to self isolate but it was for something else. Phew! She is looking forward to today. There has been talk of having pizzas in tutor time, it's a non uniform day and I am sure there'll be more treats throughout the day.
Tonight we are going to be making the gingerbread houses and Ellie wants her hair dyed. I've said she could with it being the holidays, just the ends though. She's going turquoise. I might do mine too. I don't know whether to stay blue or go back to red. That's a little bit more festive. hehehe
We have a few plans for over the next week. Go for a walk to the woods to see the decorated trees, get a Costa coffee from the new machine in our little Tesco, do some baking, take my dad his birthday presents and of course his Christmas pressies too.
If I don't speak to you before next week I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Christmas food is the best thing. The dinner is my favourite meal of the year and we pig out on party food and snacks for about a week! I love everything about the Christmas food. The planning, buying, cooking, eating and of course all of the leftovers. Every year we have near enough the same for our Christmas dinner, turkey with all the trimmings and this year is no different.
Even though we have the same every year I have been planning it for a couple of months. I needed to knowing my dad probably couldn't take me shopping with Covid and everything that's going on so I knew I had to get a Christmas delivery slot which I did with Tesco for the 22nd. I'd have preferred the 23rd but it will do.
I started the Christmas food shopping last week when I bought the meat and roast potatoes from Iceland. I got the 2.2kg Iceland Perfect Turkey Crown. I got the same one last year and it was delicious. There's only the 4 of us for Christmas dinner but I do love using the leftovers over the following days. I also got a joint of pork and the roast potatoes. We don't mind frozen one's they're way better than what I can make myself.
As well as the meat and potatoes I also bought the pigs in blankets and a ton of party food from Iceland. I do think they have the best range and some of the deals, 3 things for £5.00 and they do big packs of various things. I can't wait to try the Fish & Chip cones and Mini Hot Dog Rolls. We have had the dessert platter before but this year they've swapped the mini doughnuts for some Coconut Macaroons and we love the Indian Style platter.
I did have another food shop booked with Asda on the 20th but decided to cancel that and to get all the non-fresh stuff last week. My dad had mentioned how there were queues to get into the supermarkets late last week so I decided to get a head start.
I ordered the drinks, Christmas cake, tinned, jarred things like mint and cranberry sauce, biscuits, crisps, all the snacky food and maybe a few extra selection boxes. There were a few substitutions but I can hopefully get them on my next order on the 22nd.
My Tesco shop on the 22nd hopefully will have all the fresh stuff like the veg, cream, cakes, ham, breakfast pastries and of course the usual bread and milk.
I am cheating when it comes to the veg for Christmas day. I will be ordering pre-prepared veg. Sliced carrots, peeled potatoes and ready to cook Brussel sprouts. The only thing I will be making from scratch is the roast parsnips. I like them my way. Thick and chunky.
I am keeping my fingers crossed everything is delivered and if it isn't our local shops have everything we need in. Eek! I'm not worrying too much as at the moment I am feeling pretty prepared.
My girls and I have been watching a Christmas film every day for the last few weeks. Sometimes I've been watching two a day. One for my self and then one with the kids when Ellie got in from school.
These are my top picks of Christmas films available from Netflix! Yes, they might be cheesy but they are so good!
The Christmas Chronicles!
The Christmas Chronicles, a holiday adventure which tells the story of sister and brother, Kate and Teddy Pierce whose Christmas Eve plan to catch Santa Claus on camera turns into an unexpected journey that most kids could only dream about. After staking out Santa’s arrival, they sneak into his sleigh, cause it to crash and nearly derail Christmas. As their wild night unfolds, Kate and Teddy work together with Santa as you've never seen him before and his loyal Elves to save Christmas before it's too late.
There is plenty of laughs for children and adults, there is a great story and Kurt Russle is the best Santa ever!! We watched the 2nd Christmas Chronicles which was released last month and in my opinion the 1st one was better but the kids did love it.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey!
A musical adventure and a visual spectacle for the ages, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a wholly fresh and spirited family holiday event. Set in the gloriously vibrant town of Cobbleton, the film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder. But when his trusted apprentice steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his equally bright and inventive granddaughter and a long-forgotten invention to heal old wounds and reawaken the magic within. A Christmas Journey reminds us of the strength of family and the power of possibility.
This reminded me a lot of The Greatest Showman but a Christmas version. It's magical, colourful, heart warming, fun, exciting and original!
A Christmas Prince!
Christmas comes early for an aspiring young journalist when she's sent abroad to get the scoop on a dashing prince who's poised to be king.
Ahh! I loved this and saw it a couple of years ago. It's cheesy and predictable but that's what you want at this time of year. Since this film was released there's been a couple more, A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding then the A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby!
Christmas on the Square!
Christmas On The Square follows small town "Scrooge" Regina Fuller as she's visited by a rhinestone bedazzled angel who guides her on a musical journey of redemption. Will this stingy property owner evict the entire town of Fullerville on Christmas Eve, or will her greed give way to the Christmas spirit?
For the first 10 minutes of this film I thought wow! This may be the cheesiest thing I've ever seen with the singing and dancing but it was so lovely! I did find myself crying at some of it. Dolly Parton just made this film. I love it. I'll be watching it year after year.
The Princess Switch!
One week before Christmas, a duchess switches places with an ordinary woman from Chicago, who looks exactly like her, and they each fall in love with each other's beaus.
This is one of those cheesy Christmas films, you know exactly what's going to happen but there is something so lovely about it which makes it so easy to watch!
Princess Switch had the 2nd one released this year too and as much as I loved the 2nd, The Princess Switch 2: Switched Again the first one in my opinion was better! It was a shock to see Fatboy from Eastenders in it though.
Have you seen these before? What's your favourite?
Christmas is going to be very different this year thanks to Coronavirus but it doesn't mean that it is going to be a rubbish one. We'll be doing things differently but I think because we're all making the extra effort it's going to be the best yet!
I have done various Christmas tags over the year but I found one with a few different questions. Here is the Christmas tag for 2020.
How did you spend last Christmas?
We went to the carol singing around the Christmas tree in town on Christmas eve, had takeaway and Christmas day we spent it at home with my dad and his partner over for Christmas dinner.
How are you spending this Christmas?
We will be staying home with no visitors. For the last couple of years we've spent it with my dad and his partner but after him being ill with Coronavirus he wants us to stay safe so he's not coming over for his lunch. This year is going to be strange but it's a good excuse to stay in our pj's and have a relaxed one.
What’s your most memorable Christmas memory?
A couple of years ago we went away for Christmas with my dad and his partner. It was so nice not having to cook, do the washing up and the stress of organising everything. We had the best time, lots of family time, lots of yummy food and there was entertainment every night so plenty of wine was drunk.
On Christmas Eve, what do you leave out for Santa?
Even though my girls don't believe we still leave out a mince pie and carrots for the reindeers. Ellie always says it's just in case Santa ever does come. lol
Do you have any other Christmas eve Traditions?
We all get new pj's and we have a takeaway. The kids go to bed at about 11pm and Stu and I get all of the presents out.
What is your favourite Christmas movie?
The first Christmas Chronicles or Elf. I can't decide.
What is your favourite Christmas song?
The Pogues - Fairytale Of New York
What do you eat on Christmas day?
Turkey, pork and all the trimmings then for tea we just pick at the leftovers and all the yummy treats that I have bought.
Do you wear Christmas jumpers?
I don't but Stu and the kids do. I do have a few sets of Christmas pj's though.
What is your favourite decoration in your home?
I have two! The hanging snowman that my dad gave us years ago and the Christmas tree I got a few years ago from Hobbycraft. You can move the decorations around. I am not a fan of fancy decorations, I much prefer cheap and cheerful one's.
Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
It's fake. We bought a new 7ft one this year and I love it!
Do you like Egg Nog?
Yes, I do but it's not something we have every day.
Have you ever gone Christmas carolling?
Yes, We did last year singing carols around the Christmas tree in town.
Have you ever built a gingerbread house?
We have done every year for the last 7 or so years. This year we're being brave though I bought one to make from scratch not one with the ready made walls & roof.
What is your all-time favourite Christmas food?
Pigs in blankets obviously but the stuffing comes a close second. I always go fancy with it and find different flavours not just sage and onion.
Who cooks the Christmas meal?
Me! I might complain about it in the run up to Christmas but come Christmas day I am in my element. It is my favourite meal of the year to cook. Plus if I cook I don't have to wash the dishes.
Are you a last minute shopper or are you organised?
Most years I am organised to a point but always do a bit of last minute shopping but this year I am mega organised. All the presents are bought and the food shop is mostly in the basket for an online delivery. I don't think I'll be doing any last minute shopping unless I am faced with a lot of unavailable items with the online food shop!
What gifts do you want for Christmas this year?
A new laptop is my dream present but I will be happy with some new pj's and bath bombs.
Are you good at buying gifts for others?
I think I am and I hope I am. No one has ever complained. hehehe
Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts on Christmas?
I prefer giving gifts. I always feel so awkward receiving them and having to open them in front of people.
What was your favourite gift you’ve received for Christmas?
It was either my dad paying for us to go away at Christmas or a laptop Stu got me years ago.
Worst Present you’ve ever received?
A book about horoscopes from my dad. There is a story behind it. My mam left him in the August of that year and she used to be the one to buy all of the Christmas presents. On Christmas morning my dad was as surprised as my brother and I to what we received every year. That first year after my mam left he tried his best. I did get some great presents from him but the horoscope book was so random. I had no interest in that sort of thing. We did have a good giggle about it and now when he asks what I want for Christmas I say anything apart from a horoscope book. lol
What is your favourite thing about Christmas?
Seeing my girls so happy.
Have you ever celebrated Christmas in another culture?
No I haven't but would love to celebrate the Japanese way, KFC for Christmas dinner would be such fun.
What makes Christmas special for you?
Spending time with my family, playing board games, relaxing and seeing how much we can eat before we feel sick.
What would be your dream place to spend Christmas?
I think it would have to be New York. We see it on all the films and it looks amazing!
