Posted on 12/14/2007 5:20:05 PM PST by snugs
How prepared are you for Christmas?
A lot of singles I know and who live on their own do not really do much for Christmas in the way of decorations or buying any special food etc for Christmas. A lot of them get an invite for the day to spend either with friends or family members and therefore their sole preparation is buying a few gifts for the people likely to be at this event and maybe contributing either monetarily to the host/hostess or taking a few food/drink items on the day. So as a single you think you are prepared and will not be caught unawares but you maybe wrong so I thought this weekend I would offer a few suggestions in order that we may not be embarrassed this year
Many stores in Britain and I suspect in the US have tins or large boxes/cartons of sweets (candies) or biscuits (cookies) only available at Christmas and Easter and many have offers on such as 3 for the price of 2 or a special price for buying 2.
A large tin of chocolates or toffees are always acceptable and even if the recipient does not consume them at Christmas often the best before will be Easter or even beyond, having a couple of these in the house can often be useful for that unexpected gift you get, such as a long lost friend or relative ringing and saying I am in your area today/tomorrow can I pop in and almost certainly they will have a card and a small gift for you.
Also if you do not use these for gifts at Christmas they can be used at Easter or for a birthday present next year. In particular Scottish Shortbread is a good one to give as this is a traditional Christmas/New Year treat.
Another idea is that there are presentation boxes of nuts and dried fruit they make a nice gift and again can be stored for Easter or given as birthday presents if not used.
If you are a baker why not make an extra batch of cookies or candies such a rum truffles or home-made fudge or toffee or even mince pies, keep a few little fancy cardboard boxes and some ribbon and they can quickly be used to create up a present for the unexpected visitor.
A tip also if you have been invited out for the day and you think you have the gifts thing covered in case of an unexpected fellow visitor why not take an extra couple of bottle of wine and bottle bags with you so that you can make the person welcome and they have as least one gift to open if present opening is part of the day's celebrations.
It was nice to meetcha also.
Evening folks... Singles thread newbie here. :-)
I’m actually almost done with my shopping. First time in ages that I’ll be done and still have shopping days left over that I didn’t use.
So far all of my shopping has been online. May well finish up that way.
Ho ho ho... :-)
No fun, that.
I know where you’re at. :-)
Just keep hangin’ in there.
thank you, I will
Sorry to have posted and run back after a very pleasant evening with a friend I was pretty well done in after I posted.
Had an hour nap and about 3 hours later woke up :o) - will catch up on pings tomorrow and post some last minute homemade gifts ideas.
Night all
Well, I just showed my family how to use the ‘wishlist’ feature on amazon.com. I’m planning on keeping it updated from now on so nobody ever has to bug me about what I want again.
As far as the bonus questions go, if I see something that looks like it’ll be really great for a certain person, I’ll buy it for them regardless of time of year and save it for the next holiday/birthday/graduation when a present is expected.
No ideas about last minute gifts... I’d usually find some inexpensive jewelry for girls or a t-shirt or something from the clearance section of Hot Topic for guys.
Alot of Missionary Baptist do it. :)
I hate the Christmas crowds at the Malls and refuse to drive around for 2 hrs looking for a parking place. UGH...
Our office collected and donated 1440lbs of canned goods to the local pantry.
Last minute emergency gifts usually consist of ornaments and baskets of fresh fruit, chocolates and wine.
I HAVE to have a batch of homemade divinity. :)
What's somewhat scary is that the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) our big mall here opened at 1am. Out of sheer morbid curiosity, my brother and I went there and not only was the parking lot "plum full", but the aisles and stores were jam packed and a few fights broke out.
I haven't been back there since...
Okay, I would surmise it's done for spiritual purposes then? I haven't really heard of this being too common until my grandparents mentioned it, so someone here usually has the answer. :)
The tree is only half decorated. (We did have a few "technical difficulties" over the past few weeks.)
I rest my case! lol I've never been a "shopper" and don't understand how some can lurk for hours browsing the stores. Just not my thing.
Yeah, but it's also a way to contemplate on the things happening in your life, a written reminder of how certain things shouldn't be stressed over. And, a way for kids or grandkids in the future to not just 'know about' said relative, but to 'connect' with that person.
Oh, the women in my family are very dedicated shoppers, credit card debt be damned. Thankfully they aren’t “going to the mall at 1am” kind of dedicated. :)
Here’s an idea for a present from you. Buy an inexpensive candle (pillar?) and some spray craft adhesive and WHITE glitter. Put a piece of newspaper down and pour some glitter on it, in a long row, the length of the candle. On another piece, spray the candle with adhesive. Holding the wick and bottom, roll it in the glitter and touch the candle top and bottom in the glitter. Set aside to dry for a day. (it doesn’t take that long, but I always give it a day) Then tap it a little and trim the wick once it’s in the gift bag.
You can make many candles cheaply once you buy the adhesive and glitter. It makes a lovely snow candle and burns nicely.
I keep a private journal, online. But it has nothing to do with any religion and is just a private habit that I’ve recently picked back up to help me deal with some private issues.
I’m glad I never fell into the trap.....EXCEPT.....I can go a little wild at Home Depot. I like gadgets and projects. My last purchase was a new drill and circular saw. I bought a small chainsaw this fall....(one I can actually handle) and I love it. :)
Mom loves Home Depot. Anything that combines shopping and remodeling and she'll go hog wild. :)
That’s a great idea. A variation on this I just thought of would be to use home made (self-made) candles for a possible candlelight dinner.
Now I just need to find the most elusive ingredient: a female companion. :-/ At least it’s an idea...
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