Tis the most wonderful time of the year

Christmas Presents

This weekend saw the last of the being bought for both Guy and I. Our next step is to wrap them.

are always a tricky thing. I always struggle a little bit with deciding what to get people, and how much to spend on each person.

I went into Bath to finish off the last few outstanding items. I had my list so roughly knew what I wanted to get for Guy, and where I needed to go. My brother's and nephew's were a little more problematic, but I managed to get it all done. I even managed to pick up some hot chocolate, a tin for my cookie cutters, a new address book, and some baby toys and books. We're also the proud owners of a pudding cookie jar!!

Adding up how much we've spent this year in kind of frightening - so we won't dwell on that for too long.

I also bought the ingredients for my colleagues presents on Sunday - /peppermint vodka and butter candy vodka. They are currently sitting in my cupboard waiting for the flavours and colours to leach into the vodka. They both smell yummy. I also got some muslin clothes ready to strain them on Thursday night. Friday is the last day everyone is in the office so I will probably be baking on Thursday at some point as well.

I was really good with and started looking for idea very early. I actually got my niece's back in June/July. I went down the scarf and slippers route this year. Each year I find myself leaning towards one type of gift more than others; last year was jumpers. It's funny how that happens. I try my best to stay away from the shower gel/spray selection boxes - actually I just stay out of those shops all together. Although next year I am seriously considering gets a handmade "smelly" set for both of my nieces - I guess will see.

I only bought one thing on-line, which surprised me as I usually shop a lot more on the internet. Most of my shopping was done in town, rather than the outlet stores; although three did come from an outlet shop.

I'd best be described as a list based shoppers. I create a very specific list of ideas of what I want to get each person in October/November each year. It can help to spread the cost a little as well. Guy is a bit like that, although he tends to go above any budget I give him. I think lists make everything easier. It doesn't have to be a hard and fast with shops etc... although I do like it when that happens. I'm just as happy with a "scarf" entry against my brother's name. It gives me focus. I need focus.

Guy and I get each other a main (or a few smallish ones), and a . I always get a board game to add to our collection as it's something we can do on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. This year its Trivia Pursuit - Family edition. Guy hates question based board games, but seemed to like this when we played it with my friend's children. We also get each other "night before" presents as well; it's just new PJs and possibly slippers/socks usually, along with hot chocolate and snacks. Then we can settle in for an evening of Christmas films on Christmas Eve.

Next year I have the dilemma of whether or not to continue getting everyone . I will obviously get my mum and dad something, as will the baby, but I'm not sure if I can justify the money on my sister, brother-in-law, brother, two nieces and my nephew; it all adds up to a lot; especially as we'll be on maternity next year and money will be tight. And we'll have the little one to buy for. I'm not sure if people will expect one from Guy and I, and a separate one from the baby. At some point it all gets a bit too much.

We only get token presents for Guy family - mostly because Guy is useless and doesn't organise anything until it's too late. Because they're in Australia we have to be careful what we send - can't get anything too heavy for example, or made of wood, unless it's treated. I did get them cards and two little tree decorations (British red phone boxes), but other than that... nothing. I always feel a little mean, but I do think it's Guy's responsibility.

Next year will be Bump's first Christmas. We saw so many things we could get next year. They'll be 9 months old and will probably be walking, or starting to, so it should be a lot of fun. We've discussed how much we're going to spend, although whether we'll stick to it is another story. I can't wait!! Christmas is definitely about the Children, so it will take on a whole new lease of life from now on. Santa will of course be taking centre stage over the next few years to.