i cant wait any longer!!!

well i know many will sigh and groan at the talk of christmas in august but, as im sure many of you are in the same situation as me of needing to plan prepare and save i had to open a thread, IM JUST SOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!

Anyway i have brought 3 pressies and ordered 2 more! For kids!

And for my mum and oh, mil and fil, all grandparents, my aunt and uncle. Were makin christmas hampers, ive found some really easy and tasty recipes for peppermint cremes, fudge, choc truffles and biscuits well be making to put in them, what has everyone else got planned??

Haven't started yet,just thought about it,although I did buy the big cards and wrapping paper back in January.Bargain,cheapskate that I am.Got a Christmas pudd then with a 2010 sell by date.

We're getting a Wii with as many bits I can,but I'm starting to make lists now.I've got three more birthdays before Christmas too.

Oh we've started planning where the decorations will go,cos it's our first Christmas in the new house.

Food wise we have a list of things we do every year.Mince pies a  must.Shortbread too.We have special Christmas cutters for them.We don't do a traditional Christmas cake cos my Mum does a big one for all the family.Not evryone likes Christmas cake.We do a sponge with white icing and decorate that,plus chocolate log.Chocolate crispy cakes.Scots tablet.Apart from that it's a big spend up at Tescos.

Got me started now Laura.Let the shopping begin.

I've got some presents in already, but just finished shopping for moss' birthday which is november so can concentrate on christmas now.  have written lists of ideas on what to get and make people and i plan to do it as soon as we have the cash, would preferably like it all wrapped and tagged and out the way before baby boy arrives.

no idea what to get for him though, maybe just a few wee my first christmas keepsakes and some clothes?

Oh no-is it really that close???!!!!

I used to hate christmas with a passion(dad died around xmas years ago) but have forced myself to enjoy it-last year however it wasn't forced but really good-got loads of decorations and food!!!

Actually loved it. Have got pressies for friends children-next sale last year(cheapskate) and 1 gift for Tom,but that's it up to now,don't have that many to buy for really-it's just getting organised!!!

oh im so glad im not the only one!!!

i had to be a bit sad and have a ticker lol!

Well done jo, i wish id done that, kept thinking about it and never got round to it!

Caroline, i had a real trouble choosing presents for lolas 1st christmas, i ended up getting her a babyswing and some nice rattles (manhattan toy) few clothes and bits and bobs, with money she was given i got her a learn and groove when she was 4mnths, best buy ever!

Sorry to hear that rachel, once i hit my teens i wasnt interested in crimbo but since jack arrived i get obsessed!!!

Ive got lolabelle in novemeber but since we arent sure if shell be walking etc were picking her pressies and will decide whats for which occassion near the time, Im deffinatly getting her a ladybug wheelybug, she played on one and loved it! and i want to get her a dolly and pram but if shes not walking that would be better for christmas iyswim, any recomendations of a 1st pram? I want a nice sturdy one she can use as a walker xx

That's ok hun-shit happens. Doubt any teen loves it-You just want cash and to go out!!!!

I think this year will be even better-hope so!!!! I'll get mega excited for the lads as they get more aware!!!

nah, dont need to get a life christmas is sooo exciting!!! Your making me look unprepared though helen!

anyone ever made chutneys?? am i too late thought theyd make a nice extra in some of my hampers! xx

Wow,that's really organised,Helen.I promise myself that evry year but it never happens.Always a last minute rush.It gets done in the end.I love all the Christmas cooking,it's just hard work.

Laura,Matilda's just got her first pram,she loves it.We kept it away from her birthday till now.She still can't walk,but just due to lack of confidence.The pram isn't holding her weight,she just thinks it is.Arthur used the ELC shopping trolley the same way.We have a v tech walker too but the pushchair seems to be the favourite.She plays all day with it.Because it's not holding her weight she's learning to balance herself.We have had to keep it away till now though.Don't know if that'd be any good

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fisher-Price-Baby-Newborn-Stroller/dp/B000SN10WQ/ref=sr_1_8/279-1727632-0236626?ie=UTF8&s=kids&qid=1250629331&sr=1-8

If that works it's the one she's got.It's just the right height and fits the small Baby Annabel in.

Wow Helen-you really are Mrs.Christmas!!! That's great,mmm peppermint creams!

Laura,I've not done chutneys but I think that sounds great to go in a hamper!

Making me hungry,well sweetie cravings anyway.

Baby Annabel comes in two sizes.The big one does all the noises and functions,she's too heavy for a little one.The My First Baby Annabel (or something like that)is little enough for littlies,I think Erin had one and Matilda did.They have soft bodies,so nice and cuddly,but they've lasted really well,which is an achievement in our house.If you're feint of heart cover your ears(eyes?),but I have put them in the washing machine and they came out like new.

Okay need a recipe for peppermint creams.Please

Hi girls!

Im new on here so this is my first post! Just wanted to say how jealous i am of all your xmas prep!! I was wandering around the toy shop picking out toys for pressies the other day just!! I have 3 kids, alan is 6 on halloween, Aoife is 3&Aidan is 2 jsut before xmas so I have 2 birthdays to sort before xmas!! Due baby#4 in march too!!

I usually just buy for nieces&nephews.His family like to buy for each other but I'm gonna sort secret santa with them soon!!and secret santa for my family too!

I have always loved Christmas, I used to by a lot for my nephew but he is 11 now and just wants money, excitement for him has gone for Christmas but now I have a new nephew who  will just be a year old by xmas and my son who will be two by Xmas, I am sooo excited this year as I know Harry is going to love it so much and be so excited.

 I have to say I am not as organised as you girls at all, but have thought about some presents and want to get buying soon. 

 I have a couple of friends who took their kids to lapland last year, how amazing, not sure I can afford to do that though as quite expensive.

Now I have a little one I want to make even extra effort it is such a magical time for children.

Anyone living in Surrey, and has little ones that love the train  Mizens railway (Knaphill)     http://www.mizensrailway.co.uk/   run a christmas special, have not been on the xmas special yet but sure it will be great for the children.

 Ohh i am getting excited now.

Caroline pls may I have recipe for plum chutney????

And now thanks to Lau I'm going to have to make peppermint creams and eat them all!!!!