The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Community => Coffee Lounge => Topic started by: Rosemary on December 14, 2015, 05:10:54 pm
-
I thought I felt a faint flutter of festive spirit today. How's yours? :xmas:
-
Hummn,
not great. Their isnt much in the way of seasonal reminders to get me in the mood when I'm wandering round in the fog, filling up hay feeders and clearing out wee soaked pig shelters.
When I worked in an office their would be staff Christmas parties, decorations up, plans for the office fuddle secret santa and Christmas cards on peoples desks. Perhaps I should trim up the chicken coops and the sheep shelter..... :thinking:
-
When I worked in an office their would be staff Christmas parties, decorations up, plans for the office fuddle secret santa and Christmas cards on peoples desks.
Indeed. And no prospect of two weeks off work now either. Our office used to close Christmas Eve until the 3rd January. You could go in 27th - 31st if you wanted - it was agood time to clear out files and stuff without the phones ringing. We used to have a buffet in the office for those that were in. It was all quite jolly. :)
-
I'm feeling a bit down today which is very unlike me. Still, we are going Christmas shopping on Saturday and then to see Jools Holland, followed by a nice meal. I guess that should all cheer me up :)
-
Christmas spirit a bit lacking here too ..... cant manage to get 1 day over the next 3 weeks to get my 3 children and extensions together for our usual dinner and games 24hrs :(
and as you say slopping about in mud isn't quite the same as Christmas parties at work!
Sally ... maybe you me and Alison should get together later this week ?
-
Sloe whisky brewing does that count?
-
I am beginning to feel a bit festive. I got the Christmas post sent off today so can relax a bit! Now planning menus and almost finished my Christmas knitting. I would just like some more seasonal weather, not this damp, humid, muggy stuff we have here in Devon. Everything is muddy
-
I'm that miserable old codger who hates all the hype of Christmas. I enjoy the day itself with our family, but Christmas music in the shops from November, streets filled with flashing lights which give me a migraine, businesses shutting down for a fortnight, and folk who stop to nick our holly berries from the roadside hedges all do nothing to cheer me up at all.
:xmaswindow: :hohoho: :carols: :santa: :stocking: :reindeer:
:merryxmas:
-
I don't really 'do' Christmas. We cook a turkey and we love to see family, of course, but as for the rest of it, we don't really bother.
-
Christmas spirit a bit lacking here too ..... cant manage to get 1 day over the next 3 weeks to get my 3 children and extensions together for our usual dinner and games 24hrs :(
and as you say slopping about in mud isn't quite the same as Christmas parties at work!
Sally ... maybe you me and Alison should get together later this week ?
I would be up for that. Any suggestions? I am seeing Alison tomorrow will ask her
-
I wrote the christmas cards and wrapped the presents today, but still don't know if we are moving house next monday the 21st or in the new year. To put the tree up this week or not that is the question ! but any excuse for a tipple in the evening and a mince pie, so yes starting to feel a little festive, oh and OH has been walking around in a free elf hat all evening complete with a bell on the end :xmas: .
-
Bah humbug
-
Christmas ???
When's that then?
I've not seen anything about Christmas anywhere.
They've kept it all very quiet :thinking:
-
I'm looking forward to it, not least because it means I can finally stop having to rescue turkeys from impossibly high things four times a day :roflanim:
-
I have been wearing my Christmas gloves if that counts. Oh and I've bought a tree which is still in its net and in the garden. We're not actually doing Christmas until Boxing Day as that is when family will be here. I wasn't prepared to cook the full Christmas dinner two days running, so on 25th we will go to church in the morning then just do ordinary things like hoovering and making up the spare bed.
-
Christmas ???
When's that then?
I've not seen anything about Christmas anywhere.
They've kept it all very quiet :thinking:
You mean you've not noticed the wall-to-wall perfume ads on TV?
-
Thing is I DO like it. Not the adverts and the tat in the shops or the over priced and over cooked Christmas meal in an overbooked restaurant. I dont like the religious stuff or the depressing Dickensian period dramas.
But i DO love the whole pagan festival. The greenery and the berries and the everlasting ivy that reminds me how even when the days are dark and the ground is hard, nature is still bearing fruit. The dormant buds on the trees revealing the promise of spring. Crisp clear mornings lit by peachy, pink skies fill me with a sense of Christmas magic and fill me with child like wonder and optimism for the year ahead.
I love the solstice on the 21st which is the end of my smallholding year. The shortest day when the sun looses its battle with the moon only to be reborn again. Snuggled by the fire, wrapping gifts or writing cards while watching your favorite "get in the mood" movie. Or putting the tree up armed with a mince pie and a warming tipple.
I love the rituals of making wreaths, or baking Christmas cakes and mince pies. The house full of seasonal smells, candles, fruit, flowers, twinkly lights and colourful Christamas cards. Standing in the cold drinking mulled wine and eating warm mince pies. Singing rousting carols hoarsely and heartily to the sound of a brass band.
I love the idea of regeneration and renewal and the spirit of sharing and compassion for others. And the fact than no matter how businesses try to exploit it, commercialise it or capitalise on it, we all have the power to make our own Christmas just how we want it, so that it means something special to us.
Here is my favorite Christmas poem by A.A MILNE for those of you who still believe in the idea that magical things can happen. King Johns Christmas.
http://www.msgr.ca/msgr-2/king_johns%20christmas.htm (http://www.msgr.ca/msgr-2/king_johns%20christmas.htm)
-
I think you've just rekindled my festive spirit Buffy :thumbsup:
-
Buffy you always manage to say just the right thing.
I think we need a campaign for Buffy for president
-
trees up etc but not in the mood at all, trying not to get sucked into the whole commercialism of it, will do turkey etc on the day but OH gets out of hospital on 24th with knee bone grafts done ho ho ho :-(
on the plus side I have asked for new wellies for christmas so no more cold soggy feet :stocking:
but i am taking a whole 2 weeks off work over christmas/new year!! (worked both days with NHS last year) bring on the mulled wine, cider, sherry and anything else I find in the cupboard
-
Aw Clydesdale,
your post brought a lump to my throat. Christmas always makes me sentimental. :hug:
-
I agree with fleecewife.I am adopting the pagan view. The feasting is all about the turning of the year on the 21st. We will have a bonfire that evening, drink home made booze with friends andhhave some tasty treats. Oh and sacrifice a couple of virgins
-
Good luck to OH and God's hugs to you all.
-
Ah now, Yuletide and the Solstice - that's a whole different take on things - that is exciting. Buffy, you expressed it beautifully, but for me that bit isn't anything to do with Jesus' birthday.
I think a lot of us on here must be closer to the land and the seasons, so we appreciate festivity around those things rather than the version hijacked by the Church.
-
Can't be arsed with the whole fakery of it, besides it peeing down and still really warm, so it hardly feels like winter!
baa :sheep: humbug!
-
So far, I have resisted the temptation to buy any Christmas magazines - the one's with the "perfect Christmas" photos that I can never live up to ::)
We're having some friends over on Sunday to celebrate the Solstice (I know it's a day or so early but Tuesday is awkward for most folk).
Weather permitting, we'll have a bonfire and naked dancing and mulled cider. Should get the festivities going ;)
-
Most local churches hold a service on Christmas morning and the vicar wants the bells rung in celebration. Having three bellringers in the family and many of the regular band of ringers being away visting family elsewhere means they generally ring at two churches in rapid succession, so travelling time and two lots of 45 minutes' ringing plus ringing the bells down then up neatly takes care of half the day. Stock tasks still have to be done, although we do as much as we can the day before. Just time to shoehorn in a meal!
-
I put my tree up on Sunday which has given me a wee boost. Parcels and cards went yesterday. My family are not coming until boxing day so OH and I have decided to have a jammy Christmas day. Eating drinking and watching TV once the animals are done. Steak for dinner and I fancy a syrup steam pudding with custard.
-
Well I come from completely the opposite direction.
Christmas is about Jesus and church.and God's blessings over all of us.
We don't do materialistic, yes the kids get gifts and so do immediate family, but not extravagantly.
We do serve our community, this is what the Bible teaches us to do, this December we are running a community cafe from the church, this is open 3 days a week and all the food is donated and is feeding anyone who is hungry or lonely...
This culminates in Christmas dinner on the 25th for anyone in the community who would otherwise go with out, I'm currently planning on cooking for 30. My kids are being the waiters for the dinner...
So have I got the festive spirit, absolutely, but not in the way I think most people mean it...
-
Well I come from completely the opposite direction.
Christmas is about Jesus and church.and God's blessings over all of us.
We don't do materialistic, yes the kids get gifts and so do immediate family, but not extravagantly.
I'm with you there, Bloomer, which is why we will go to church. Love the fact that you will be serving your community by feeding people. It's something that I have thought about but my health would not allow it these days. However, I am doing my bit (once the getting ready for visitors is done) and will be manning the phones for Samaritans. There will be a lot of unhappy, desperate and lonely people around on Christmas Day who may need someone to talk to.
-
I think those of you who are doing something for others at Christmas are wonderful. I have often thought about it but have never managed to get my act into gear to do it.
Well done to you all :thumbsup:
-
Just come back from walking the dog in a short-sleeve T-shirt... "festive spirit" - am I in the wrong country? :-\
No tree yet, Xmas dinner is shrieking his/her head off as I type (will be done tomorrow though), but have just finished eating the first home-made Stollen... maybe sometime on the 24th I'll get there...
Sorry I don't do Christmas really. :-\
-
I think a lot of us on here must be closer to the land and the seasons, so we appreciate festivity around those things rather than the version hijacked by the Church.
Well I come from completely the opposite direction.
Christmas is about Jesus and church.and God's blessings over all of us.
What an interesting contrast!! :)
As Fleecewife says, we feel FAR closer to the land and the seasons than we used to do, and we will absolutely be celebrating on December 21st. The days are getting longer! Light at the end of the tunnel! Soon no more frozen water and carrying hay by torchlight! It would feel wrong not to celebrate that (though no naked bonfire dancing has been arranged as yet).
However, as a Christian, I also want to celebrate Christmas. God sent to earth in human form, with human frailties, human difficulties, fleeing as a refugee to Egypt (more of a resonance than usual this year).
So, I'll accept and embrace both of these interpretations of Christmas. However, look about you! Jingle Bells in every shop from Bonfire Night onwards. People spending money they don't have, to buy things they don't need, to impress people they don't like. I even had a card through the post yesterday wishing me a happy #SCREWFIXMAS ???. Now, THAT is the version of Christmas that I reject :rant:.
So, I guess what I'm saying is yes, I think we should celebrate the seasons turning, and yes, if you are a believer, you should celebrate Jesus' birth. Just don't expect to get a present from me!! :roflanim:
-
I suppose, when you unpick the layers, whether to celebrate the WInter Solstice or the birth of Christ or Honecker, this particular time of year has had deep significance for many centuries. What we all seem to abhor is the materialism that's swamped it in recent years.
-
We're having some friends over on Sunday to celebrate the Solstice (I know it's a day or so early but Tuesday is awkward for most folk).
Weather permitting, we'll have a bonfire and naked dancing and mulled cider. Should get the festivities going ;)
You don't do the Wicker Man bit as well do you? ;) lol,
I tried to get some friends in the village interested in doing something for the Solstice, was told everybody's too busy preparing for Christmas . :(
Nearest the we get to do anything like that is a May spring service down in the woods. That is lovely though, hearing birds singing in the background.
-
Eric Freeman, who did so much to conserve the GOS and Gloucester cattle, has a wassailing ceremony in his orchards every January.
-
I suppose, when you unpick the layers, whether to celebrate the WInter Solstice or the birth of Christ or Honecker, this particular time of year has had deep significance for many centuries. What we all seem to abhor is the materialism that's swamped it in recent years.
You've hit the nail on the head MF. Although it's not only in recent times we have deplored the materialism. Back in the '50s the commercialism was already under discussion, perhaps because of the contrast with the war years.
I'm not religious in any way, but I appreciate those who celebrate Christmas as Jesus' birthday, good works, going to church, singing carols. It's the way the season has been taken over by nothing to do with Christ's birth. The expectation from many children that they will get a large number of huge expensive presents, which their parents get themselves into debt for, and spend the rest of the year paying it back. It horrifies me to see children ripping open parcel after parcel, not even bothering who the presents are from, let alone taking time to appreciate the gift and the person who has given it. It's so much snatch and grab - that's what I think has so little to do with Jesus' birthday.
In many ways I wish that Christmas and the pagan festivals could be kept separate. Today the two are twisted together into one big festivity, and both lose by it.
Let's just celebrate in our own ways and try to ignore the tat and hype.
-
Oow some interesting points as ever from my fellow smallholders but before Rosemary's innocent enquiry turns into an impassioned debate ( not that, that ever happens on this forum eh Dan? :-J )
How about the festive amongst us share their tips for getting in the Christmas mood. Whether its waving your Wassail cup, gluing bits back on your 20 year old nativity figures, making more mince pies than anyone could reasonably be expected to eat or wrapping tinsel round the horns of your Golden Guernsey.
What floats your Yuletide yacht, sets the wind in your Solstice sails or furls your festive flag.
I have just spent yet another solitary day full of smelly smallholding chores and need all the cheer I can get!
-
Oh yes Buffy, mince pies..... I'm off to make some ;D
-
I'm going to make somemince pies tonight. Cheating by buying pastry and I'm going to try a crumble topping rather than pastry.
Tis the season to be jolly :santariding:
-
This whole thread fair warms the cockles of my heart. We're blessed to have you all here on TAS. :notworthy:
-
Our newest neighbour has gluten intolerance and our oldest can't eat dairy products. We've found a pastry recipe using olive oil and gluten-free flour so, if we can produce something edible, are going to invite both round for mince pies
-
Aw Marches!
here's me and Fleecy delighting in our Pagan ancestry and Womble referring to modern parallels with ancient Egypt and there you are bringing us bang up to date with the modern challenges of spreading festive cheer against a backdrop of 21st century food intolerance. ::)
And I thought uniting the Pagans and Christians was a challenge[size=78%] [/size] :o You've got your work cutout there I'd say. ;)
RESPECT :thumbsup:
-
How about this photo of our neighbour's Christmas tree to get us all in a festive mood? ;D
-
Oh Womble, I love it :roflanim:
-
Christmas Day usually sees the pack saddle being put on the donkey, little mule stood in when we were donkey less, Santas parcels in bags and collecting other neighbours and gifts we go and sing a carol at the home of neighbours with children. We get filled up with mince pies and mulled wine in return. Not happening this year due to one family taking their children to a Disneyland Christmas in Florida and the other having Christmas with relatives due to the imminent arrival of child number 4.
-
Despite my pagan leanings I was instrumental in keeping the over 65 Christmas tea going in the village this year. 60 oaps had a good old knees up
-
well my Christmas just got a little bit more s**t >:(
the ex flew in from Dubai unannounced, took the boys shopping in the town, trip to cinema, bowling, nice restaurant and overnight stay in hotel then he and his considerably younger girlfriend promptly cleared off again and now my meagre offerings under the tree has left me feeling pretty damn worthless. Topped off by listening to how wonderful a time they had and how life at home is soooo booooring
Sat here sticking cloves in oranges and trying to see the best in things but boy it's hard sometimes >:(
-
Sending BIG hugs to you FRH, been there, done that etc. Your children will see what is important in life. The Ba###rd
-
:bouquet: Money is what we use to measure the price of things Fiesty, not their value. And if money can't tell us the value of a thing, it can't tell us the value of a person either :bouquet:.
-
As above
:hug: :bouquet:
-
Oh Fiesty what an @rse!
But look at it this way. You have them all the time, bit of mixed blessing occasionally I'm sure but you are the one who will instill all the messages that Womble refers to. He has dazzled them with bright lights and glitter and being kids they are taken in by it just was we were taken in by those adverts for crap, overpriced Christmas toys when we were kids. :-\
See it has a long haul and keep instilling your values. He feels guilty because he isnt there. He abandoned them and he thinks ( if indeed he thinks at all ) that a whirlwind adventure and a huge carbon foot print is the way to buy them back. ::) I think this may indeed be the original meaning of a "guilt trip" :-J
So yeah they had a great time which you would want them to do because you only want the best for them. And yes they feel a bit bored in the pre Christmas lul but thats normal too. They would probably feel that if they hadnt been away with Dad and not all kids can get excited about sticking cloves in a satsuma. ;)
Pretend they went away with school and ask them about it with interest. If they are bored ask them about their ideas to sustain some of the highlights of their trip. Get them to make an electronic scrap book of their Christmas adventure perhaps. :thinking:
Dont let it make your Christmas feel S**t sweetheart, you have been through enough already, you dont deserve anymore unhappiness. :hug:
-
Depending on their age and emotional maturity it might help both you and them to express your feelings in a quiet, calm way ....? Choose a time of day when they're relaxed but not tired. Maybe something along the lines of "It's really important to me that you know how much I love you. Your Dad's visit made me feel sad because we aren't able to afford do some of things you enjoyed while he was here, but I hope you know that I love you very much."
Let them know that you have feelings. A Mum is for Life, not just for Christmas.
-
Just imagine that you're sticking cloves in ex's eyes.
Sorry, not very festive ;)
-
Oow :o
watch yourself Dan!
-
Just imagine that you're sticking cloves in ex's eyes.
Sorry, not very festive ;)
But fun!!!
-
Presence is much more important that presents, there is a clear distinction and I am sure they will know what is more important as they grow up. You are there for them when he's not and get to see and experience and be part of their lives that he is missing out on. Don't beat yourself up on what you can't give them, look at what you already do give them. :)
-
thanks for the support :hug:
I was thinking about it this morning and realised that on Christmas morning we will all be together, eating too much, watching a christmassy film and messing about while the EX will be sitting in 30 degree sunshine with his girlfriend eating something that involves rice but the pubs there will all be shut as its the prophets birthday (PBUH) over Christmas eve/day :innocent:
Things aren't as bad as maybe I first thought :excited:
-
That's the spirit! PBU you as well this Christmas :hug:
-
I don't have any festive spirit. Actually I don't do Christmas at all because I haven't the family, the religious belief or the cash to follow any of the 3 main reasons for celebrating midwinter.
In the past I tried being grateful to the well meaning folk that tried to bring me in among their own family gatherings, whether to feel charitable about their good works or to try and avoid said family gatherings blowing up in front of a non-relation. It wasn't fun either way. I couldn't visit my own family when I had them because a. they were very religious and our needs didn't co-incide and b. because the animal needs come first and always have/will and yes they're also a good excuse/reason not to jump into the annual mess that some folk call Christmas ;)
I came to understand and accept that the best way for me is to do minimal animal feeding/care morning and evening and between that to have no agenda of things to do or places to go. A complete day off bar the necessities. No conscience about overeating or lying with a good book on the sofa when there is still a bit of daylight out there. No caution about watching too much cr[member=36627]P[/member] TV.
Sometimes I feel lonely and upset and all that, but it isn't usually on Christmas Day. And I try and celebrate Hogmanay as my midwinter friends' gathering, if I can it's at a firewalk of 70-100 people, many of whom I know, no alcohol, the piper is outside by the fire, the singer/songwriter or clarsach player or other musical entertainment is indoors after with excellent cake and the ability to go to bed whenever I've had enough company. My lovely neighbours often invite me to a mulled wine and mince pie gathering on either Christmas Eve or between or after the New Year and I like those informal small things far more than huge office parties and God help us the Trafalgar Square at midnight Hogmanay that I once did in my 20s and am glad to say I never need to consider again! I'm way too old and far enough north now to get out of that, and my major social anxiety has finally a silver lining because nobody I know would invite me to Edinburgh's version either. Phew.
I've a few cards from elderly aunts that go on the mantelpiece and a fruit cake that I'll have a piece of with some Wensleydale if I can find any that hasn't been adulterated with cranberries or some other sweet filling. Good old plain fruitcake and crumbly cheese. That's when I feel festive!
-
I think this time of year has as many different ways to spend time, whether or not in some sort of celebration, as any other day of the year. A friend of mine in Thailand who is a Buddhist always finishes her e:mails with the words "Be safe. Be happy." and I guess that's as good a message as any.
-
And we shouldn't feel pressured to do it anyone's way but our own.
Made mince pies today. Cheated and bough ready rolled pastry and used a crumble topping. Dan likes them but I'mm not sure. And marzipan'd the cake - ready rolled. I love ready rolled :excited:
Done the cards apart from the ones I write a note in.
Tidied out the boot room and am going to file tonight - good to start the new year fresh :thumbsup:
-
I have had a day of finishing things getting ready to start on food preparation. Mince pies and cake icing at the weekend, then present wrapping and filling stockings! I still haven't brought in any greenery as every time I go out to cut holly etc it is tipping down with rain. Rosemary, ready rolled is always best! I shall be buying pastry for my pies, life is too short to make my own puff pastry!
-
My Christmas dinner is nearly sorted , just bread to be baked and then decide Heinz or Cross & Blackwell baked beans for lunch . Mrs RTB is having to work , so My plan is spend day with animals in steading and eat simply. I have considered nipping in at Midnight to catch them talking. like last year.... all they kept saying was " Baaa humbug :goat:" Just cant get into the spirit of things this year.
-
Just discovered my local Chinese is open as usual Christmas Day. Do we go mad and eat in or just get a takeaway?
-
Think my festive spirit is being drowned in mud ..... rained every day since 2nd Nov ........ very difficult to think Christmassy when slopping about and its soo warm too!
Went to town yesterday to remind myself Christmas is out there somewhere! ......... and you lot have reminded me I need marzipan!
-
soo warm too!
It's very warm up here - we went to Elgin yesterday and Steve was wandering about in shirtsleeeves. On the journey the car showed the outside temp as 12C - never had it so mild at this time of year. Even I found it warm!
Trying to do our bit for the Christmas spirit - we bought goodies to go into the party hampers for our bowls club, and bought ourselves some interesting nibbles from Lidl, and some wine to get the party going...
Hope everyone has a good Christmas.
Sue
-
Saw this on Facebook - there's too much rum in Santa's cake. ;D
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/12347618_10205087880104493_4674248576975372130_n.jpg?oh=b67b46762c61254f0d080a8d25918081&oe=5721E187)
-
I love the expressions on the reindeers faces! :excited:
-
That is so amazing you wouldn't want to eat it.
I'm a bit of a bah humburg person about Christmas, mainly because of the obligatory waste of money on presents that aren't particularly wanted.
But I love all the lights that spring up at a time of year when nights are longest.
So here's my contribution, that I made last week
-
Love it LRR :eyelashes:
-
Going to be a fantastic one this year..we actually got all the children coming down and grand children…we have loads of mud for them to play in…well !!!! me and the grandchildren ;D
(http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee62/johningham/santa%20goat_zpslelppiht.jpg) (http://s228.photobucket.com/user/johningham/media/santa%20goat_zpslelppiht.jpg.html)
-
Love that picture :thumbsup:
-
Was tempted say various things but John may not appreciate the humour, so I'll just say picture made me smile :-)
-
Christmas will be different this year from the last 7 since I moved close to my two lovely kids and three wonderful grandkids. Someone I used to love will be controlling our lives. But it will pass and hopefully next year will be better for us all.
-
Annie, have a lovely time, I can't imagine you being controlled by anybody!!
John, a lovely picture, what a grand time you and Helen are having!! I will get down to see you next year, I promise!
Landroveroy, the commercialism is what makes me hate "Xmas" (but not Christmas) As a family we have a rule that no more than £2 is spent per person and preferably home-made.( The children get a wee bit more, obviously, but none are greedy.) A second hand book, a bar of chocolate or a small bottle of home-made or a bit of hand knitted are the order of the day. Fortunately we all have roughly the same taste in literature so can read the books first and they are passed around in the new year.
I have spoken to people who are so stressed and even in financial difficulties over Christmas. One lady confided that she refused to spend more than £300 per grandchild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and her daughter thought her mean!
-
I have spoken to people who are so stressed and even in financial difficulties over Christmas. One lady confided that she refused to spend more than £300 per grandchild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and her daughter thought her mean!
OMG that is obscene. I hate that my kids get too much from the grandparents. I don't think it helps to teach them the value of things when they get so much and it is nowhere near £300 !
-
Did anyone see the programme helping a couple with 2 small children to spend less on their Christmas food /drink bill? They had no idea they were spending over £1500 on food for 3 days! ... saved them £800 ........ personally £700 would still last rather more than 3 days here... even with folks visiting!
-
£700 would do months
-
I don't know why people put themselves under that much financial pressure, and for what?!
I like Devonladies ideas, this year I have spread the cost and made most people hampers or night before Christmas boxes with some bought, some home made bits, Christmas cake, shortbread, decorations, nuts, sloe gin (save up mini wine bottles) festive DVD/book... Also helps me feel a bit more festive and I think it's more personal.
I wonder how much of the food they get actually gets eaten and how much gets thrown away! My mom runs a lunch club once a month at the local church which I went to help out with for their Christmas party last week, it is all volunteers but we cooked for 47 people at £6 per head (£282), which included a sherry or orange juice when they came in, soup to start, turkey dinner and a glass of wine (the meat was sliced from the butcher admittedly not a whole bird), Christmas pudding, mince pie, tea/coffee and "entertainment"/ carols and technically turned over a small profit (which gets fed back into the club)! So to spend £1500 for 3 days!
-
So to spend £1500 for 3 days!
Indeed. I can't even begin to think how that's possible!?
-
I can see how its possible if you buy your goodies from high end suppliers. It's another world out there Womble and for some people who lead a luxury life for the rest of the year then Christmas is clearly an opperunity to raise the bar a little higher.
Yuletide feasting is part of an old tradition and many people like to push the boat out if only in a modest way at christmas time. But to me, a family who spend £1500 on 3 days snacking and are not even aware of it dont need a tv presenters help to save money! Shame they didnt chose to help an average family instead.
-
And just how much would get thrown away as well? I hate wasting food, our Turkey will all get used, right down to cooking the boiling the carcass, removing all the little nub ends of meat, then cooking this with some carrots, onions and celery, bit if seasoning, lots of soup mix and pearl barley, then serving with herby dumplings! Always known in our house as Turkey splosh, as it is a bit sploshy, with a texture somewhere between a thick soup and a stew! It is one of my favourite parts of Christmas!
-
Was tempted say various things but John may not appreciate the humour, so I'll just say picture made me smile :-)
me not appreciate humour ;D
thats been my biggest down fall..i have a very bad sense of humour ;D ;D
-
Louise in our house that would be called Turkey Stewp. Yummy :excited:
-
We eat such good food all year - for which we are grateful - that it's hard to "raise the bar" at the festive season.
We've our "wee do" tomorrow so that's got my festive spirit going :excited: Decorations are almost up and I'm off to make mince pies and ice the cake. Dan's sorting out the music - seems to include the soundtrack from "Brave" :)
Got Guinness for the ponies' breakfasts too.
-
I have a limit of £25 per person and I stick to it. No one ever complains that I am mean and they appreciate what they have. If any of our children said that £300 was not enough to spend on one child, they would find I lowered it next time. Children get so much these days that it's difficult to know what to get them that they don't already have.
-
I think I must be very hard hearted - if anyone ever complained about a present I gave them, then I would take it back and they'd not get another. I've done it before. Certain relatives children don't get anything because they're the grab-grab kind. If parents can't instil a bit of good manners into their kids then it's a sad world. For our own grandchildren, we try to give them an activity they can all do together, rather than a nine minute wonder - they've had a few riding lessons, learned to ski, been go-karting, farm park tickets, things like that. The youngest one likes my jumpers so he's easy :knit: :thumbsup:
-
Well I am stocked up at vast expense as the Co-op had an offer of a turkey crown, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, stuffing balls, sprouts, yorkshire puds and an ice cream desert all for £10. Ok it is all frozen but I dont care as it means that it will get eaten as only what is needed will get cooked and the rest is there for another day.
Presents are homemade nuno felted scarves for the ladies and diaries for the men and if any nephews/nieces call to visit they will get to take home a piece of lamb from the freezer. My grand daughter has four presents the cost of which totals less than £20.
I do not do spending unless I have to.
-
Presents are homemade nuno felted scarves for the ladies and diaries for the men and if any nephews/nieces call to visit they will get to take home a piece of lamb from the freezer. My grand daughter has four presents the cost of which totals less than £20.
I do not do spending unless I have to.
This is how it should be.
-
Oh....erm.....we dont do presents at all :-\
We toast the solstice as the end / start of the year, decorate the house with greenery and candles, stock up with drinks and goodies and enjoy a fortnight of feasting.
The most extravagant thing I do is feeding everyone and having one of my portraits turned into a christmas card with the edition of photoshopped snowflakes. Here is this years before the face snow was added.
-
Oh....erm.....we dont do presents at all :-\
The most extravagant thing I do is feeding everyone and having one of my portraits turned into a christmas card with the edition of photoshopped snowflakes. Here is this years before the face snow was added.
That's your portrait?! :roflanim:
Doesn't look much like you from what I remember. :thinking:
Happy festivities anyway. :thumbsup:
-
What a fat old bird with a saggy neck....? Hmmn yeah thats me. lol!
-
Presents are homemade nuno felted scarves for the ladies and diaries for the men and if any nephews/nieces call to visit they will get to take home a piece of lamb from the freezer. My grand daughter has four presents the cost of which totals less than £20.
I do not do spending unless I have to.
This is how it should be.
Maybe knit socks for the men next year? :eyelashes:
-
Presents are homemade nuno felted scarves for the ladies and diaries for the men and if any nephews/nieces call to visit they will get to take home a piece of lamb from the freezer. My grand daughter has four presents the cost of which totals less than £20.
I do not do spending unless I have to.
This is how it should be.
Maybe knit socks for the men next year? :eyelashes:
I have done that in the past and they said they preferred diaries. Maybe it was the stripey wool that put them off :innocent:
-
Today's the day! Get that bonfire lit and happy festivities to you all whatever your belief :excited
-
I'll be saying "Spring is coming" from now until it does D&C.
Noel remains a religious one-day festival here. Some presents for children and a family gathering, but it's nothing like the UK. No Boxing Day, so people usually return to work. Noticed a few places trying to sell trees this year.
-
We had a lovely day yesterday - no bonfire as it was blowing a hoolie and sporadic rain showers but we, our neighbours, some new friends and some old friends ate, drank and were merry.
We shall toast the Solstice and the turning of the year tonight and maybe tomorrow night as well :)
Biggest surprise yesterday was going out to gfeed the cows and finding that Rosie and Annie had let themselves out of the barn by knocking down the feed barrier. THIS is when the time spent halter training pays for itself. A few additional screws and they were all in the proper place this morning :hugcow:
-
Today's the day! Get that bonfire lit and happy festivities to you all whatever your belief :excited
We celebrate ours tomorrow, as being the first day of the returning sun. No bonfire (just as well, it's forecast to hose it down), but a meal made from a selection of our own produce from the past year, plus a log cut from wood we have grown here, touched against last year's log as it burns, for the continuity of life. Each year's log sits in the fireplace until the next winter solstice (much to my SiL's puzzlement :D) wrapped with a special bit of yarn spun and dyed by me, added to each year, cobbled together after the dog chewed it and generally reflecting the ups and downs of our life. Nobody seems to understand that bit :spin:
-
Howling a gale with torrential rain today, paddock reduced to mud soup, 2 sows and 21 weaners to look after, been feeling unwell, increased heart rate and temperature, shivering, night sweats and no sleep, saw doc this morning, diagnosed with kidney infection and stones, prescribed antibiotics awaiting blood and other tests. At the moment for me it's humbug!
-
Poor Cosmore
Hope that get you sorted quickly :hug:
-
Solstice is actually on the 22nd this year guys but I have already begun my feasting festivities. Now to render some pork fat into lard to make pastry and mince and season some saddleback for my home made rare breed pork pies. :excited:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/12061231/When-is-the-shortest-day-of-the-year-the-winter-solstice-2015.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/12061231/When-is-the-shortest-day-of-the-year-the-winter-solstice-2015.html)
-
Oh wow.
Home made rare breed pork pies!!
Sounds amazing - like pork pies used to be.
Are you having an open day? :innocent:
-
Buffy, I was just talking about making pork pies earlier today. I have never done it but want to try hot crust pastry.
I have my own pork too so there shouldn't be anything stopping me
-
I only have some bits of saddleback that my sister fattened so Im improvising. I have rendered some of the fat to shorten the pastry and minced the pork and seasoned it. Will have a stab at Delia's recipe tomorrow I think.
Let us know how you get on Bionic.
LRR, you might want to see how they turn out before committing to an open day ;) [size=78%] [/size]
-
Howling a gale with torrential rain today, paddock reduced to mud soup, 2 sows and 21 weaners to look after, been feeling unwell, increased heart rate and temperature, shivering, night sweats and no sleep, saw doc this morning, diagnosed with kidney infection and stones, prescribed antibiotics awaiting blood and other tests. At the moment for me it's humbug!
That sounds dismal, but at least you know what it is and are on the way to getting better.
-
Howling a gale with torrential rain today, paddock reduced to mud soup, 2 sows and 21 weaners to look after, been feeling unwell, increased heart rate and temperature, shivering, night sweats and no sleep, saw doc this morning, diagnosed with kidney infection and stones, prescribed antibiotics awaiting blood and other tests. At the moment for me it's humbug!
Oh Cosmore I really feel for you. Kidney problems are totally miserable. Here's hoping the AntiBs kick in fast. Do you have anyone to help with the animals?
-
Cosmore, that sounds nasty. Hope you are feeling better soon once the antiBs kick in. :hug:
-
Do you have anyone to help with the animals?
[/quote]
Thanks everyone for the thoughts - Son in law fortunately taken over the animals for the time being, I've had to resort to rest as exhausted through lack of sleep, doc sending me for scans at hospital. Can't wait to get things sorted and back with the animals!
-
Adding my best wishes for your speedy recovery, Cosmore :hug:
-
Hope you are fully recovered soon, Cosmore :fc:
-
Hope you are feeling better soon Cosmore
-
My festive spirit is now looking up because the shortest day has now passed and the evenings are getting lighter. Ok, it'll be a while before we actually can tell, by knowing is enough for the moment.
Today I did a round trip of 60+ miles to buy my daughter a carving of toadstools which she had admired last time we were in the town. Took ages to find the shop again but we managed and the carving was still in the window[size=78%].[/size][/size] It was cheaper than I expected so I was able to buy a second, smaller one t :relief: o go with it. She is going to be so surprised when she opens it. :D [size=78%]
-
I'm with you MGOM now that the 21st has passed everything looks better
-
Christmas is always full on in our house (4 young kids, one who also has her birthday on the 25th) and I'm usually all tinsel and baubles and fairly organised.
This year's a bit different.... OH has been off work sick for 8 weeks so funds are much more limited than normal :( I'd just about managed to get everything done apart from final wrapping - was due to do that today (while the kids were at school) unfortunately the soon to be birthday girl came down with D&V last night so I'm running around like a headless chicken (on 2 hours kip) and will be pulling an all nighter tonight to finish the wrapping! Joy!
I'm finding it hard to feel festive :( I think the lack of frost and snow (while obviously a good thing) has a bit to do with it. Rain, mud and gloom isn't very Christmassy. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be back to normal and festive instead of festering ;D
-
Oh HH what a time for her to get sick. I hope no-one else goes down with it. Here's hoping you all have a good day :merryxmas:
I feel a great relief now we've had the Solstice and the days will get longer :relief: I've hated the dark and the gloom and doom, endless rain, but now I can think ahead to plan the new season....... :garden:
-
I too feel a bit better for the solstice and turning the corner.
Friday I couldn't stop crying even at the gym and had to drop my booked class in favour of rowing and a treadmill which both face a wall! I've several similar symptoms to the kidney infection (wishing you a speedy recovery from that) but in my case think menopause has just kicked in the last few weeks in a very big way! Oh joy! But the other day I was offered a wee job starting in the new year and a few folk have been so kind or just shared a bit of time in the gym and I suddenly see a silver lining to all the storm clouds and mud in my life. And huge thanks to Doganjo for support and tuition getting my books ready. The tax return was a pretty black cloud for a while too! Sorry you have a problem to deal with at this time and I hope he she or it is put behind you very soon. Or under marching orders at least.
So while not entirely festive i do feel slightly connected to the birth of hope and it only takes a wee thing to change which is my note to self right now. Just wish more emphasis on reconciliation, peace, goodwill to all and all that, and less on feeding egos,grasping for the latest best must have and pushing people aside to get what we think we need more, be it the last turkey or the best venue/big dinner/party or the kids of a broken marriage to choose one parent over another.
This festival brings out the worst but also the best in people, hanging on to that..
-
Just wish more emphasis on reconciliation, peace, goodwill to all and all that, and less on feeding egos,grasping for the latest best must have and pushing people aside to get what we think we need more
Absolutely! Mrs Womble saw a fight break out in Tesco's carpark yesterday over a parking space. What is the world coming to?
Well, I think we're starting to get there. I turked the plucky this morning, and then turned my attention to the tree.
Unfortunately last year's pot grown tree (which I had hoped would last us for several years) started to drop its needles a few weeks ago, and is now looking quite forlorn. So, I went off in search of a new one, hoping the garden centres might have cut their prices by now. FIFTY QUID!?!? Seriously? "Oh, we have some little ones left for thirty" said the assistant. "No thanks", I said, realising that these were all cut trees, and would hence only last a year.
So, according to the ancient Highlander's rights of “A trout from the brook, a staff from the wood, a stag from the hill—thefts no man ever felt shame for”, I found a lovely four foot tall tree on the way home, which had self-seeded on the edge of a plantation, but was too close to the road to be allowed to get much bigger.
I didn't steal it you understand.... just relocated it in a Wombly sort of way. Having dug it up carefully, It still has all of its roots, so I've planted it up in a nice big pot and hopefully it will do us for a few years before finally being put out to pasture somewhere on our land. So now half of me feels satisfied that this was a nice non-commercial, eco friendly way to go about things, whilst the other half feels a tinge of guilt that no self respecting Highlander would recognize.
I'm off to put the rest of the turkeys to bed now. They'll have a Merry Christmas no doubt, and I hope all of you do too :thumbsup:.
:merryxmas:
-
Put the decorations up today and did the tree so just a few presents left to wrap and we're ready. We're not celebrating, apart from church in the morning, until the next day as that is when the family will be coming, so plenty of time.