I do the same at new years with my tree. Always put it down for the new year and new start. I’m nearly done with Christmas gifts too. I buy early and bit by bit so it’s not a lump sum of money coming out all at once x
How organised and calm! I want to put up the lights now! I could quite happily have trees all over shop, even tho I’m 50 odd with no kids 😆🤣. Thanks for sharing, if it works..good stuff.. it’s the memories that are to be treasured anyway..❤
Hi 👋 my name is Kate but I use my husband account lol, love this little chat,so many people over spend and end up in debt for what is just a few days,I understand buy for children but apart from my mum i don't buy for adults, I am a only child and sadly I couldn't have children after many desperate years of trying and to be honest Christmas being really painful for us because Christmas is a wonderful time for children we decided to just do thinks that make us happy so we take food to local small cat and dog rescue, give a gift to the salvation army for a child, we go out for a really nice meal beginning of December and book theatre tickets for in the new year, we take xmas day in comes some years I cook,eat out ,stay in pj's and eat rubbish all day lol ,I wish we did have a big family but we just have to play with the cards life has delt us,lovely as always Kate 😊
We are the same Julie, we have a large family. Last year we start secret Santa, it was so much better for everyone in the family. Once the grandchildren turn 18 they join the secret Santa. I like to buy gifts through the year, that way I don’t notice the expense so much. Ive found that not many people send Christmas cards anymore. Which I think is a shame. I have a brother, some close cousins and a dear friend in England, and I do still send a card to them with a letter. But with family here in Australia I no longer worry about. I stick to 12 days before and 12 days after Christmas as far as the tree goes. Christmas has alway been at my place and although everyone pitches in now a days. I really would love to have a rest. ❤
We went over to Secret Santa 10 years ago and it works really well. We buy for our three grandchildren and our daughter’s partners son. That’s it! Stopped sending cards two years ago but do send online which you can personalise and they are animated . We all chip in to the Xmas meal to help out with costs for our daughter or daughter in law who host on alternative years. Last year we didn’t have a tree or decorations ( we had just moved) and it did feel strange but not bothering this year either. Just had some lovely scented flowers. We also alternate Christmas Day to embrace the in law families … this year is our families Xmas day together and next year it will be on Boxing Day. We have tried going out but it felt very odd!!
Hi Julie ive only just seen your channel i have subscribed, i love this video l an find it so interesting listening & reading what other families do and how they budget etc for Christmas we don't send cards so much now its usually done via messenger family & friends i do give cards to my elderly neighbours and to my grandchildren as they're still little an a small December 1st gift that is a tree ornament with their name on & some chocolates its like a tradition now i use to work in care an every christmas they would go out for christmas dinner an at first i was shocked how many people ate christmas dinner at restaurants there were families an not just adults or couples but then i could see why as everyone is relaxed an enjoying a meal spending quality time together with no cleaning up to worry about.
Really enjoyed this video, Julie! ❤ Love hearing how other people spend their Christmas. Me and Darren don’t exchange cards now, but I am very traditional when it comes to Christmas cards - love giving and receiving them! After Christmas, I turn them into gift tags. We keep things simple with gifts too, mainly for the grandkids and a few little ones for each other, so we’ve scaled back a lot. I love the idea of Secret Santa! I'm also a fan of finding Christmas decorations in charity shops - have picked up some beautiful baubles for my tree over the years. Your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day plans sound lovely, and I always take down our tree and decorations on New Year’s Day, too 😊 xxx
Hi Julie Was really interesting to hear your approach to Christmas. The family secret Santa idea is great. Like you I take the tree down on New Year’s Day. Thank you for sharing your traditions and routines. Xx
Hi Julie, I found this very interesting to watch. Like you, we have a large family apart from my children we have eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren, so Christmas is very expensive, I also save up through the year for this. My sister and her husband live next door to us so we usually spend Christmas and New Year with them. Again like you once new year is over our tree comes down as I like to get back to normal.
I really enjoyed this video Julie. We save all year round for christmas too. We have budgets for everyone. We take our christmas tree and decorations down before New Years Eve, we like to go in to the New Year clutter free and raring to start a new period xx
I do still like receiving Christmas cards although we don’t get as many these days. I put them away after Christmas and then reuse them the following year to make gift tags. It’s nice to read through them all again as well. We normally go out for Christmas lunch as well. We’ve been doing it for the last few years. My kitchen is small and it’s a bit stressful trying to do everything. I much prefer going out. You can relax more in the morning then take time getting ready.
Morning Julie, what a sensible approach to the issues of ‘Christmas’. I always think that there is so much fuss and panic caused by the hype that it destroys the happy feeling for that time of year, so your idea is good. Like you, in the past I have sent cards and written messages in all my cards, and often got little or no response back. It may be a bit ’Bah humbug’ but I feel I need to evaluate my friendships and links as I do feel if I didn’t make the contact, they would probably fail. I have occasionally decided to not follow up on a letter or email I have sent to see how long the other person takes to reply. It does amaze me at times! At my time of life, I am coming to the reality that I need to do things that I enjoy and that gives me pleasure, like you do on New Year’s Eve. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Hi Julie, I liked your video 🙂It's so interesting to see how others do Christmas. Yours sounds lovely and organised in a way that's best for you all as a family. Do let us all know how the meal at the Indian restaurant goes after won't you? xx
Morning Julie what a lovely video I have really enjoyed watching it and we do the same like you and my daughter used moon pig thanks for sharing your video have a great weekend and week Julie ❤️xxx
Morning Julie your approach is much like ours we love traveling so rather put the money to that and haven't bought each other anything for a good few years and I agree the postage is so expensive now so we keep it to a minimum , we usually take the tree down on new years day I've had enough of it by then 😂 it's up about 3 weeks , that will be lovely going out for Christmas lunch we have done it once and will definitely do it again its so relaxing , really enjoyed this chat thankyou have a lovely Sunday ❤
Thanks Julie. This year I'm only going to be sending Christmas cards to older relatives, and my closest friends. Other people I'm going to go 'old school' and just phone them the week before Christmas to wish them season's greetings. And if I make excuses and realize that I don't actually want to speak to them, then that indicates my view on our relationship. I give a bottle of wine prosecco and some chocolate coins to the three bin men and the regular postie.
Hi Julie. I have never cooked a Christmas dinner in my life, I have always helped out whoever is cooking it. I love receiving and sending Christmas cards.we don't buy for the adults anymore only the children (9 of them). I do a lucky dip for the adults, just small items, they get about 4/5 each. We always have family over to us on new years eve. ❤
Loved this video Julie! ❤ 100% agree that Christmas can become a stressful, expensive time and just plain hard work, when really it should be fun, relaxing and chill. Hubby and I decided from the get go we weren't going to get into the habit of alternating whose family we spend it with so we see family around Christmas but on the day itself it's always just the two of us. We cook together and spread the meal through the day: breakfast = starter, lunch = main meal, supper = Christmas Pudding on laps in front of the TV, which means we don't end the day feeling over-stuffed. We have champagne with breakfast and it is always such a lovely day. That's our main tradition. There aren't many children on either side of the family so we do all buy gifts but the truth is it becomes a bit of an exchange of gin or food hampers and feels rather pointless. Wondering if I dare stick my head above the parapet and suggest Secret Santa...? 🤔 I may sow a few seeds this year and see. Yes, the decs come down on Jan 1st here as well! 😂 Xxx
Unlike you i have to leave my tree up til twelfth night. Were gwtting a new tree this year bnq. With lights pre lit. Alot easier than silly lights getting tangled up round my feet
We always have loads of decorations in our charity shop. I'm going to redonate some back this year. We buy for our grandchildren 😊
I do the same at new years with my tree. Always put it down for the new year and new start.
I’m nearly done with Christmas gifts too. I buy early and bit by bit so it’s not a lump sum of money coming out all at once x
Great idea Gemma x
How organised and calm! I want to put up the lights now! I could quite happily have trees all over shop, even tho I’m 50 odd with no kids 😆🤣. Thanks for sharing, if it works..good stuff.. it’s the memories that are to be treasured anyway..❤
Hi Julie, a great video, ive really enjoyed it! It was nice to hear what you do over the Christmas period and how you approach it. Thank you.xxxx
Hi Julie, Thankyou for Sharing your Christmas Plans Sounds Lovely, Christmas Lunch Out must Tryxx.
@@tracyleggott2628 yes definitely x
Hi 👋 my name is Kate but I use my husband account lol, love this little chat,so many people over spend and end up in debt for what is just a few days,I understand buy for children but apart from my mum i don't buy for adults, I am a only child and sadly I couldn't have children after many desperate years of trying and to be honest Christmas being really painful for us because Christmas is a wonderful time for children we decided to just do thinks that make us happy so we take food to local small cat and dog rescue, give a gift to the salvation army for a child, we go out for a really nice meal beginning of December and book theatre tickets for in the new year, we take xmas day in comes some years I cook,eat out ,stay in pj's and eat rubbish all day lol ,I wish we did have a big family but we just have to play with the cards life has delt us,lovely as always Kate 😊
@@anthonymartyn5590 it sounds like you truly do what you enjoy Kate. Sounds lovely x
Lovely video, so interesting to hear how other people spend their Christmas! I have cut down a lot too! Alway put my tree away on New Year’s Day! ❤x
@@helen6477 not just me then Helen x
We are the same Julie, we have a large family. Last year we start secret Santa, it was so much better for everyone in the family. Once the grandchildren turn 18 they join the secret Santa. I like to buy gifts through the year, that way I don’t notice the expense so much. Ive found that not many people send Christmas cards anymore. Which I think is a shame. I have a brother, some close cousins and a dear friend in England, and I do still send a card to them with a letter. But with family here in Australia I no longer worry about.
I stick to 12 days before and 12 days after Christmas as far as the tree goes. Christmas has alway been at my place and although everyone pitches in now a days. I really would love to have a rest. ❤
@@SueCragg-nw2lh doesn’t secret Santa work so well x
We went over to Secret Santa 10 years ago and it works really well. We buy for our three grandchildren and our daughter’s partners son. That’s it! Stopped sending cards two years ago but do send online which you can personalise and they are animated .
We all chip in to the Xmas meal to help out with costs for our daughter or daughter in law who host on alternative years.
Last year we didn’t have a tree or decorations ( we had just moved) and it did feel strange but not bothering this year either. Just had some lovely scented flowers.
We also alternate Christmas Day to embrace the in law families … this year is our families Xmas day together and next year it will be on Boxing Day.
We have tried going out but it felt very odd!!
@@charlottehodgson5093 I’m sure it will feel odd, but also looking forward to no washing up ! X
Thanks Julie, your approach certainly takes the pressure off & keeps costs down xx
@@RhianWarlow thanks , it’s not always been the way but think I’ve got wiser as I’ve got older 😊
Dont blame you .....nice to go out to eat xmas day. I hate cooking . Although its just another roast dinner . We have beef and i love a gammon
@@Clarebrya_n it’s so complicated, we have vegans celiacs and gf !
Hi Julie ive only just seen your channel i have subscribed, i love this video l an find it so interesting listening & reading what other families do and how they budget etc for Christmas we don't send cards so much now its usually done via messenger family & friends i do give cards to my elderly neighbours and to my grandchildren as they're still little an a small December 1st gift that is a tree ornament with their name on & some chocolates its like a tradition now i use to work in care an every christmas they would go out for christmas dinner an at first i was shocked how many people ate christmas dinner at restaurants there were families an not just adults or couples but then i could see why as everyone is relaxed an enjoying a meal spending quality time together with no cleaning up to worry about.
@@gaynorsimpson8324 welcome Gaynor , glad you enjoyed it x
Really enjoyed this video, Julie! ❤ Love hearing how other people spend their Christmas. Me and Darren don’t exchange cards now, but I am very traditional when it comes to Christmas cards - love giving and receiving them! After Christmas, I turn them into gift tags. We keep things simple with gifts too, mainly for the grandkids and a few little ones for each other, so we’ve scaled back a lot. I love the idea of Secret Santa! I'm also a fan of finding Christmas decorations in charity shops - have picked up some beautiful baubles for my tree over the years. Your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day plans sound lovely, and I always take down our tree and decorations on New Year’s Day, too 😊 xxx
@@kar.ensplace glad you enjoyed it x
Hi Julie
Was really interesting to hear your approach to Christmas. The family secret Santa idea is great.
Like you I take the tree down on New Year’s Day.
Thank you for sharing your traditions and routines. Xx
@@jacquelinegreen9157 your welcome x
Hi Julie, I found this very interesting to watch. Like you, we have a large family apart from my children we have eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren, so Christmas is very expensive, I also save up through the year for this. My sister and her husband live next door to us so we usually spend Christmas and New Year with them. Again like you once new year is over our tree comes down as I like to get back to normal.
@@patriciaaldam1562 I just always want my house back to normal ! X
I've just found your channel,really enjoyed your video. Happily subscribed and looking forward to your content x
@@beverley850 welcome, thank you so much x
Hi Julie, this Christmas will be very different for us we lost our lovely dad in August ❤it was his favourite time of year xx
@@debbiemorris8770 so sorry for your loss Debbie ❤️
I really enjoyed this video Julie. We save all year round for christmas too. We have budgets for everyone. We take our christmas tree and decorations down before New Years Eve, we like to go in to the New Year clutter free and raring to start a new period xx
@@findingmystyle_x yes we feel the same, New Year fresh start, thanks for watching Kim x
Hi Julie..🙋♀️
A great chatty video….😊 l have really enjoyed it…
Thanks so much for sharing
🙋♀️❤️ ..x
@@victormaddocks2113 your welcome x
I do still like receiving Christmas cards although we don’t get as many these days. I put them away after Christmas and then reuse them the following year to make gift tags. It’s nice to read through them all again as well. We normally go out for Christmas lunch as well. We’ve been doing it for the last few years. My kitchen is small and it’s a bit stressful trying to do everything. I much prefer going out. You can relax more in the morning then take time getting ready.
I’m looking forward to lunch out. It will be a nice change x
Hi Julie, really enjoyed this video, some good tips ❤
@@julieharris1830 thanks Julie x
We buy in chocs biscuits etc week by week. We have a Christmas shelf. In spare room
@@Clarebrya_n that’s a great idea x
Morning Julie, what a sensible approach to the issues of ‘Christmas’. I always think that there is so much fuss and panic caused by the hype that it destroys the happy feeling for that time of year, so your idea is good. Like you, in the past I have sent cards and written messages in all my cards, and often got little or no response back. It may be a bit ’Bah humbug’ but I feel I need to evaluate my friendships and links as I do feel if I didn’t make the contact, they would probably fail. I have occasionally decided to not follow up on a letter or email I have sent to see how long the other person takes to reply. It does amaze me at times! At my time of life, I am coming to the reality that I need to do things that I enjoy and that gives me pleasure, like you do on New Year’s Eve. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
@@hazels27 your welcome x
Hi Julie, I liked your video 🙂It's so interesting to see how others do Christmas. Yours sounds lovely and organised in a way that's best for you all as a family. Do let us all know how the meal at the Indian restaurant goes after won't you? xx
@@DeborahHarris-Gigiongower I definitely will x
Morning Julie what a lovely video I have really enjoyed watching it and we do the same like you and my daughter used moon pig thanks for sharing your video have a great weekend and week Julie ❤️xxx
@@alanabailey6705 your welcome x
Morning Julie your approach is much like ours we love traveling so rather put the money to that and haven't bought each other anything for a good few years and I agree the postage is so expensive now so we keep it to a minimum , we usually take the tree down on new years day I've had enough of it by then 😂 it's up about 3 weeks , that will be lovely going out for Christmas lunch we have done it once and will definitely do it again its so relaxing , really enjoyed this chat thankyou have a lovely Sunday ❤
@@coralsworld4327 thank you so much, you too x
I think a lot of families do secret Santa for the adults and it really takes the stress away
@@tinastalktime definitely Tina x
Thanks Julie. This year I'm only going to be sending Christmas cards to older relatives, and my closest friends. Other people I'm going to go 'old school' and just phone them the week before Christmas to wish them season's greetings. And if I make excuses and realize that I don't actually want to speak to them, then that indicates my view on our relationship. I give a bottle of wine prosecco and some chocolate coins to the three bin men and the regular postie.
@@MsSarahJam it really makes you think when you get no response doesn’t it x
Hi Julie. I have never cooked a Christmas dinner in my life, I have always helped out whoever is cooking it. I love receiving and sending Christmas cards.we don't buy for the adults anymore only the children (9 of them). I do a lucky dip for the adults, just small items, they get about 4/5 each. We always have family over to us on new years eve. ❤
@@NannyJeano gosh , I have nightmares about cooking Christmas dinner. Looking forward to a year off xx
Loved this video Julie! ❤ 100% agree that Christmas can become a stressful, expensive time and just plain hard work, when really it should be fun, relaxing and chill. Hubby and I decided from the get go we weren't going to get into the habit of alternating whose family we spend it with so we see family around Christmas but on the day itself it's always just the two of us. We cook together and spread the meal through the day: breakfast = starter, lunch = main meal, supper = Christmas Pudding on laps in front of the TV, which means we don't end the day feeling over-stuffed. We have champagne with breakfast and it is always such a lovely day. That's our main tradition. There aren't many children on either side of the family so we do all buy gifts but the truth is it becomes a bit of an exchange of gin or food hampers and feels rather pointless. Wondering if I dare stick my head above the parapet and suggest Secret Santa...? 🤔 I may sow a few seeds this year and see. Yes, the decs come down on Jan 1st here as well! 😂 Xxx
@@elizabethbrown6287 that sounds perfect and I’m pretty sure after our next move, we will instigate Christmas Day on our own. Sounds bliss x
❤
Unlike you i have to leave my tree up til twelfth night. Were gwtting a new tree this year bnq. With lights pre lit. Alot easier than silly lights getting tangled up round my feet
@@Clarebrya_n my mum has a perlite one, very easy x