It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Off Topic Chat

kitten_k · 24-09-2020 11:06am

DvB wrote: »

Delighted to log in and see my contribution shall forever (well for 10k posts anyway) be enshrined in the history of the Christmas forum.:D

And all messing aside, I genuinely would have been disappointed with a covid related one (even though there was one in particular was excellent), I, like many I suspect, are struggling in some ways with all this coronavirus stuff and love coming in here to chat about the things we all love about christmas, seeing a daily reminder of this situation is not ideal IMO and its great to see so many felt the same.

Considering the last thread ran from 23-11-2017 to 20-09-2020 we could have been reminded about it for 3 years!!

DvB · 24-09-2020 11:10am

kitten_k wrote: »

Considering the last thread ran from 23-11-2017 to 20-09-2020 we could have been reminded about it for 3 years!!

:eek:, sod that for a game of soldiers!

24-09-2020 11:14am

Shorts are put away to the back of the shelf, even though it was lovely yesterday. I'm wearing a light hoody, as it's noticeably cooler today, but it's looking like the sunshine is breaking through

We'll be holding off lighting the stove until October, not long to go!

I love the thread title

Posy · 24-09-2020 11:58am

We'll get an apostrophe put in the ITS as soon as one of us is on the full website. :pac:

TRS30 · 24-09-2020 12:01pm

Posy wrote: »

We'll get an apostrophe put in the ITS as soon as one of us is on the full website. :pac:

I didn't want to be 'that guy'.......:D

Boards.ie: Niamh · 24-09-2020 12:07pm

Posy wrote: »

We'll get an apostrophe put in the ITS as soon as one of us is on the full website. :pac:

All fixed now, happy (almost) Rudolph Day :pac:

mumo3 · 24-09-2020 12:19pm

For anyone who finds themselves having to cook Christmas dinner for themselves this year here's my cheat.. for the last number of years I have bought the prepacked carvery sliced Turkey and Ham pieces with the stuffing in the middle, exactly like you get if you order the turkey and ham in a restaurant, and they taste delicious about 30 minutes in the oven and your done, I get them from my local meat wholesaler at €17 for 5 portions I think, but I have seen them in some butchers!! My kids aren't big fans of Turkey so no point in buying a big one as it will go to waste and given that they spend Stephen's day with their grandparents definitely no point!!

TRS30 · 24-09-2020 12:20pm

Loughc wrote: »

It's been very cold last few nights, I need to break out the hoodies... I think it's hoody weather but we are dangerously close to turning the heating back on...

I don't think we've use it since April!

We only use our boiler for the heating so similarly our's hasn't been on since spring. I'm always a bit worried when I put it on for the first time in autumn that it breakdown!

DvB · 24-09-2020 12:25pm

We use our boiler all year round for hot water, just turn the thermostats down to make sure the rads dont heat up, & FTR the mrs put the heating back on Tuesday night for an hour. I was soaked after coming home from training with the kids & it was great after having a shower sitting down to watch GBBO in a snug warm house. First of many this year I suspect & I'm not complaining.

SusanC10 · 24-09-2020 12:29pm

Want to get organised early this year.
Will be just the 4 of us - Husband, 2 Kids & I. Kids too old for Santa this year but will still do Gifts in the morning from each other etc.

Will need to post Gifts to other family members some abroad.

We will do a (small) Traditional Christmas Dinner with leftovers for the 26th.

Apart from Gifts, what other things can/should I buy ahead of time ? Starting from early October onwards.

Posy · 24-09-2020 1:00pm

Boards.ie: Niamh wrote: »

All fixed now, happy (almost) Rudolph Day :pac:

It's a Christmas miracle.

leahyl · 24-09-2020 2:05pm

So autumnal today - I'm working from home and looking out my bedroom window and the leaves on the trees on the green behind me are starting to go that lovely orange/rusty colour but theres still a good bit of green too - can't wait for October when they'll be completely changed

SnowyMay · 24-09-2020 2:50pm

Heeeey. Greetings from another Christmas lover!

This one will be a weird one as it’s likely that I won’t make it home, so Christmas away for the first time ever, but everyone understands the situation and maybe, just maybe, I can even persuade my mum to join in a Zoom call.

Already thinking of presents though, particularly for my two little nieces.

Weird times at the moment. I think we need something to look forward to!

I want to buy a tree right now!!!

TRS30 · 24-09-2020 3:43pm

SnowyMay wrote: »

Heeeey. Greetings from another Christmas lover!

This one will be a weird one as it’s likely that I won’t make it home, so Christmas away for the first time ever, but everyone understands the situation and maybe, just maybe, I can even persuade my mum to join in a Zoom call.

Already thinking of presents though, particularly for my two little nieces.

Weird times at the moment. I think we need something to look forward to!

I want to buy a tree right now!!!

Welcome. Love the username

Littlehorny · 24-09-2020 3:52pm

Question for those of you with older kids- do you still do Santy?
We still wrap the presents and leave them in the sitting room with their names on them and we wouldn't have it any other way, still gives us a bit of cheer to see them getting a surprise on Christmas morning.
BY the way, the kids are aged 18 and 26

TRS30 · 24-09-2020 4:07pm

Littlehorny wrote: »

Question for those of you with older kids- do you still do Santy?
We still wrap the presents and leave them in the sitting room with their names on them and we wouldn't have it any other way, still gives us a bit of cheer to see them getting a surprise on Christmas morning.
BY the way, the kids are aged 18 and 26

I'm in my 40's and still get presents from Santa (wrapped and under the tree)

OUTDOORLASS · 24-09-2020 4:28pm

Yep...older child here. Still work really hard to keep the element of surprise and magic for Christmas.

DvB · 24-09-2020 4:54pm

Littlehorny wrote: »

Question for those of you with older kids- do you still do Santy?
We still wrap the presents and leave them in the sitting room with their names on them and we wouldn't have it any other way, still gives us a bit of cheer to see them getting a surprise on Christmas morning.
BY the way, the kids are aged 18 and 26

Ours are 9 (turn 10 just after Christmas) and we most definitely still do Santa, in fact we're digging our heels in to keep it going as long as possible as I dread the years the magic ends, though accept it's in the post. But as I've said before even when the 'believe' years are over we'll still celebrate it with as much gusto as we can & just find new ways to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.

tuisginideach · 24-09-2020 5:16pm

19 and 21 here - still do Santa but they generally know what the 'main' present is, as they have had to give us details! But it's still wrapped and maybe even hidden. I use small gifts and the stockings to keep a bit of a surprise!

Lollipops23 · 24-09-2020 5:20pm

Myself and himself have a tradition of going for lunch on Xmas Eve. We both have busy Xmas/Stephens' Day with families, so it started as our moment of peace to enjoy each other's company before it all kicked off! This will also be the last year we do our traditional fam one too as we're getting married next April!

I booked us into our favourite place today for this Xmas Eve(you have to book it months in advance), hoping they're still in a position to have us!

tscul32 · 24-09-2020 6:10pm

mumo3 wrote: »

For anyone who finds themselves having to cook Christmas dinner for themselves this year here's my cheat.. for the last number of years I have bought the prepacked carvery sliced Turkey and Ham pieces with the stuffing in the middle, exactly like you get if you order the turkey and ham in a restaurant, and they taste delicious about 30 minutes in the oven and your done, I get them from my local meat wholesaler at €17 for 5 portions I think, but I have seen them in some butchers!! My kids aren't big fans of Turkey so no point in buying a big one as it will go to waste and given that they spend Stephen's day with their grandparents definitely no point!!

I cannot even imagine the devastation if I announced there was only one portion of turkey and ham each ðŸ˜± No Turkey and ham stephen's day pizza, no Christmas leftover sambos.....nooooooo

24-09-2020 6:15pm

Lollipops23 wrote: »

Myself and himself have a tradition of going for lunch on Xmas Eve. We both have busy Xmas/Stephens' Day with families, so it started as our moment of peace to enjoy each other's company before it all kicked off! This will also be the last year we do our traditional fam one too as we're getting married next April!

I booked us into our favourite place today for this Xmas Eve(you have to book it months in advance), hoping they're still in a position to have us!

2021 wedding here too

Previous years we spent Christmas day apart, but we started spending Christmas together 2 years ago after we got engaged, and last year we moved into our house. We're trying to make our own traditions, my OH comes from a family that wouldn't make a big deal of Christmas, whereas my family are stone mad, so it took a while for us to settle our festive differences

...I won :pac:

Littlehorny wrote: »

Question for those of you with older kids- do you still do Santy?
We still wrap the presents and leave them in the sitting room with their names on them and we wouldn't have it any other way, still gives us a bit of cheer to see them getting a surprise on Christmas morning.
BY the way, the kids are aged 18 and 26

During the last recession, my younger siblings were in their teens so Santa only brought them surprise gifts, while the older siblings started doing Secret Santa with the parents. The magic was still there, just different

mirrorwall14 · 24-09-2020 7:25pm

Bought me some Christmas masks for school in December. And subscribed to a few Christmas podcasts. Starting To get in the mood again!

Littlehorny · 24-09-2020 7:43pm

TRS30 wrote: »

I'm in my 40's and still get presents from Santa (wrapped and under the tree)

There is two sisters in work who still live with the parents and they still get presents from Santy.
They are 32 and 34 and I thought they were the oldest I ever heard of but it seems we have a new record holder!

:D

Loughc · 24-09-2020 8:21pm

3 months to Christmas Eve.... 3!!

TRS30 · 24-09-2020 8:23pm

Littlehorny wrote: »

There is two sisters in work who still live with the parents and they still get presents from Santy.
They are 32 and 34 and I thought they were the oldest I ever heard of but it seems we have a new record holder! :D

My Dad is 74 and still gives himself expensive Lego from Santa. So I still have a way to go

DvB · 24-09-2020 8:28pm

I absolutely get something for myself and refer to it as my santa present... wheres the harm in that?

24-09-2020 8:33pm

Sony Christmas Movie Channel is back!!!!

Autosport · 24-09-2020 8:37pm

I still get presents from Santa and I’m in my 30’s

. I may give big hints and sometimes actually say what I want but it’s still wrapped and under the tree

Heating as been on here for the last few nights as it’s getting rather chilly in the evenings

Love the new name also

freshpopcorn · 24-09-2020 8:42pm

I was in Aldi this evening they had frozen desserts that would be more Wintery in, they also had Turkeys and Turkey Crown. We got a crown.

Autosport · 24-09-2020 8:43pm

Oh forgot to mention Eurospar have there Christmas selection of sweets and biscuits out on display, may have purchased Terrys chocolate orange in white chocolate

Grid. · 24-09-2020 9:10pm

Hi all, just wondering what's the situation with Christmas markets this year.....is there any going ahead here or around Europe?

24-09-2020 9:13pm

Loughc wrote: »

3 months to Christmas Eve.... 3!!

I was grumpy earlier. I was in the car with himself and having a proper sulk. So he looks over at me and says "Only 3 months to Christmas Eve!" And sure I couldn't stop smiling then.

Loughc · 24-09-2020 9:22pm

Grid. wrote: »

Hi all, just wondering what's the situation with Christmas markets this year.....is there any going ahead here or around Europe?

As it stands I think Galway, Cork and Dublin are still planning outdoor markets.

I’m not too sure about Europe though.

SarahLil · 24-09-2020 9:26pm

Boots.ie Christmas seems to have launched this evening, I had a browse online, some items still not in stock, I did come across some Christmas memo pads, Christmas scented sanitiser and some Christmas quiz games, a good few quiz games I presume because we will be probably in doors a lot

I said the same this evening 3 months to Christmas Eve

Sheep Shagger · 24-09-2020 9:34pm

SarahLil wrote: »

Boots.ie Christmas seems to have launched this evening, I had a browse online, some items still not in stock, I did come across some Christmas memo pads, Christmas scented sanitiser and some Christmas quiz games, a good few quiz games I presume because we will be probably in doors a lot

I said the same this evening 3 months to Christmas Eve

https://www.boots.ie/christmas/all-christmas

Smell the glove · 24-09-2020 10:41pm

Grid. wrote: »

Hi all, just wondering what's the situation with Christmas markets this year.....is there any going ahead here or around Europe?

Winterval Christmas Festival in Waterford is going ahead.

otnomart · 25-09-2020 6:57am

Grid. wrote: »

Hi all, just wondering what's the situation with Christmas markets this year.....is there any going ahead here or around Europe?

Every City is doing their own thing.
For example, about a month ago Cologne announced they cancelled theirs.
Other Cities are still holding off their decision.

jellybear · 25-09-2020 8:41am

Such a pity. I've never been to a Christmas Market and we had planned to bring our little boy to one this year. Just another thing we're missing out on...having a few tough days here with everything. Popping in here helps hugely...aswell as planning and buying presents

Only 3 months to go till the big day

TRS30 · 25-09-2020 8:42am

Proper wintery out there this morning, beanie made it's first appearance when dropping the kids off earlier. Lovely and bright though, real winters morning

Caranica · 25-09-2020 8:44am

Trying to hold off on nighttime heating until October but it's getting difficult. Weather forecast today said highs of 13 degrees brrrrrr.

Bought books for the niblings the other day. Still waiting for family "not so secret Santa" to find out who else I have to buy for.

SarahLil · 25-09-2020 9:52am

Jellybear this place certainly does help I am loving being back, I hope you have a good Friday and an even better weekend

Working from home today it certainly is chilly this morning, I am nice and toasty now though with the heating on and heating myself up with coffee, toast with jam

Anyone planning on doing a Christmas market in Ireland this year obviously subject to restrictions? I see Belfast is doing one obviously permitting

This time 3 months my turkey will be in the oven

TRS30 · 25-09-2020 10:07am

SarahLil wrote: »

This time 3 months my turkey will be in the oven

Doesn't seem long at all when you put it like that :eek:

Mutleyboo · 25-09-2020 10:44am

I'm so frickin excited!!!!! Just saying!

gidget · 25-09-2020 11:47am

Booked my dog into the groomers for his Christmas spruce up in December. He was dropped in this morning so thought
I’d get him booked in while I was there. Book him in before the appointments heat up anyway.

freshpopcorn · 25-09-2020 1:44pm

I was looking at the latest Lidl book. They Halloween stuff in.
And more importantly they are gearing up for baking stuff have Christmas storage tins and a recipe for Stollen.

applesock · 25-09-2020 6:22pm

Christmas Market for Dublin

https://www.fm104.ie/news/buzz/incredible-christmas-festival-confirmed-for-dublin/?fbclid=IwAR0XvfSJDsFJxVh-lgtJLfePdbJslYRitDktLumDPkuFwcnS5RoCpU2k1fg

Neyite · 25-09-2020 6:35pm

I made my Christmas cakes last night, the smell in the house last night and this morning was really Christmassy. So I've been in great form all day.:)

freshpopcorn · 26-09-2020 5:50am

I woke up there and it feels so cold!

Mystery Egg · 26-09-2020 6:03am

freshpopcorn wrote: »

I woke up there and it feels so cold!

Same, it's winter already!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Off Topic Chat

Comments

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens