Feeling the pressure

Hi all..well it's getting to that time of year again. I love Christmas but absolutely hate the seemingly relentless campaigns on tv.
Its not just the supermarkets and big shops that put on fancy ads its the must have toy adverts as well.
Almost every time we watch the telly up they bloody pop..and its almost laughable..your child will be left out if they don't have this toy..or your child will be the only one that doesn't have..they don't actually say that but to me that is how it feels. It makes parents feel so pressured into buying the crap in the first place. I have not given in to pressure from it..never have but i do totally have sympathy with parents who do.
Its not just toys but food and wine as well..if you don't put on a spread then your poor..again they don't say it but it is implied or is that just me?
I think after all this time i have become numb to it..but i do know some people who aren't..it infuriates me that they want you to get into debt ..and for what..its one day. Toys that are discarded not even opened or wanted..food that you throw away and drink that never ever gets poured..o and don't forget to get your new sofa,kitchen,carpet,blinds or windows...just more to get you to part with your hard earned cash.
I sound like a grumpy git..but i am not i can assure you of that. I love Christmas and all the hustle and bustle ..the secret wrapping and hiding pressies..plus decorating the rooms and tree's..yes tree's..one for the little ones and one for grown ups..preparing the food,roasting my turkey,baking mince-pies its a wonderful time and should really be enjoyed. Family all around,good friends and good times.

Here is my plan for our Christmas..this year we have decided to radically cut back on everything.
We have spoken to the girls and they were very grown up about it and also accept that they really do have a lot of toys..to be honest i could give a toy shop a run for its money.
So i saw this and thought it was brilliant..a list just for them..
Something they want.
Something they need.
Something to wear.
Something to read.

Now this little list has perplexed them as they both said they don't need anything..its a work in progress but they only have til the begginning of December to complete it.
Fern has done hers..and its a good one as she thought about it seriously for a few weeks.
Iris has done most of hers but is stuck on what she needs..bless her..
They will get 2 board games as well and a surprise present..so far i have nearly all the little things they said.

Don't worry folks i am not being mean but realistic..the girls are excited for it..and so am i..o and they still believe in Father Christmas..its just he is a bit short of money this year.
Also i am cutting back on the food..still having a turkey and all the trimmings..my mum has made us a cake..i will make cakes and a yule log..i will get some luxury food but not as much as last year..i was still eating it in the summer..thats when i realized how ridiculous it was, too much food for us.
We are going to my Daughter Heather for Boxing Day Tea..and inbetween i will do buffets and use up my left over turkey.

I am not buying presents for my older girls and their husbands..this is by mutual consent..we are all buying for children only..i have 6 grandchildren to buy for but that is not a worry..we have all set an amount of money we can afford and feel comfortable with.
So the tv ads can jog on..look where you can cut back and also try to make some presents too..i did Raspberry gin last year..was amazing and you didn't feel like you were drinking alcohol..just Raspberry juice..i had a few..so nice.No wonder i was dancing to the Nolans lol..
Baking cakes and mince-pies for gifts..knitting scarves..pretty easy as its a straight line..look in charity shops for books and ornaments.its not how much you spend but the thought that you saw it or made it that counts.
I am not preaching to you..i just really want everyone to have a great stress free,no pressure Christmas.
Do you all feel the same or am i sensitive ;)..
take care
sara

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