Nice tips but am I the only person who doesn't think Christmas should be such a production? The past two years we've one gift/person from each person in our immediate family. At the family party each family gave some kind of basket to each family. It was cheaper, much less stressful and it didn't feel any less special.
I’ve done most of my Christmas shopping already, and had discussions with family and friends about budgets for gifts or about not giving gifts this year. I have lists of what additional wrapping supplies I need in addition to leftovers from last year, and a list of food items to buy (some cupboard items have already been bought) and booked a Christmas day out to see Santa for my children already. Am I Christmas mad? Maybe 🤔
My favourite lead up to Christmas event is going to our local costa or McDonald’s and getting a Christmassy drink, then driving round looking at the Christmas lights in our area. Even my 16 year old son still loves to come along for this
Great video - it’s never made sense to me having Christmas planning videos out in December. I always get excited and start thinking Christmas thoughts in September. Autumn is my favourite time of year as it starts to get cozy with such beautiful colours on the trees. Having the Christmas season at the end of it is the cherry on the cake. There was such a beautiful autumnal mist this evening sitting on the countryside as the sun was setting here in the south of England - so romantic! I came home and cracked open a new hot chocolate jar, and then found this video……perfect timing!
We do a family secret Santa with my mum/dad,siblings and partners. We have a £50 budget as we are buying for one person instead of 8. We each write our own name on a slip and a couple of suggestions of what we would like. Takes the stress out and saves a fortune.
I always start my Christmas shopping in the January sales for the following Christmas 🎄 I've been doing this for decades and It's amazing how much you can get for not a lot of money. I normally set a limit of between £10-£20 per person (excluding my children) and the amount of really nice stuff you can get in the sales is unbelievable 🙂. I have a book that I write it all down in so I know who's got what and how much I've spent and I keep the goods in stacking box's in my wardrobe. I buy all my wrapping paper in the sales and dare I say it, I spent the August bank holiday Monday wrapping them. Christmas really doesn't have to be expensive especially if you go bargain hunting through out the year xx
The first Christmas video I’ve seen. Never clicked so fast and I haven’t even watched it yet. So excited to get started, especially as I’ll have a one year old this Christmas who can understand that little bit more 🥰
I shop for Christmas all year round. I buy loads in the sales in Jan like crackers, napkins and loads of other stuff. Just then put them away till the following year. I also present shop all year around.
I’ve already started shopping, the biggest game changer for me ( I have a lge family ) and instead of buying for each which costs a fortune we do a secret Santa we set a budget and open it on Boxing Day when we’re all together x All videos will be gratefully received you can never be to organised x Tfs and take care x
I can't believe how quickly Christmas is creeping up, I sat and made a start to my list of things I've seen that I would like to get my kiddos for Christmas a couple days ago
Thank you for addressing shortages as a result of the Brexit shambles. So many people are in denial about this, saying there's no problem. So much missing from shops. I'm going to plan earlier this year. Great video, and laughed at Stu being a mince pie connoisseur 😂😂
@@aclark903 Umm... that was 40 years ago?!! Surely in a decent society the aim should be for life to get better for the average person, not worse. Also in the 70's you could buy a house for your family on one income. Just saying.
Love the video! I don’t do a Christmas Eve box but do a 1st December box. I put similar things in like advent calendar , pj’s, socks hair accessories, some sweets, xmas decoration , Santa hat from previous years . I liked the idea of the kids getting use out of all the bits over the weeks leading up to Xmas! 🎅🏽
It's so easy to pick up random bits like labels, the odd wrapping paper, baubles when you can go shopping in you own cupboards! I have so much random stuff I find I don't need to add anything this year!
I have three boys ages 2-9 so right now I’ve already picked up their “big ticket” gift and some other fun pieces. I found with each child I found myself purchasing earlier so with everything going on it’s better to be prepared!
Also something I feel is important to include is giving to others x I do two shoe boxes and make a large food box for the local food bank x even if you can just stretch to donating a selection box it all helps x to me that’s also the spirt of Christmas x
Started Christmas shopping already. Bought some gifts for my son yesterday in smyths and stocking stuffers. After work this week I'm getting some wrapping paper, crackers and non perishable food items. I usually start in September anyway. My other half thinks I'm crazy but come December I'm usually done.
Thank you so much for the reminder to not just concentrate on Christmas day. I often get caught up preparing for it and as a result don't get around to all the nice evenings for the adults that I had planned. Subscribed! 🇮🇪
We have amazon lists for the kids and for me (mine only has one thing on it!) and people love them. Means that we get what we want the kids to have and people still get to choose. Loved these tips, I'm in full planning mode now!
Great tips! I blanch my carrots and parsnips and put them in the freezer a week or two before the big day. I work in retail so being organised is key! I find that they cook better and quicker in the oven doing them that way too!
Hi Lara love your videos. I always start in December for the year after! There’s a method to my madness. I’ll be doing a planning series this year as well. There’s so much to cover. As for this year, I’m almost done with all the gifts. Pretty much there with planning the food as I’ve had a great few years ironing out all the Perfect recipes for us. Can’t believe it’s almost that time again but so excited
Thanks for this x it’s a reminder for me to get cracking... and yes it’s all about the lead up x even going to buy prezzies and stopping for a nice drink and cake somewhere is what I look forward to x
Love this video ❤️ I am actually decluttering my house now so I can enjoy my Christmas decorations more and have my freezer ready for food items purchased/baked ahead of time
Hi Kara! I think probably we have to go through " the production," so that later you can filter what matters to you and then streamline it to taste. I do begrudge doing the production if no one notices!
Please could you do a video on ideas for budget things to do at Christmas time. My sister has 4 kids 7 and under, I want to do a few things with them but on a budget xx
I like to prep everything on Christmas Eve - pop it all in Tupperware with the timings on labels and even number everything in order of what needs to go first! I find that way it’s not all my responsibility either because it’s nice and easy so my partner can easily help!
Tip for next year - I set up a direct debit for £10 per week into a deposit account. This gives £520 to spend at Christmas Done this for years and it is a life saver when trying to budget xx
Thanks Lara I really enjoyed your vlog, i love lists. I have already started, I keep lists on my phone in notes (with a lock on) and as I buy things I put a tick against them I also use a Christmas app which track all my gifts for people, and I’m adding bits to shopping each week. I also have weekly lists from October for card writing (after bonfire night) and visits with grandchildren to see Santa etc and wrapping gifts this keeps me on track and I have no stress. Looking forward to all your Christmas vlogs. I’ve already decorated house for fall/autumn so we are all nice and cozy then it turned to nice weather lol but as it’s getting dark at 8pm now we are enjoying cozy evenings. You help so many people and although I’m an organised person I still love to see your ideas. Take care and stay safe xx
Honestly, I haven’t noticed any shortages in supermarkets. I have absolutely NO brand loyalty, and I will go wherever I feel like going, so maybe that has something to do with it - but the only gaps I’ve seen on shelves have been deliberate, while they shuffle everything around to make room for the new stuff they’re expecting…I think you’re very sensible to plan ahead but I’m not entirely sure that giving out the idea of potential shortages is a reason to do it, as I feel it will just lead to unnecessary panic- buying again, like we had at the start of the ‘Rona…
Thanks for your comment. I’m glad youve not had issues with empty shelves, I really hope we get no where near the levels we did back last year. I absolutely don’t support people panic buying but like I said just buying what you need but doing it sooner rather than later, or as and when you see things you need. I heard on the news today that toys will be in low availability this year which is what I was saying in this vid. I hope it doesn’t encourage the wrong behaviour but it’s good to be aware of it at least.
I start off my doing inventory of what I ave and what I need. You always forget some things you tucked away. I am also a HUGE after Christmas clearance shopper for wrapping paper, boxes ,bags and ribbons. Because as I see family , I try to deliver wrapped gifts. Especially the last hear and probably this year, there may be lockdowns
The Smyths Toys catalogue arrived in the post today so we've started- I had no choice with a 5 year old in the house! Lots of people are saying that the santa visits are getting booked up quickly this year, so need to book ahead so as not to miss out 🎅🎄🎁
Hi Lara can you please do these videos on RU-vid in August/September for Christmas. Thank you so much. Your videos are just wonderful! Love From Ireland
I'm reluctant to do or buy anything at the moment. We're so hoping to move (but keep losing out to cash buyers or developers). As fast as I'm trying to declutter, I also don't want to buy too many large gifts / toys as its more to store etc. Would pref to buy after moving. I agree, some stores are running out of essentials already.
Love this, I can't wait for a hopefully normally Xmas this year. I've already done private amazon lists for each family member of what I'm buying, then once bought my kids what I'm getting I send their lists to family members who ask for ideas xx
Loved this video. Like the idea of the secret Santa, saving money, not having to go hunting for lots of presents instead of just the one. Can you please do a video on how to set up Secret Santa with the family, I.e list of gift suggestions without being cheeky. 😉
To keep costs down I just buy the children. With my partners family we do secret Santa and set a budget we can all afford. Cuts down also the amount of shopping needing to be done and what is coming into my home.
Haha. We are going to a family wedding this weekend. I will be delivering four nieces and nephews gifts to their parents. So I don't have to ship or worry about shortage s.
Feeling proud of myself for starting so early this year. Being in Kent, we didn’t get Christmas at all last year so I’m determined to fill this one with fun. Outings are booked and the present list is nearly finished 🙌🏼 love this video and can’t wait to see more xx
Great video! I just love your style of vlogging. You are so natural and I really felt as if I was sitting with you talking about Christmas. ❤️ from California
This is great! Thanks Lara. The prices really get hiked so much over the actual period. So looking at lights and stocking up on wine, Glühwein etc... I love the idea of looking at local events too.
Thankyou for this video very helpful and good tips ,I have got most of the Christmas gifts already I get them in the sale or but the gifts when I see them take care xx
I always put so much money away each month from wages as soon as its payday, I draw it out and stick it in a tin then open it in september or October to go and buy xmas stuff xx
Love this video, thank you for sharing. I have been buying the kids presents over the last few months to spread the cost. Have also booked some Christmas outings, I can’t wait. Also our village is doing a Christmas street market which will be fantastic. Looking forward to more Christmas videos x
Hi Lara Cannot find your video when you made candles (recycling), would to make candles for Christmas gift this year. Could you please send an attachment of that videos, I have scrolled down your Christmas Gifts, DIY and decorations but cannot find it. Ashwina
Hi Hun I really enjoyed this video I love Christmas ♥ and love the planning and build up to it I would love more videos like this they are super helpful and I'm excited for Christmas now ☺ take care ♥
This has made me so excited to get planning and not get overwhelmed! Also to stay on budget as I tend to go overboard on entertaining and then wrack up the credit card *cries* I have tried to download your christmas planner sheets but there doesn't seem to be an option to add to cart...sorry if im being dense! Video was fab!! x
FOr the holidays, unfortunately. If I don't cook, it doesn't happen. So my Christmas list is to get gift cards so I can take my vacation after the holidays. The most "wonderful time of the year" for me is when kids go back to school, and when the holidays are over.
Love this video, thank you for the tips 🎄Sweater Weather is my all time favorite B&BW candle scent - I’m quite glad they’re not easy to get in the UK, as all of my money would be going there🤣
Great video! So glad I’m not alone in my Christmas planning in September 🙌. Can I ask what eyeshadow you’re wearing? It’s lovely & shimmery - reminds me of a Charlotte T one I used to have 🤔 xx
I can’t believe we were all like ‘ah, eat out to help out but we can’t see our families at Christmas, okay!’ Now we’re all bending over for a tax increase that won’t touch the rich. It’s depressing x