Monday 28 October 2013

2 months to go

8 weeks to Christmas and we are still undecided about Christmas lunch. Originally a few of us were going to a local hotel for lunch but as the numbers dwindled due to work commitments that idea has lost its impetus. Some family are still to make up their minds, some are going away, and others have to share their time and will be busy for lunch. It always makes for interesting times and dilemmas and I have noticed that with each year of this my poor Mum is fed up with it all. She wants to either go to the local hotel or just stay home,'why can't people just do what they want' is her mantra.

Life isn't that easy though and for all those with parents and grandchildren you are always placed in the middle and trying to please everyone and keep the peace. I am finding this a very difficult time of life and unlike many of my friends I am not out there working too which adds another factor into that sandwich. I want to see everyone I can and I want to keep EVERYONE happy.

Another Christmas custom is gift giving. I believe in giving to everyone, no matter how small the gift it is the thought that counts. I am on a pension and I manage to give to every one (BECAUSE I WANT TO). It doesn't mean I expect to receive. Nor do I believe that ONLY the CHILDREN should be given gifts. They need to learn to enjoy the art of giving instead of taking all the time. Maybe that is where we all went wrong 30 years ago when families started giving to the kids only. That age group mostly now only want, many do not know how to give.

My gifts to my nieces and nephews are not large and many times I have made the gifts, especially the female gifts. The males may receive some gadget I have found on eBay or elsewhere on the internet and it is amazing what little different items are out there. Look for FREE POSTAGE, it cuts the cost considerably. The males is my family are always amazed at the different gadgets they receive. It is all doable. You need to plan and start buying now. See Christmas Planning for ideas.

Young children always love a book and these can be quite reasonable in price these days. The Post Office has some lovely specials on children's books, often in packs, which you divide and place a small chocolate bar with it and the child is happy. I will put some gift ideas for all on the Christmas Planning page.

How are your Christmas plans going? Have you even started to make plans as yet? Let me know how its going please. Your ideas may help someone else and your concerns may find a solution. That is the wonderful positive factor of the internet and social media we can all assist each other. You can leave a comment here or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/craftmadeeasy & Twitter

This week I am finding it slow to get going, I have been putting off getting everything together and instead of working on my website, Facebook etc has been waylaid by making yoghurt, a chocolate cake for afternoon tea, even dishes, but now I have no more excuses, work I must do:

So: Recipe of the Week (link to recipe section)