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So - has anyone any ideas for a 'different' Christmas gift? Have you received something a little less traditional that really made your day?

Last year I sponsered a giraffe at London zoo for one friend, she was really chuffed with it.

Most of the gifts I receive tend to be tree related - books, certificates, storage etc.

Are you in the spirit of things yet?

We are not going away for Christmas now so I am a bit more into it this year than the last couple though my tree will not go up for another couple of weeks. There are loads in my area that have had their houses lit OTT for at least a fortnight. I don't like to see it, it drags it out far too long for starters. I much prefer subtle decoration. A nice traditional, simple tree for me.
I might cover my desk at the office in tinsel though, just to wind my bah humbug husband up

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Mel

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In the past I have done adoption presents of Horses, Ponies and Donkeys, especially for the kiddies. I myself have had an adopted donkey called Tufty for about 10 years, you get photos's and letters from your adopted animal throught the year.


Stephanie.

The e mail address for the above Adoption Scheme;

www.redwings.org.uk


Stephanie.

We play 'spot the tree' Mel when we are out in the car, see who is first to spot a tree in a house window. The first one we saw was 2 weeks ago, faaaaaaar too soon, they will only collect dust wont they! We put ours up the week before Christmas and leave it up for the required 12 days after, think that is quite long enough, I love looking at it when it goes up, but as soon as Christmas has gone I cant wait to take it down.
Like you Mel, I too think less is more, just a lovely traditional tree, no trimmings for us. My M-I-L likes the works, massive tree, trimmings up on the ceiling and in the windows, trouble is she cant do it herself due to age, so us two muggings do it for her, we have been doing it now for 17 years, mind you she has a lot of children coming to her house, that is her excuse anyway. Going to try an get her to get rid of ceiling trimmings this year, as you can image it is a real chore. It is a full afternoon of a job, mind you she makes us a lovely potatoe pie tea with a home made pudding for afters, so it does have it's perks.


Stephanie.

These are another couple of tried and trusted web sites for unusual gifts, I like to give quirky presents sometimes:

www.gettingpersonal.co.uk
www.hawkin.com

The last one deals with a lot of presents that you wont see in the shops anymore, toys and games of 'days gone by'.


Stephanie.

I like practical things for Christmas. It really bugs me when I put a lot of thought into works secret Santa gift and I get some crap gift in return. One year I received a pen that didn’t work, and last year I received a paper airplane making kit.

I used to drop heavy hints to everybody about what I did'nt like, just in case, it usually worked. They sound well crap Kris, dont blame you for feeling miffed, we used to put a price tag on how much to spend then everyone got the same value gift.


Stephanie.

Stephanie, we do the same at work, its £10! So what kind of person spends £10 on a pen that doesn’t work? Last year I had to buy for a man who would wear the same tie EVERYDAY, so I bought him a nice new tie for £10 that was reduced by 50%….at least it was practical, and now he has two ties!

I used to be a member with Redwings Stephanie. I adopted for my niece. I don't do the adoption now but I do send a donation annually.

I have one family of 6 that I usually buy for but have decided that I am going to stop it this year and make a donation to charity instead. It's all far too commercialised and the true meaning is gone. Speaking of which, I must phone her tonight to tell her.

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Mel

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My hubby and I are very involved with the DogGuides of Canada organization...we fostered puppies previously for their first year...and now have adopted a wonderful dog who has been retired from the program. For Christmas this year all adult children and those 16 and over in our buying circle will have a donation made to this organization in their own name. Sponsoring the least expensive dog (for hearing ear service) costs $4,000 (for visually impaired service is $20,000)....so, by the time we have paid out those donations, and have opted OUT of having Xmas at OUR house this year (!), a big chunk of the cost of training one dog will be covered. We will continue to add to that donation throughout the year at birthday times. We then have the privilege of naming the pup and getting regular reports on his/her progress. We also will be invited to attend that dog's graduation when it is finished advanced training at about 1.5 years of age...and meet it's new handler, to whom the service dog will be provided absolutely cost free.

Holiday Eating Tips

*Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table
knows nothing of the **Christmas spirit**. In fact, if you see carrots,
leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.**

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot
find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has
10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an
eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me.
Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy.
Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed
potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or
whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car
with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your
eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other
people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's.
You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the
time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while
carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted
Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near
them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of
attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind,
you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple,Pumpkin,Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you
don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three.
When else do you get to have more than one dessert? LaborDay?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory
celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or
get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips;
start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.*

Good one Sue.

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Mel

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Yipppppeeee
With the exception of some gift vouchers, I'm done

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Mel

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Ha ha who's miss smarty pants then?
I still have 20'odd cards to write, and just an odd present to get.
On the subject of cards. Can I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May all your brick walls fall down

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Mine is a yipeeeeee too, all cards and letters written and sent as well, I also handmade all my cards, how is that for a smarty pants


Stephanie.