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Dec. 28th, 2017 10:47 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
turpsAs I said yesterday, Christmas was good.
We had the first gathering on the 23rd, I served mulled wine and pizzas, then later cake, and it all seemed to be enjoyed. It was only mam and my in laws that day as Pauline was double booked, and of course, nanna was a big miss. Corey had come home the day before, and it was just a nice time, watching festive stuff on tv, talking, serving thousands of coffees and food.
Christmas eve was busy. Our original plan had been to send presents home with the in-laws meaning we wouldn't have to travel there on Christmas eve, but that didn't happen so we ended up doing all the relatives. My brother and his family, Pauline, my in-laws, then James wanted to get some last minute presents and Corey announced he could do with some socks, so we went to Sunderland and split up, meeting up in Starbucks later. While there I had egg nog for the first time, and it was vile, far too sweet. It could be that the actual version is nicer than what SBs serve, but I just couldn't deal with the texture or sugar content, and drank only a few sips.
On the evening the plan was a Christmas eve curry at mam's, meeting Kayleigh and her girlfriend there. That's when I posted, but just after that it looked like Christmas was about to go belly up when mam freaked about times, saying neither me or Kayleigh had told her when we'd be going up and she'd been sat over all day by various people -- which turned out to be Kayleigh's friend dropping off a gift for mam and staying all of 20 mins and someone dropping off a parcel. Mam got herself in a right strop, Kayleigh walked out, and all I could think was, here we go. But it worked out in the end. Mam hasn't been well lately and has been buying presents online, and had done no wrapping at all. She gets worked up really easily, and instead of asking for help had lashed out. But a few hours later she calmed down, Kayleigh wrapped the presents for me, Corey and James, and then I wrapped the stuff for Shauna and Kayleigh. We did have curry, much later than planned but it was still delicious, and I finally got home close to midnight.
Christmas day was busy. I cooked the full meal, and if I say so myself, it all tasted great. Though yet again made far too much. Usually mam gets me a Lush gift voucher and books, but this year went rogue now she's an online shopping pro and I got a good hairdryer, hair straighteners, and a curl thing that pulls your hair into the curler and leaves waves and ringlets. Mam's always loved my hair curly, but sadly it doesn't take curls well at all. But as she said, I've got new clothes, started dying my lashes etc. All that was left was my hair, which is fair enough, and I have had fun trying for curls. She also got me and James a load of Star Wars stuff, including 8 new mugs, a desk hoover and a Jedi meerkat which is all kinds of awesome. Oh, and a personalised dressing gown exactly the same as Kayleigh and Shauna's so we can all match, except our names of course. I've never had anything personalised as Terri isn't a common name here, so that was a fun thing to get.
I really did get good stuff this year. Lots of clothes, a new fitbit as the battery on my old one was goosed. Lush stuff, perfume, a small toblerone. Though that made me think of nanna who always bought me a big one, and wrapped it by putting a piece of wrapping paper around it, no tape used, and then putting it in a gift bag. I missed that present. Mam, Kayleigh and Shauna called down, I talked to many other people, and I just enjoyed the day.
Boxing day was different than usual. I still made the boxing day buffet, but for the first time ever I went to the boxing day sales at the actual shops. Lush didn't have an online sale this year, and when she found out James was at work Kayleigh suggested we went to the sales at Metrocenter together, so we did. I had to get up at 5am, and we were at the shops by 6. The Next sale was already going on when we got there, so I stocked up on Christmas candles and a lovely cushion. Then we went to get in line for Lush, which wasn't opening for nearly 3 hours, but, we were only a few people back and considering by the time the place opened at 9 there was at least 500 people waiting, it was well worth it. I was a bit worried they were going to let everyone in at once, but what they did was count people in, and only let more in when the same amount came out. As a system it worked brilliantly, and as we were in the first batch of people let in had the pick of the shop. Lets just say I spent a lot, but now have enough half price Lush products to last me into the summer.
Yesterday Corey went back to Newcastle. He was going to stay longer but had bought his girlfriend a custom necklace from Canada, and it was going to be delivered from 8am on the 27th. As it's expensive he couldn't take the risk of missing the delivery, so James dropped him off on the way to work. He went back with all his presents and a load of food stuff. Even so, we'll be living on snacky stuff for weeks, and James will be looking like a cake if he eats everything left over.
So yeah, in all it's been good. Originally we were meant to be hosting another gathering tomorrow, but James is exhausted. He spent half of Christmas day asleep and fell asleep as soon as he got home boxing day evening. We already need to take mam's cat to the vets and pick up James' glasses tomorrow, adding on a gathering on top of that was too much. So it's been knocked on the head.
Now, some photos. Of my decorations, which Turlough calls kitsch, but which in reality should probably be Christmas tacky, which is just how I like them, and a few of us from the last few days, and taken from insta.
Included, photos from Christmas eve including Kayleigh and Shauna in their matching cow onsies, from Metrocentre and the Lush queue, and decorations. Also James and his decorated leg. He's still lit up now, and intends to be so until new year.
Finally, I want to thank people for their cards, and gifts. Thank youturlough for the lovely cushion and beautiful cat card, romantical for the excellent bag of fun stuff, ephemera for the sparkle deer decoration and sperrywink for the beautiful decorations. And to theladysnarkydame, fleurrochard, rikes, saba1789, nopsued, wenchpixie, madam_beetroot, tara, pensnest, ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
_bettina_ spasticat, stellamira, egelantier, spasticat, gh0sts, castalie.
Thank you all, your cards have been lovely to receive, and the messages inside wonderful to read ♥
Also, thank you to Sperrywink for the paid account. It's lovely to have my icons back xoxo for you.
It's actually sunny today so I'm off for a walk soon before seeing mam. Then more reading is in my future I think.
We had the first gathering on the 23rd, I served mulled wine and pizzas, then later cake, and it all seemed to be enjoyed. It was only mam and my in laws that day as Pauline was double booked, and of course, nanna was a big miss. Corey had come home the day before, and it was just a nice time, watching festive stuff on tv, talking, serving thousands of coffees and food.
Christmas eve was busy. Our original plan had been to send presents home with the in-laws meaning we wouldn't have to travel there on Christmas eve, but that didn't happen so we ended up doing all the relatives. My brother and his family, Pauline, my in-laws, then James wanted to get some last minute presents and Corey announced he could do with some socks, so we went to Sunderland and split up, meeting up in Starbucks later. While there I had egg nog for the first time, and it was vile, far too sweet. It could be that the actual version is nicer than what SBs serve, but I just couldn't deal with the texture or sugar content, and drank only a few sips.
On the evening the plan was a Christmas eve curry at mam's, meeting Kayleigh and her girlfriend there. That's when I posted, but just after that it looked like Christmas was about to go belly up when mam freaked about times, saying neither me or Kayleigh had told her when we'd be going up and she'd been sat over all day by various people -- which turned out to be Kayleigh's friend dropping off a gift for mam and staying all of 20 mins and someone dropping off a parcel. Mam got herself in a right strop, Kayleigh walked out, and all I could think was, here we go. But it worked out in the end. Mam hasn't been well lately and has been buying presents online, and had done no wrapping at all. She gets worked up really easily, and instead of asking for help had lashed out. But a few hours later she calmed down, Kayleigh wrapped the presents for me, Corey and James, and then I wrapped the stuff for Shauna and Kayleigh. We did have curry, much later than planned but it was still delicious, and I finally got home close to midnight.
Christmas day was busy. I cooked the full meal, and if I say so myself, it all tasted great. Though yet again made far too much. Usually mam gets me a Lush gift voucher and books, but this year went rogue now she's an online shopping pro and I got a good hairdryer, hair straighteners, and a curl thing that pulls your hair into the curler and leaves waves and ringlets. Mam's always loved my hair curly, but sadly it doesn't take curls well at all. But as she said, I've got new clothes, started dying my lashes etc. All that was left was my hair, which is fair enough, and I have had fun trying for curls. She also got me and James a load of Star Wars stuff, including 8 new mugs, a desk hoover and a Jedi meerkat which is all kinds of awesome. Oh, and a personalised dressing gown exactly the same as Kayleigh and Shauna's so we can all match, except our names of course. I've never had anything personalised as Terri isn't a common name here, so that was a fun thing to get.
I really did get good stuff this year. Lots of clothes, a new fitbit as the battery on my old one was goosed. Lush stuff, perfume, a small toblerone. Though that made me think of nanna who always bought me a big one, and wrapped it by putting a piece of wrapping paper around it, no tape used, and then putting it in a gift bag. I missed that present. Mam, Kayleigh and Shauna called down, I talked to many other people, and I just enjoyed the day.
Boxing day was different than usual. I still made the boxing day buffet, but for the first time ever I went to the boxing day sales at the actual shops. Lush didn't have an online sale this year, and when she found out James was at work Kayleigh suggested we went to the sales at Metrocenter together, so we did. I had to get up at 5am, and we were at the shops by 6. The Next sale was already going on when we got there, so I stocked up on Christmas candles and a lovely cushion. Then we went to get in line for Lush, which wasn't opening for nearly 3 hours, but, we were only a few people back and considering by the time the place opened at 9 there was at least 500 people waiting, it was well worth it. I was a bit worried they were going to let everyone in at once, but what they did was count people in, and only let more in when the same amount came out. As a system it worked brilliantly, and as we were in the first batch of people let in had the pick of the shop. Lets just say I spent a lot, but now have enough half price Lush products to last me into the summer.
Yesterday Corey went back to Newcastle. He was going to stay longer but had bought his girlfriend a custom necklace from Canada, and it was going to be delivered from 8am on the 27th. As it's expensive he couldn't take the risk of missing the delivery, so James dropped him off on the way to work. He went back with all his presents and a load of food stuff. Even so, we'll be living on snacky stuff for weeks, and James will be looking like a cake if he eats everything left over.
So yeah, in all it's been good. Originally we were meant to be hosting another gathering tomorrow, but James is exhausted. He spent half of Christmas day asleep and fell asleep as soon as he got home boxing day evening. We already need to take mam's cat to the vets and pick up James' glasses tomorrow, adding on a gathering on top of that was too much. So it's been knocked on the head.
Now, some photos. Of my decorations, which Turlough calls kitsch, but which in reality should probably be Christmas tacky, which is just how I like them, and a few of us from the last few days, and taken from insta.
Included, photos from Christmas eve including Kayleigh and Shauna in their matching cow onsies, from Metrocentre and the Lush queue, and decorations. Also James and his decorated leg. He's still lit up now, and intends to be so until new year.
Finally, I want to thank people for their cards, and gifts. Thank you
turlough for the lovely cushion and beautiful cat card, romantical for the excellent bag of fun stuff, ephemera for the sparkle deer decoration and sperrywink for the beautiful decorations. And to theladysnarkydame, fleurrochard, rikes, saba1789, nopsued, wenchpixie, madam_beetroot, tara, pensnest, _bettina_ spasticat, stellamira, egelantier, spasticat, gh0sts, castalie.Thank you all, your cards have been lovely to receive, and the messages inside wonderful to read ♥
Also, thank you to Sperrywink for the paid account. It's lovely to have my icons back xoxo for you.
It's actually sunny today so I'm off for a walk soon before seeing mam. Then more reading is in my future I think.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-28 12:20 pm (UTC)I have not braved the sales this year, you are very brave!!
no subject
Date: 2017-12-28 02:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-12-28 04:47 pm (UTC)I love James' lighted up leg, ahahaha. He cracks me up.
I can't believe that line for Lush. Sheesh. Good you got in early.
You're welcome on all accounts.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-28 05:00 pm (UTC)He gets so much attention with that leg. Thankfully he enjoys it *g*
The line was ridiculous. It didn't help there was a very annoying girl behind me who kept flapping around panicking that she wouldn't get the stuff she was after. At one point I thought she was going to rugby tackle someone who stopped to look in the shop window after the queue had been moved to the other side of the walkway.
♥
no subject
Date: 2017-12-28 05:05 pm (UTC)I'd heard horror stories about the Next sale, but thankfully it wasn't too bad in terms of the crush. Kayleigh's already said she's going to ask for next boxing day off work, so I guess she thinks it's our new tradition.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-28 05:06 pm (UTC)I hope you did, too.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-28 06:16 pm (UTC)Glad to hear you had a good holiday!
no subject
Date: 2017-12-28 06:18 pm (UTC)Hope you had a good Christmas, too.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-28 08:45 pm (UTC)I love all your Christmas tacky! It's so sparkly and festive. Wow, Corey has REALLY long legs! I love Kayleigh and her girlfriend's cow onesies. They look so comfy. And James' illuminated leg is fabulous! Also, that fairy light tree is fantastic! I take it that is in Metrocenter?
You have sunshine?! I'm so envious! I hope you got to enjoy it properly!
no subject
Date: 2017-12-29 07:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-12-30 12:57 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-12-31 02:00 am (UTC)Also, James's lit-up leg looks fabulous!
no subject
Date: 2017-12-31 06:00 am (UTC)That Lush line looks intense, but it sounds like you really made it your bitch, so -- yay!
no subject
Date: 2017-12-31 05:14 pm (UTC)James has loved his lit-up leg. It's having the last outing tonight when he's at work. Then that will be it until next year.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-31 05:17 pm (UTC)The Lush line was ridiculous. Plus there was a woman behind me who was getting worked up whenever anyone stopped to look in the window. I guess she was worried they'd push in, but no way would the Lush staff let that happen.
no subject
Date: 2017-12-31 05:20 pm (UTC)It was the first year I've ever been shopping on Boxing day. Usually, I'd be sitting in my pjs eating a turkey and stuffing sandwich. Amazingly it wasn't that busy first thing, but was getting manic when we left.
no subject
Date: 2018-01-01 08:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-01-02 05:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-01-06 04:18 pm (UTC)Festive and sparkly is the way to go. Corey has ridiculously long legs. I think the photo where he's kneeling is weird, I'm so used to him being so much taller than us.
Yep, the fairy tree light is in one of the main malls of the Metrocenter. Usually, it's surrounded by people, so I had to take a photo where all was still and dim.
We did have sunshine. Then it went, and we've had grey and wet for days now.