Thanks Laura!!
Well I'm half-way there and I don't let Christmas put me under any pressure. We've got an easy-going routine, and the relatives that visit are happy to muck in and don't expect to be waited on hand and foot. In the past years I've always over-shopped on biscuits etc that lasted us into Jan and Feb so this year I will try to be more careful!
My present shopping is nearly complete, including DH family, except the hard-to-buy men. Presents for DH I have nearly sorted now as well - his birthday is on the 24th to make life that bit more challenging!!
I have even bought some presents for myself from long-distance relations, as usual...
I have done nearly all my shopping online, a lot on amazon but the best site for unique quality gifts for special people is
Gift Ideas, Unique Gifts and Personalised Gifts | notonthehighstreet.com
I wish I had know about it last year when shopping for DH 40th birthday!
I also picked a few small things up in my lunch hour in town.
As I said earlier I made chutneys and jams and lots of people are getting some... I also put together 4 jars of 'Christmas Muffin mix', where the recipient just has to add eggs and butter and make them. they looked and smelled gorgeous, and I had space to put paper muffin cases in the top of the jar (after sealing the ingredients off with a layer of aluminium foil)
Christmas muffin mix recipe - Recipes - BBC Good Food
No wrapping done yet except those I was sending on with my parents last week.
Cards are bought, but thats' all. Plenty of wrapping paper left over and recycled from last year.
Food planned in outline (like: I need to get an affordable goose before it's too late! And I've bought some Christmas goodies). Baking for presents planned in outline, I think I need to get more ingredients.
I am making (mostly to give away)
cinnamon and raisin biscuits (refrigerator biscuits you slice and bake)
chocolate almond and apricot biscuits (-"-)
nutty vanilla biscuits (with a biscuit press)
lebkuchen (first attempt this year! with the kids)
decorated shortbread (with the kids!)
Cinnamon Stars (my favourite, more labour-intensive but worth it)
Advent calendars: sweeties are ready bought, just need to be inserted/tied on now.
Annual Christmas food shopping trip to LIDL planned for the end of the week....
I think that's enough from me for now!! Next time I'll tell you about the mix of German and English (British!) traditions at our house!