We'll head up to father in laws for a few days - as we have done every year for the last 20 years. He loves having the family around him (we do the catering onsite), and he lives 5 minutes walk to an awesome beach ... but ... much as I love him dearly, I'm really looking forward to the time when we can say "bugger it" and fly off to Tassie or France. We still buy for everyone - although it is a small family - but, asides from our own kids, it's usually something like handmade, local products (chilli sauces, soaps etc) or chocolate
I'll be hanging around the houso estate next to the Bidwill shops to follow up on rumours that I have a few kids there. Apparently they look exactly like me so they should be easy to spot. I'll just hand them a bag of lollies if I see these brats. After that it's off to a mates house for a few beers.
You might have stock up on the lollies because I heard you already gave them away to the kids while you were driving your sandman
My side of the family are all coming to town, from qld and wa. We are just doing a pub lunch as no one can be bothered cooking. Then the misses side for dinner, which is always big as there are heaps of people on her side. They split it between lunch and dinner as they can't fit everyone in on one sitting. I would normally have a boys night Chrissy eve and go out on the turps having a big one. However last year was spent taking the little man around looking at all the Chrissy lights, which was way more fun. How life changes
I actually love Xmas. It is my favourite time of the year. We have a big family get together and have a feast, usually at my parents house and then Boxing Day we go to Nelson bay for 2 weeks of camping.
I posted this elsewhere: My husband and I made a decision when first married that our position in life was extremely better than many so each year instead of buying a present for ourselves we donate/use that money for our chosen charities. I thought this year in the hope of inspiring someone else to do the same, I would share our donations. My daughter has donated a backpack full of stationary items that a girl going to high school next year would need along with a few bits of jewellery and a Katy Perry perfume. My son has decided that Beyblades are making a comeback and has donated a Beyblade stadium along with several Beyblades to a boy of his age. My husband has donated to the Matthew Talbot Hostel bags of underwear, singlets, soaps, shampoos, shavers, deodorants, tooth brushes, toothpaste, notepads, pens and packets of dried fruit and confectionery. I have done something similar for a local women's refuge centre with a focus on women's products and two boxes of newborn nappies.
It's the child support agency that I'm corncerned about. Don't think they're a part of the ATO. I'll submit a spit test before parting with any money. Next time I'm out that way I'll leave a sample on their front window lol.
Working Over XMas Planning a weekend away with the family prior though, kids are at 8, 11 and 17 so Christmas is still a big deal for the younger ones Will be home for New Years
That's what happens when the Mum nominates you as the father, false names (especially in your nick of the woods) have advantages Datto
We don't do presents for ourselves or family as we don't know anyone in need and don't have time to waste buying pointless crap. We'll spend any 'Christmas present' type money on kiva or similar. My only weakness is pretty solar lights and I've gone a little bit mad in the garden and outside the house this year, but who cares? Christmas lights look so pretty IMO and will make others passing our house smile, as well as me.
We will be looking forward to Xmas this year - our new born who will have no clue what's happening, 4 and 7 year old nephews who make Xmas joyful again, seafood and beers for me - I'll be loving it
Actual Xmas day will be quiet here - hubby, myself, the toddler and the newborn. Thinking a trip to the local swimming hole, BBQ lunch, and lots of time playing with the kids. Early January we've got the extended family coming for Xmas lunch as they're all in the country then. Duck, pork, veggies all toasted on the BBQ. Have organised them all to bring a course or item to make it easy.
I have both a Greek background and I am a geek so there you go. We'll have about 18 people here for Christmas lunch. For something different, I'm going to roast 2 ducks over charcoal. Yum.
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