Favourite gifts?

Excitement?

Oops - how did that happen ?

, numberplease !!

, numberplease !!

Marelli, I`m so pleased for you, I know how upset you`ve been over the last couple of years xx
My youngest grandson didn`t get what Santa left here until Boxing Day. He unwrapped all his presents, one of which was a (quite expensive) remote controlled truck, but what he was absolutely over the moon about was a chocolate video game control pad!!

f77, thanks, I'll try that

I was careful to stress to the family that I didn't need or want anything. So was only a little peeve that I didn't get much. But I got a lovely brooch from one DD and a very nice blouse from the other one.

And I've also got a glass globe with flowers on, and a candle inside. And an Amaryllis bulb. Haven't grown one of those in years!

My favourite gift was a framed collection of photos of our family gathering weekend last July, to celebrate our Golden Wedding. It now has pride of place in the hall and makes me smile every time I go past.

Trish , I was told by an old chap that if boots are tight you just find a potato slightly too large and force it in . Leave it for a few days to stretch .

No presents for me . Something I decided myself a few years ago . We all now just buy for the grandkids , really folks it is liberating ! I don`t send cards either , just make a donation to Shelter instead .

We are away for Christmas, therefore had to take very small presents. I bought cuff links for DH and a book token for myself from DH as usual he hadn't got a clue what to get me. I'm looking for ward to the luxury of buying some new best sellers as opposed to charity shop books.

Can you swop them for a half size bigger?

If you wear them with pop socks hopefully the leather will soften and stretch before too ling.

Wear pop socks or other thin socks or tights and consult a cobbler! They sound far too precious to try any method other than a professional one! Can the manufacturer suggest something?

A pair of Dublin stable boots - knee high waterproof leather, nice looking and hard wearing, from DH.
However, the ankle fitting is tight (no zip so as to keep them waterproof), I can get them on in my bare feet but not with socks on. Any suggestions for stretching the leather around the ankle?

This is such a lovely, warm-hearted thread. Tegan, I'm very impressed by your old crate !

DH said lets not bother with pressies this year. Being in a 'bah humbug' mood I agreed.

It turned out that all the family including OH had clubbed together to get me a personalised car number plate. I was thrilled and even more thrilled that they had guessed that this overweight, untrendy pensioner grannie coveted one. (I never ever hinted that I wanted one). Why I wanted one I do not know, totally out of character.

When I am herding the grandkids into the car seats and getting hot and bothered or battling with the shopping bags I shall just look at it and chuckle with the sheer silliness and frivolity of it.

One happy lady for two reasons, one the present and two my lovely family.

I love old crates...the S.O. found this one for me

That's lovely Marelli Shows it's always worth keeping the door open.

My favourite was a set of 'mummy pig' jamas and matching slippers.

16-year-old DGD (who had withdrawn from us a couple of years ago when her parents' marriage failed) sent us a present of wine and chocolates. I'm just so glad I didn't give up on sending wee texts now and again - even though they were never answered.
So happy!

Hi falcongran,
There is definately life on your own. I got a beautiful rescue west highland terrier in August. She had been a breeding bitch so spent a lot of time shut in a shed with a concrete run. She is learning the joys of running in grass and playing with her toys, a new skill for her. I have spoken to so many other dog owners I can't be lonely. A small companion is a joy when you are on your own.

My husband painted me a lovely picture and after spending the day on our own, we spoke on Skype to our two sons and their families in different parts of the world for almost an hour.

My best presents were handmade snowman and candle holder from 2 of my grandchildren.

Congratulations EllenMay a wonderful christmas present.

We had been staying at DD & SIL's house looking after their girls as DD had been admitted to the maternity unit last Tuesday. As some of you know from my previous post DGD3 was born on Christmas eve.
My DS & his partner arrived there on Christmas Eve just after DD & new baby came home.

My very best present ever, was the fact that we were all there together, sharing the wonder of the little one's first 48 hours in the world. It was truly a privilege and very, very special for all of us.

We came home to our own house last night leaving them all to coorie in and get to know the new baby.

DD gave me a Fitbit & DS gave me a poetry book. I think they each see me differently