CaliforniaBride

We have a rule here we can't put decorations up until the weekend after Thanksgiving. But then we live in the 'Christmas Lights Area' (even according to the local realtor) so their are lots of 'rules' about Christmas lights.

Bob

around here, people hedge bets on when the snows going to hit bad and try to beat it..once it's snowed, the lights all freeze into place and can't be removed anyway till it's melted...scary how people still switch them on though well after x-mas

Angry White Pyjamas

Once again we shall be having Xmas day on the beach I have no doubt.

Actually its kindsa weird having cards with snowmen and winter scenes on them and "snow" covered decorations...when outside its 78f and blazing sunshine and you have to put the sunscreen on to go to the beach after Xmas lunch.

Bob

that has to be a bit disconcerting doesn't it...about the only time when snow is someone tolerated *l*

NC Penguin

Absolute nuisance to have to carry Christmas presents to the UK unwrapped. Didn't bother to bring wrapping paper with me.

Luckily, the hotel let me use their tape and lent me a pair of scissors so I was able to wrap pressies after I'd made a trip to WHSmiths to get paper. In addition, I'm going to a birthday party today so when I went to my parents, I used some of their paper to wrap the birthday present.

One present (not given as a Christmas present though) I'm giving is a set of American measuring cups.

I've also brought "Christmas Mix" of candy in seasonal bags (mine are made by Jelly Belly) as Christmas presents. Don't exactly know what makes up Christmas mix but I don't think it exists in the UK so it's something American that my recipients might enjoy.



NC Penguin

doctor scrumpy

It has beend ecided we will do Xmas cards this year, with gift tags enclosed. The Memsahib & I will buy something to wrap & mark it from my Mum, brother etc, and they will do the same over there.

Least that way we get a gift from them, and everyone spends roughly the same amount on gifts. Royal Mail & US Post dip out on postage though.

Angry White Pyjamas

Yeah. Last year really didnt seem like Xmas at all....Just another thanksgiving style dinner with crackers and funny hats. Not much chance of actually making a snowman here at all.

Mind you look at this pic from 1989...granted it was North Florida and hasnt happened since, but you never know:

CaliforniaBride

Where dyou get your crackers? I asked for them in a store here once and they took me to a box of Ritz bicuits!! They do them in the Brit shop here but there's not much choice. I found them in Williams Sonoma last year but they were soooo boring looking. I did find out that it's legal to post them here so I may get my grandmother to send some to me.

clydegirl

Target has crackers and I've seen them in Marshalls.

Sarah

For Husband : Coffee roaster
The Body Shop shaving stuff
Cigars


For me: Stevia cookbook
Back on the Road: A Journey Through Latin America by Ernesto Che
Guevara
Toasted Sandwich maker
A million little pieces By James Frey
SpongeBob Squarepants computer game for the telly.


Oh boy I feel like a totally boring and unoriginal individual.

Angry White Pyjamas

Publix had them on their Brit stand last yeat. But these ones my MIL brought over with her.

Bob

The Christmas Tree shop had a great range, 8-10 pack, small to large sized crackers from $3-6...don't know how good they are, but I went and got a box

Bob

You should have a listen to the Mark Steele Lectures, the Che one is pretty funny, it's only 19.3mb if your interested

antjen

you mean like these??

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/searc...uctCode=GLRVAR

Ant

Big D

They are EVERYWHERE here this year - even loads in Pier 1 and you can get make your own ones in places too!