Happy Thrifty Christmas!

Well, it’s a funny old Christmas here. If you are wondering why I’ve been a little quiet in recent weeks, it’s because Thrifty Baby’s arrival is imminent… late, in fact. This also meant that a few weeks ago it dawned on us (again, somewhat late – can you spot a theme developing here?) that we didn’t have much baby prep time left.

So instead of making the house look nice for Christmas, we’ve been making the house look like this:

DIY everywhere and lots and lots of laundry, as we rush to get everything ready in time.

My giant bag of soap nuts from Summer Naturals has been going down fast! Apparently soap nuts are suitable for baby clothes, as the soap is very gentle and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. I do hope so, as I have been washing a lot of baby clothes.

I’ve been drying everything on the rads, as we don’t have a tumble dryer and trying to line-dry anything in North Yorkshire in December is a fool’s errand…

Those little onesies are amongst the very few items that we have bought new (ASDA, six for £5 if memory serves.) We are tremendously grateful as we have have bought very little: instead, friends and acquaintances have passed down a large number of newborn baby items. It has been unexpected – and rather brilliant. I have also picked up discounted products in supermarkets and bargain items at second-hand sales. We’re at the stage now where I think we have everything we could possibly need… but more on this at a later date, as I don’t want to tempt fate at this stage!

So now the baby items are all neatly folded, stacked and in place; the much-needed DIY is finally done and the house is looking spick and span. And in the nick of time, we’re finally ready for Christmas. Hurrah!

Big glittery star: another ASDA bargain (75p).

Christmas food: bring it on.

My favourite Christmas decorations, wheeled out year after year.

Okay, we’re all good to go, Santa Claus (and the baby) can come out now…

I’d like to thank you for reading this blog over the past year, and wish you a very Happy Christmas. Here’s to a thrifty 2012!

Large image credit: emilyonasunday.