at xmas our family always has trifle.  we don't bothe withthe alcohol, just good old sponge, raspberry jam, raspberry jelly, custard, cream and of course a chocolate flake sprinkled on top. yum

family time is always good, but a sit down with a cup of tea and a tim tam when everyone has gone to bed is also nice

I have learnt over the years to accept peoples offers.  I'll buy you lunch, come over to our house for dinner, all of those sort of things.  mum used to and still does buy me the odd packet of toilet rolls every now and then.  semms weird, but if I don't have to buy such things, then I'm saving money.  Also, use all of the things in your cupboards.  When I was pregnant and took maternity leave for 12 months, I did not buy 1 beauty product.  My cupboards were filled with half used bottles of creams, shampoos and hair styling products.  so i just kept using them.  then xmas would come around and my mother in law wuld buy me more cream.  I don't think I have had to buy more  yet.  They may not always be the exact ones you want, but still do the trick.

jeans most of the time.  especially when running around after little ones.  would'nt want anyone to get a surprise!

my sister made this really cool catepillar cake out of lots of different coloured cupcakes.  it was really simple to do and very cute and effective.  you just line the cupcakes up in a wavey pattern add some legs of some sort (like licorice) and use other lollies for the face.  One it was finished, the family really enjoyed it.  I don't think it is boring to just have the family around.  It is really nice to have the ones you love close and well enough to share the special times with you.