Christmas is around the corner!

So the festive season is upon us, there's frost on the ground (in N.I anyway) the adverts are flashing everywhere you look attempting to suck you in to commercialism and spend every penny in your bank (or overdraft). Well for me i'm holding two fingers up to this idea of Christmas, as I don't believe this is how it should be celebrated! Christmas is about family, good food, all mucking in together, building snowmen, board games hot mulled wine and thoughtful gifts (usually handmade or cheap tokens). Especially since i've been living across the water from my family i'm sure just having me home for the festive season will be a good enough present hehe :P

A few years back me and a friend made a pact for xmas gifts. It had to be free, found "acquired" homemade or for a good cause. For example anything you find on the street, freebies from websites/samples in the post, homemade gifts or a thoughtful gift in a charity shop (up to £5)  Having this challenge for xmas has been a much more exciting use of my time, and we always end up with great gifts each!

What's your idea of a great Christmas? How much will you be spending on presents and food? Will you give in to the temptation of high street shops with their sparkly advertisements and fake snow? Or will you be creating a low budget, homemade, heartfelt xmas like myself?