Wish I'd seen this last January! 

I have a much more efficient way - that is, I have never owned a tree or any decorations.

But for those that do I think it is an excellent piece of practical advice Sprout.

Why so sad Machel? 

what a brilliant idea 

Our tree is permanently decorated and collapses on itself. You simply take it out the box, which looks like a wreath, grab the middle and pull it up. Once finished just collapse it back down on itself.

Simple 

no tree? no decorations?

what about lights, crackers, candy sticks, chocolate (hidden because hubby would eat it all) it's Christmas 

Aw I'm going to make you cry more here, but I don't have any of the above, never have. No lights, crackers, chocolate, candy sticks. Nowt whatsoever.

If you came into my place on 25th of December, it could easily be 15th January or 20th November.

It's a two-fold thing with me, I am a bit lazy and cannot be bothered to buy any of the xmas stuff and I really don't care for xmas.

I keep saying that I will leave the country each year, but so far never done it. All things being well, I will hopefully have everything in place by 2017 to leave the country each year between 20th Dec and 4th Jan.

Where did you get that from?

Would love one

*grabs lifebelt before awash with tears

I used to get the word 'Scrooge' attributed to me a lot, which I always took umbrage to, but I have realised that what people use the word for is not to say I am mean or tight fisted but to describe someone who is anti-xmas or at least dismissive to the point of not wanting to participate.

I now find saying that I am Jewish is a much easier albeit inaccurate way to stop people bothering me about xmas.

I get the first bit 

But the second bit - I hope you are talking about your allegiances 

Or his boss!

I get the first bit but for an owl the second does not exist

Ditto.

We also chatted about taking everyone with us but the logistics are a nightmare.  Plus The Sagas are set in their ways & every Christmas spent with all 4 still sitting at the table is a blessing.  

I actually don't mind cooking for them all really - I just like moaning about it beforehand 

Wow! A collapsible tree?! That sounds amazing, can we see a video of one from somewhere?!

had a brochure in the post today and saw a pop up tree 

http://www.poundstretcher.co.u...-christmas-tree.html

not sure if this is what Rawky means

You were dazzled by the word "pop-up" - weren't you??

I'm with EC on this one. 

Christmas doesn't make economic sense. You aren't buying each other presents, you are buying John Lewis, Binsies, Boots, and Argos presents. Other agents of your capitalist market economy are available. Think landfill.

We are now at the stage where I buy my own things for Mrs Jer to give to people to give me! So far I managed to find a box set of GofT books for £30 in that Whitby remainder shop, a still wrapped jigsaw of the Brandenburg Gate for £1.50 in the heart shop, and a second hand copy of "all things must pass!" Someone will get my favourite aftershave and beer. Other gifts are already bought. Then we have to start doing cards, although I do like writing letters.

As usual we will outsource the Christmas experience at a nearby hotel and then Thank Bog! Football on 26th!

The best suggestion I've heard recently is to celebrate Christmas every four years like the World Cup.

Xmas is what you make it - just like life

At least we have the choice