Last weekend, I celebrated my birthday by buying our Christmas tree with John, decorating it with my college roommate who was visiting from the States, and wrapping presents to put under the tree (NB - totally awesome tree in the photo above is from a restaurant in Bruges last year and sadly, not the one we have in our house!). It was so much fun.
I love, love, love seeing the tree in situ - it looks like it always belongs in that corner of our living room and I remember thinking the same thing last year! It's also making me very excited for my parents' imminent arrival this weekend - I haven't seen them since May!
If you live in London, I'd encourage you to take part in the Metropolitan Police's Christmas Tree Project. It's not too widely publicized, but you can pick a borough closest to you and be matched with a child to purchase a present for this Christmas - a child that might not otherwise have any gifts to open on Christmas Day.
Last year, I was paired with a newborn girl - which was pretty heartbreaking. I chose a sweet, fleece onesie from M&S and delivered it to Islington Police Station, hoping that it would keep her warm throughout the winter months. This year, I have a 13-year-old boy and I'm totally stumped. I'm so not down with the cool kids. Any ideas?
Oh, this is so so sweet! Comic books? (Or is that too old fashioned?)
ReplyDeleteOoh - great idea!
DeleteWhat a great idea ... I'm signing up! For your gift, I'd suggest something Star Wars related.
ReplyDeleteLooking into it now, Ruth! Thanks for the suggestion!
DeleteI don't even know what that is! I'm SO out of touch. Thank you for the suggestion - on my way to Google it now! haha!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! Something Marvel related might work? xx
ReplyDeleteooh - another good idea - thanks, Ayushi! xx
DeleteThat's a lovely idea, shame I haven't heard of it before. I'm no help with teenage boys I'm afraid, I have an 8 year old nephew and that's the limit of my knowledge. For what it's worth he's into Star Wars, Minecraft and Lego (ideal if you can combine any/all of the above) but I see those have already been suggested so I've basically contributed nothing here!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of going down the Lego route, actually, but I didn't know if that was considered cool or not, Rachel! The one I was look at did say up to age 14, so ...
DeleteAw how fun to see your ex-roommate AND parents! How often do you see your parents? Just curious as you're a long term expat and I still feel like a newbie. I do a similar Christmas charity at home - I always love choosing gifts your babies and picking out onesies and toys. My boyfriend pretty much acts like a 13 year old boy so in light of that (lol......kinda) I'd recommend rocket league (PS4 game...the game itself is affordable on amazon but obviously he very well may not have access to a PS4), football kit, clash of clans items, or sweets?? Good luck!
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