6th Annual Christmas Thread

[100AcreWood]

No one knows for sure. Some she just left behind when they moved from place to place. However, we are pretty sure she has taken anything worth any money and has sold them. Most likely for drugs, a fancy phone, and clothes. It is really sad. My aunt and uncle tried to take the kids and keep them but it just did not work. It meant they ended up with 8 people in their house (my grandmother lives with them). It was really impacting the physical health of my uncle (who had a heart attack) and my grandmother (who is like 86). Plus, some of the kids were stealing things from others (jewelry of my aunt's). We are pretty sure they got that from their mom as well...

Sorry to be a downer lol... it just sucks because those kids miss out on so much. Right now all by the oldest boy (nephew 3) is back living with their mom. Nephew 3 threatened to run away or hurt himself if he was made to go back so he is still with my aunt and uncle. Apparently he is really blooming with this set up!

Oh that is sad. We have some of this kind of stuff going on in our extended family as well. It makes you feel so bad for the kids. I told my mom to just stop telling me about it because it's so upsetting.

 

[luvmy3]

Wow some of you are really putting me to shame
I am so sad that while at WDW I did not get a single Christmas gift. My kids were just not interested in anything there, other than what they bought while there. My one ds didn't even spend his souvenir money on souvenirs, he spent it at the arcade! I was counting on getting the little fillers there, but now I have to find stuff here at home.

My dd has been complaining about her ipod touch and her cell phone. I think I may just get her an iphone and consider that both her Christmas and birthday present. We do not do cell contracts so the cost of the phone will be her entire Christmas and birthday "budget". I'm sure she will be okay with that.
My 2 dses want the new Xbox 1 that is coming out. I am really considering it. On the one hand, it makes it very easy and between the console, xtra controller and the couple games it would take care of their entire Christmas budget combined. On the other hand, the last thing we need in this house is another video game console (we have an Xbox and a Wii, plus 3DSes, ipod touches).

I really thought the older they got the easier it would be, but I miss the days I could shop all year for toys I knew they would love. Maybe I'll just wrap up a big pile of money for them

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Maybe I'll just wrap up a big pile of money for them

My ds15 would be perfectly happy with that! But it would make Christmas morning go way too quickly. We need something to do before the Disney Christmas parade!

Maria

 

[luvmy3]

My ds15 would be perfectly happy with that! But it would make Christmas morning go way too quickly. We need something to do before the Disney Christmas parade!

Maria

We could always wrap up a whole bunch of $1 bill individually

 

[bas71873]

We could always wrap up a whole bunch of $1 bill individually

In all seriousness, they have some really cute and fun ways to give money on Pinterest. I've used a few of them for some family birthday gifts and some bday gifts for DD's friends....

 

[Egdisney]

I just got my kiddos a joint gift of a Plasma Car (well, its equivalent) from Zulily. I'd been thinking about one, and then they were on Zulily for $27.99! With their 15% off deal and shipping it was $33 which is a steal.

Dang it! I was just looking for Plasma cars yesterday, I must have just missed them pn zulily. My mom has some and the kids love them.

 

[100AcreWood]

I picked up some stocking stuffers this week at Target. They have school supplies on sale. I found some stickers, crayons, etc.

 

[pigletgirl]

Experience gifts work for this age too! We have an "Art School" in town that offers classes starting at 12 months. My daughter loves to go, but we don't have the extra money to go very often. She has used birthday/Christmas money to pay for classes. My parents also gave her money to go towards her swim lessons this summer.

At least this would give people an option.

I never would of thought of this. Sounds great! We are traveling for the holidays so the less we need to take home (in terms of toys) the better.

But I am at a total loss of what to get DH. Nobody needs anything this year!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

15 weeks til CHRISTMAS!!!!

Okay, that was suppose to go out yesterday but I had a sick kid with the stomach bug..so forgive it being a day behind!! I have been fighting the allergy/sinus outbreak of September that for me is always the worst! Then the kiddo got sick~and OF COURSE it was one o'clock in the morning!! Is there any other time? We didn't get to bed yesterday until almost 4

 

[LilyWDW]

15 weeks til CHRISTMAS!!!!

Okay, that was suppose to go out yesterday but I had a sick kid with the stomach bug..so forgive it being a day behind!! I have been fighting the allergy/sinus outbreak of September that for me is always the worst! Then the kiddo got sick~and OF COURSE it was one o'clock in the morning!! Is there any other time? We didn't get to bed yesterday until almost 4

Gah... only 15 weeks! I'm not ready!

I understand not feeling well. Got some new meds yesterday and got super sick on them. So had to be switched to something else today.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

it's the pits! LOL!! I am not as sick as I used to get this time of year! Thank the Lord!! But, I just can't get over the weird feeling in my head like I can not focus and am very tired..and said child getting over bug, now has major sinus congestion! And her chest is still sore from when she was throwing up I hate when my kids are sick! Hope your new meds work better...and nope,.. I am not ready either! My oldest turns 18 3 weeks before Christmas...so I am thinking we may take a trip somewhere he wants to go....not sure yet....

 

[pigletgirl]

15 weeks til CHRISTMAS!!!!

Okay, that was suppose to go out yesterday but I had a sick kid with the stomach bug..so forgive it being a day behind!! I have been fighting the allergy/sinus outbreak of September that for me is always the worst! Then the kiddo got sick~and OF COURSE it was one o'clock in the morning!! Is there any other time? We didn't get to bed yesterday until almost 4

Saying 15 weeks seems much shorter than 3.5 months. It's going to come sooooo fast.

 

[Mamakop]

I usually start my shopping in October, can't wait! I LOVE Christmas shopping! This year my oldest DD started Kindergarten so now we have teachers to buy for! So excited!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I usually start my shopping in October, can't wait! I LOVE Christmas shopping! This year my oldest DD started Kindergarten so now we have teachers to buy for! So excited!

I was telling the kids last week, that this is the time of year we usually go to the store and make their wish list...they have just told me last week a couple of Legos..the younger two have...not the oldest...

 

[LilyWDW]

Going out today to do some shopping! Not sure how much I will spend or if I will actually BUY anything. This is mostly to get some more ideas and see what is out there. My dad gave me a good idea for my step mom that changes my original idea for her but that is okay.

 

[Deffenm]

I finally thought of a gift for DH. I was going to get him a new phone but his died so he got one last week. So now I am going to get him a pillow that stays cool. My husband gets hot at night and he needs new pillows so I am going to get him 2. I saw them at Sams Club for like $9 a piece. I know not that exciting but he will love them. That is all I have for him. My kids are doing a good job filling in the wishing box so I am excited to see what they write down on Thanksgiving Day.

 

[Pesky]

I've already started wrapping -- can you believe it? I had to ship a box to my MIL with some baby things for my SIL who is expecting and as it was a large box, just threw in a bunch of Christmas things as we are going there for Christmas. Which naturally meant I had to wrap. We are looking good on the kids. Bad news is I have realized I have next to NOTHING for DH. A small sleeve of Mickey golf balls only. Sigh. Hope he starts figuring out what he would like soon! What are you all getting for your husbands? DH likes wine, fantasy football and occasional rounds of golf.

And I just saw movie gift cards at Costco so know where I'll be buying them for my sister and brother and their families. I'm hoping to pick those up in October so I can keep spreading the cost of Christmas.

 

[LilyWDW]

I did a bunch of shopping today. My poor cat had to go to the vet for some tests and stay for observation for a few hours so I decided it was a good excuse as any to get some shopping done. Going to list where I am with purchases and ideas.

Cousin and her Husband: I still have not really bought anything here besides the cider mixes and some of the plug in scent stuff. I did get the stuff to make an ornament. I got a wooden letter (their last initial) and will decorate it. I think I will still get the Disney travel book and a gift card to Bonefish Grill. Then I will try and get something "personal" for each of them. I did get the actual basket today as well!

Nephew 1: So, to add to his clothing and coloring book, I found a cute little Mickey Mouse Clubhouse set, some Batman Matchbox Cars, and a no spill bubble tub. He found out he loved blowing bubbles this past summer, but he always spilled it! I still need an ornament.

Nephew 2: I found him a really cute "play cube" that is interactive. I would like to get one or two more toys plus the ornament.

Grandma: I picked up the basket for her and a candle. May go get the crossword puzzle books and pens tomorrow.

Nephew 3: I found a really cool lego set for him. It is a vehicle that actually moves AND can be used to make 2 separate vehicles! I hope he likes it. I still need the gift card and clothes. I think I might also grab some sort of card game for him or a rubics cube or something like that.

Niece 1: Only have the journal and necklace for her so far. Not sure what else to get her. She likes girly stuff and dolls still.

Nephew 4: Still only have the police helicoper for him. Need some sort of clothing and he will be done

Niece 2: Added one of those rubber band bracelet making kits to the journal and necklace. That MIGHT be it for her. If I get anything else it will be a shirt or something.

Nephew 5: I got him some Matchbox cars and a Thomas The Train. Still need the clothing.

Aunt and Uncle 1: I got a cute little frog garden statue for my aunt, some cider mix, some olive oil and seasonings, and a candle. Thinking a cookbook or something the found it out?

Aunt and Uncle 2: I have them done with the ornament and a bracelet for my aunt.

Dad: Hickory Farms Gift of some sort for sure (tradition). I also got him an ornament and candle. I still have no other ideas for him. He is so hard to buy for!

Stepmom: Got her some of the aromatherapy stuff from Bath and Body Works. I also got her a candle. Dad suggested a new sweater for her as well. Something that button ups and isn't too heavy, but is more of a sweater to wear over things.

My dad also suggested that I NOT buy for my soon to be step sister and her daughter. Didn't really give me a reason why, but I will follow his lead this year I believe.

 

[Cinderelly5507]

Anyone else suffer from " I want to shop, but love getting good deals"? Lol I'm worried if I buy now, I'll find a better deal later.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Way to go shoppers....and Wrappers no less!!! I still have really no idea what we are doing for Christmas~ I am hoping for some quiet time with DH this weekend to discuss a possible Christmas trip...not sure if it will pan out on the heels of our annual Disney vacation. but, we'll see!