6th Annual Christmas Thread

[gracie1]

I take my kids out 1:1 for lunch and then we go "shopping" and they give me ideas of what they want. I enjoy it because I get to spend 1:1 time with them and I usually figure out a couple of things they want. This year my oldest DS wants tickets to see Phantom of the Opera. I would have never thought to get him tickets to see that but he has been asking for several months now. It is coming to our town in March 2014 so I am going to buy tickets and wrap them up for him. Is there a show or performances that the family would like to see?

I would love tickets to see Phantom of the Opera!!! Great gift!

 

[Audreysmama1231]

We are going to Disneyland a week before Christmas, how is it around then, and also I was wondering about the Christmas party, that is like the Halloween party, are they holding one this year?

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

WooHoo! Thanks for starting this. I've been waiting for this thread.

This year it will be Me, DH, DD16, DD14, and DD12 plus another teen who's 17.

I haven't gotten any presents yet this year which is rare. I have started planning some though. I think all the kids are getting a new purse, wallet or bank with some cash in it and a few gifts. I'm trying to think of things that will be meaningful. I do know I want to get The Big Bang Theory Clue Game as a family gift.Other than that I'm just not sure yet.

I am pretty sure we are continuing our tradition of going to Great Wolf Lodge for Christmas.

Glad the thread is up & running too!! I have yet to go to a Great Wolf Lodge..the closest one is 5 hours away....so we haven't don't it yet...

I love these Christmas threads!! I'm such a Christmas but and would love to stay decorated year round!! So far I have gotten bath and bodyworks for my mom and tickets to a show in January. I've been adding to my list as I think of stuff and will start picking up items little by little. My dad is the worst. He has no interests or hobbies! So I've decided to do a gift card book with all the places he likes to eat so he will get a variety.

Good idea on the gifts for your parents!

I am really struggling for ideas this year. I have DD19, DD13 and DH and they really do not want much any longer. Last year most of the gifts I got them were returned or not used. I am looking for a change in our Christmas routine. Unfortunatley, my husband will have to work the day after Christmas and for the next 8 days. We were all thinking about going on a Christmas vacation instead of gifts, but his work schedule put a stop to those plans.

The only gift I have purchased was a apron with the girls pic on it, made by Shutterfly. We came up with that idea last Christmas, but it was too late to get it made, so I had that made in June this year. Would love to hear some ideas from families with older children. And I don't mind doing gift cards, but that is a last resort. I gave DD19 a gift card tree last year and she liked it, but it not very personal.

I started a recipe book last year on shutterfly for DD19, but I still have not completed it. I thought that would be nice for her when/if she gets married. All her favorite recipes that I make.

The recipe book is an awesome idea...sorry your hubby can't take off for a vacation! That would have been great! could he go for a couple of days right before Christmas day? I guess you have thought of that already and would have if it would work...

My cousin and I were going to do a recipe book for a bunch of family this year. However, with her new baby, my mom's illness and passing, her family having personal and health issues, and now MY health issues it might have to wait another year.

Still hoping to get to the outlet mall this week, but I have been having some health issues. Ended up in the ER last night with an allergic reaction to an antibiotic I had been on before. Not sure if I will have the energy.

OH no!!! Poor you!! I have when I have a reaction to stuff...seems like it takes days for it to really go away!! Hope you are better tomorrow!!!

 

[goofyredraider]

I LOVE Christmas! We tend to go way overboard with gifts for the holidays. We are getting ready for a garage sale this weekend and I found toys still in boxes because we bought too much stuff for our kiddos and they never played with it all

Also, while I love Christmas it is also a time of year when I get pretty down in the dumps. I never really have felt in the Christmas spirit in the town we live in.

Soooo ... this year, to help keep the overboard shopping down to a minimum and inject some more Christmas spirit into the holiday week, we are going to WDW

Which I think is totally crazy

I could have written a lot of this...
And we are also taking the $$ we NORMALLY spend on Christmas on a December Christmas trip.

 

[Egdisney]

WooHoo! Thanks for starting this. I've been waiting for this thread.

This year it will be Me, DH, DD16, DD14, and DD12 plus another teen who's 17.

I haven't gotten any presents yet this year which is rare. I have started planning some though. I think all the kids are getting a new purse, wallet or bank with some cash in it and a few gifts. I'm trying to think of things that will be meaningful. I do know I want to get The Big Bang Theory Clue Game as a family gift.Other than that I'm just not sure yet.

I am pretty sure we are continuing our tradition of going to Great Wolf Lodge for Christmas.

I have been thinking about doing great wolf lodge for Christmas. We have moved away from our family, so we now celebrate alone on Christmas day. Do you go Christmas Eve and say or do you check in on Christmas day? I am trying to decide how we would work it if we go. Thanks!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

We do our annual Disney trip now the week before Thanksgiving..we can see the Christmas decor and the weather is still good...we just don't have the crowds..but, I would love to take the kids somewhere this year at Christmas.... I was kind of thinking maybe around Fredrickburg...I know it is soooo festive for Christmas and it would be something Different!!

 

[la79al]

This thread made me realize a few things. First of all, last year I promised my then cute and innocent 4 year old that if there were any purple prelit trees left at the store after Christmas, we would get one. Meaning that our tree this year is 4 feet tall, purple with white lights and brand new pastel decorations. I'm thinking this is going to clash with the wrapping paper I have . Secondly, I am now in that boat of parents wondering which teachers to buy for and what in the world to get. Great. Even worse considering that DDs first day was today and she already got in trouble for talking. I'm going to owe her teacher a new car by Christmas!
Anyhow, I'm really trying to cut back on Christmas presents for the kids this year. I have 1 thing total that I am thinking they would like this year so far. My goal is to have most/all of my shopping done by December 1, along with a list of fun stuff I can do with the kids for the Christmas season. This is my first year with only 1 kid in my house during the day so I'm thinking I'll have time to do stuff. And then I will have a bored 5 year old for the week after Christmas so I'll need to come up with some activities for that week too.

 

[darnheather]

This thread made me realize a few things. First of all, last year I promised my then cute and innocent 4 year old that if there were any purple prelit trees left at the store after Christmas, we would get one. Meaning that our tree this year is 4 feet tall, purple with white lights and brand new pastel decorations. I'm thinking this is going to clash with the wrapping paper I have . Secondly, I am now in that boat of parents wondering which teachers to buy for and what in the world to get. Great. Even worse considering that DDs first day was today and she already got in trouble for talking. I'm going to owe her teacher a new car by Christmas!
Anyhow, I'm really trying to cut back on Christmas presents for the kids this year. I have 1 thing total that I am thinking they would like this year so far. My goal is to have most/all of my shopping done by December 1, along with a list of fun stuff I can do with the kids for the Christmas season. This is my first year with only 1 kid in my house during the day so I'm thinking I'll have time to do stuff. And then I will have a bored 5 year old for the week after Christmas so I'll need to come up with some activities for that week too.

I do two Christmas trees (at least) when we are in America. I do a "magazine tree" that I alone decorate. It is very matched, down to the wrapping paper. I then do a "children's tree" which the children decorate and make handmade things for. We use whatever paper we can find for that one. Sometimes the children have little trees in their rooms as well. All my trees I found on the curb or for next to nothing at thrift stores after Christmas. Last year was our first time having a live tree which may or may not get repeated this year.

As for teachers' gifts. I really liked the way it was handled in Izzy's class last year. The parents were asked to donate gift cards from a list provided by the teachers (school supply place, starbucks, etc) and then one mom made a lovely bouquet out of all the cards. This way no one felt they had to and names could be anonymous. For D's teacher (a guy) we got an Outback gift card. I bought the gift cards through Izzy's ballet which sells them as a fund raiser (list price!) so it was a win all around. For gym teacher, art teacher, etc. I did key fobs which I purchase from a WAHM.

A fun thing you might do the week after Christmas is to place little slips of paper on the tree tied with ribbon with suggestions of fun things to do. Each day one (or both depending on how much time you have) kid gets to pull off one slip. Things like: make hot cocoa, pop popcorn and watch a movie together, sing carols again, etc are all fun.

 

[sarasmom97]

We are going to Disneyland a week before Christmas, how is it around then, and also I was wondering about the Christmas party, that is like the Halloween party, are they holding one this year?

My dd and I went to Disneyland a few years ago December 19-23. The crowd wasn't too bad until the evening of the 23. We had gone back to our hotel room in the late afternoon, and when we came back for the evening, it was a mad house! Wall to wall people on Main Street and 1-2 hour wait for rides!
Check the weather before you go. It was much colder at night than we thought it was going to be, we ended up buying a blanket to wrap around us during parades and Fantasmic.
I don't think they had a Christmas party when we went. We did take the Christmas Tour, which was fun.
Wish we were going this year, enjoy!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

This thread made me realize a few things. First of all, last year I promised my then cute and innocent 4 year old that if there were any purple prelit trees left at the store after Christmas, we would get one. Meaning that our tree this year is 4 feet tall, purple with white lights and brand new pastel decorations. I'm thinking this is going to clash with the wrapping paper I have . Secondly, I am now in that boat of parents wondering which teachers to buy for and what in the world to get. Great. Even worse considering that DDs first day was today and she already got in trouble for talking. I'm going to owe her teacher a new car by Christmas!
Anyhow, I'm really trying to cut back on Christmas presents for the kids this year. I have 1 thing total that I am thinking they would like this year so far. My goal is to have most/all of my shopping done by December 1, along with a list of fun stuff I can do with the kids for the Christmas season. This is my first year with only 1 kid in my house during the day so I'm thinking I'll have time to do stuff. And then I will have a bored 5 year old for the week after Christmas so I'll need to come up with some activities for that week too.

I say make the teachers little goodie baskets with some homemade cookies/candies in them...or get them a GC to a local coffee shop or something like Chick Fil A or something like that...it doesn't have to be a lot of $$$~just something to say Merry Christmas!

 

[Priorityonecb]

I love this thread every year!! I am glad I found it today! I've already starting purchasing things each paycheck, I get paid once a week. I am very close to be doing with dd22, and still working on ideas for dd16. I do have my list all written out and organized. I have 10 people to buy for this year. I'm completely done with two, and still need ideas for four. Not bad for August!

 

[kayrosek]

I have been thinking about doing great wolf lodge for Christmas. We have moved away from our family, so we now celebrate alone on Christmas day. Do you go Christmas Eve and say or do you check in on Christmas day? I am trying to decide how we would work it if we go. Thanks!

We go Christmas Eve and stay until a day or two after Christmas. Our Great Wolf has so many activities on Christmas, elf workshop (for kids to make gifts), snow in the lobby, Rowdy the Reindeer (character) who arrives at Story time, Santa on Christmas to see how the kids like their gifts, it makes for a great one stop vacation. Everything (restaurant, spa etc.) is open on Christmas so we don't have to worry about anything. We bring the gifts in the trunk and leave them there or behind the desk for me to pick up after everyones asleep. We bring pastries and fruit to eat while we open presents in the room and sandwich stuff for when we want a lunch break after swimming. Then we have Christmas dinner at the hotel restaurant. It's just a great time.

 

[LilyWDW]

So I spent the whole day in Sevierville TN doing shopping. Some of it was for me, but some was Christmas related! Got a handful of things out of the way. I am EXHAUSTED though, but had a good time. I think it will be an early to bed sort of night after walking around the outlet mall all day! Going to list what I have so far here and maybe a few ideas of what else to get.

Black is what is already bought
Green are ideas of what else to get

Dad: Ornament
Step-mom: Relaxation Basket: Lotion, Socks, Blanket
Aunt J and Uncle G: Ornament
Aunt R and Uncle D: (basket) Frog Garden Statue, Wine Stopper, Olive Oil and Seasoning set, Coffee, Cider Seasonings. Ornament, Bottle of Wine, Cookbook
Grandma: (basket) 2 Outfits from Bonworth, Ornament Crossword Puzzle Book, Pencils, Candy
Cousin and Husband: Cider Seasonings Disney planning book 2014... something lol
Nephew 1 (7mo): Outfits, Stuffed Pluto
Nephew 2 (3.5Y): Outfits, Stuffed Donald
Nephew 3 (12Y): Top of some sort, Toy, Barnes and Noble gift card
Nephew 4 (9Y): Top of some sort, Toy
Nephew 5 (5Y): Top of some Sort, Toy
Niece 1 (11Y): Hello Kitty Necklace Top of some sort, Toy (not sure yet)
Niece 2 (7Y): Minnie Mouse Necklace Top of some sort, Toy

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I love this thread every year!! I am glad I found it today! I've already starting purchasing things each paycheck, I get paid once a week. I am very close to be doing with dd22, and still working on ideas for dd16. I do have my list all written out and organized. I have 10 people to buy for this year. I'm completely done with two, and still need ideas for four. Not bad for August!

Glad you are here again!! good job so far!!
Lily~way to go!!!!! I bet you are tired!

 

[MissHippy]

We are going to be in America from later November to early December, so I plan on doing most of my Christmas shopping while we are there. And i am planning on making some gifts for my niece who will be 18 months and my Godchildren. My DD will be 16 so besides what she gets from America, I am thinking it will be some games for the playstation, some books and maybe some jewellery?

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

We are going to be in America from later November to early December, so I plan on doing most of my Christmas shopping while we are there. And i am planning on making some gifts for my niece who will be 18 months and my Godchildren. My DD will be 16 so besides what she gets from America, I am thinking it will be some games for the playstation, some books and maybe some jewellery?

Hi!! Glad you are here~and all the way from Australia too!!!! I like the idea of your gifts, and I am a big Book giver!! Jewelry is always good too!!! I guess you stay here for a few weeks at a time when you come, right? That is such a long flight! My older son would love to go to Australia, but I dont know if the other two could handle the flight yet! well,..my dh either for that matter! he would be bored to death....and would drive himself crazy!

 

[jcamacam]

I have already bought a lot

My user name is old and my list is 4 adult kids and their spouses, one child home (12), 6 grandkids, my parents, my brother and his wife, 6 nieces and nephews, youngest daughters Godmother, my husband and a few misc people.

I adore Christmas and love the planning but need to stick to a budget for sure. I also just love the look of a tree with lots of gifts, that are well thought out.

I bought a VCR to DVD recorder on the Amazon deal of the day(for $50) a while back and my husband is transferring our home movies for all the older kids. I picked up the DVD's on a sale at Staples so these gifts are basically costing his time, which is a lot. But I know the kids are going to really appreciate and enjoy watching them since they haven't been seen in years.

Part of my parents gift is a record-able storybook of The Night before Christmas that I picked up after Christmas for $3. and I am having everyone read a couple of lines. I know my parents will enjoy that.

My daughter, 33 and I plan all year and love coming up with great ideas. For her 3 year old we found some ideas on Pinterest and made them our own. I picked up an old coffee table at a yardsale that had the 4 sides built up and the table part set down a little. My husband cut a piece of plywood to fit inside and on one side we put a rug that has the roads to run cars and things on ( bought at Home Depot in the reduced bin for $5.) and the other side has lego bases glued down so it is a lego table. He painted it to match her room and we already had the paint from other pieces he finished for her. It came out beautiful and is already stored in our garage waiting.

As you can see, I am good with ideas to keep my husband busy

I have lots more but don't want to hog the thread.

Enjoy the shopping and planning!

Oh my goodness I LOVE what you made for your granddaughter (Lego/misc table)!!! That will be one she will use for many years!

 

[gracie1]

So I spent the whole day in Sevierville TN doing shopping. Some of it was for me, but some was Christmas related! Got a handful of things out of the way. I am EXHAUSTED though, but had a good time. I think it will be an early to bed sort of night after walking around the outlet mall all day! Going to list what I have so far here and maybe a few ideas of what else to get.

Black is what is already bought
Green are ideas of what else to get

Dad: Ornament
Step-mom: Relaxation Basket: Lotion, Socks, Blanket
Aunt J and Uncle G: Ornament
Aunt R and Uncle D: (basket) Frog Garden Statue, Wine Stopper, Olive Oil and Seasoning set, Coffee, Cider Seasonings. Ornament, Bottle of Wine, Cookbook
Grandma: (basket) 2 Outfits from Bonworth, Ornament Crossword Puzzle Book, Pencils, Candy
Cousin and Husband: Cider Seasonings Disney planning book 2014... something lol
Nephew 1 (7mo): Outfits, Stuffed Pluto
Nephew 2 (3.5Y): Outfits, Stuffed Donald
Nephew 3 (12Y): Top of some sort, Toy, Barnes and Noble gift card
Nephew 4 (9Y): Top of some sort, Toy
Nephew 5 (5Y): Top of some Sort, Toy
Niece 1 (11Y): Hello Kitty Necklace Top of some sort, Toy (not sure yet)
Niece 2 (7Y): Minnie Mouse Necklace Top of some sort, Toy

Wow! You have really done a lot of shopping! Way to go!

 

[mom2t]

I say make the teachers little goodie baskets with some homemade cookies/candies in them...or get them a GC to a local coffee shop or something like Chick Fil A or something like that...it doesn't have to be a lot of $$$~just something to say Merry Christmas!

I have body and bath lotion for art, music etc. bought on sale, we have 3 ćlassroom teachers this year. Two are women party 31 mini storage baskets from outlet sale and pumpkin bread for the male. I make the bread for the men my husband work with. Started buying supplies up for this.

I am a teacher. Small gift cards $5 are my favorite and always appreciated. I am not a classroom teacher but a support consultant for gifted students. I stick them back and use them for vacation. One of my best gifts was a parent praising me on Facebook for how I helped her child. Priceless to me.

 

[mom2t]

Thanks for all the recommendations for my grandmother. Unfortunately, her eyesight is very poor but I like the idea of letters with photos. I usually send her 8x10 photos of faces close up and when people visit they could read her the letters.

Could you do a photo book? Easy to store to her drawer and she could share it with visitors.