7th Annual Christmas Thread

[bas71873]

OK, I keep going back and forth on the Ipod Touch thing.

All 3 of my kids already have tablets, and both of the girls have a "dumb" phone. (My son bought himself a smart phone, so I'm not even considering the Touch for him.)

The only time the Touch would really come in handy is to and from school-- when the tablet is home. When they do have access to the tablet, the Touch is redundant.

I drive them to school, so we're talking about a 10 minute bus ride home for one daughter and a mile's walk for the other.

Does that "justify" getting the Touch instead of spending that same money on, say, a pair of Uggs or some other high budget gift???

Anyone want to help me sort out my thoughts??

You say the only time they would need the touch would be in the car to and from school?!?. I would say no then. My DD and her friends use their Touches ALL THE TIME at home (she's not allowed to have it at school) and DD even has DH's old Ipad, but she still prefers the Touch. It has all her music, games, videos they make, she and her friends text and Instagram. We definately get our moneys worth out of the Touch, but it doesn't sound like you would.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

good morning ladies!! September is finally here! I love that it means I can put out fall decor and super hot summers are winding down~not over, but cooling a bit. By the end of Sept we see a big difference…even though Oct can bring a few days of Indian Summer, we are glad that the dog days of summer are behind us! I know this week that a lot of my friends from the northern part of the states all send the kiddos back to school~so if you are one of those families, I hope they all have smooth transitions!

16 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!!

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I start Christmas shopping very early. Sometimes as soon as one Christimas is ending, I'm already picking up things (on sale) for the next one. For my sister, I scored really nice flannel pj's for $10 each at the end of the season sale after last Christmas. I also got her a really nice handbag from QVC. My Mom really likes Argan Oil from Josie Moran so I got her a nice kit. My Mom lost her Mickey Mouse stud earrings so I plan on replacing them. I've gotten the most for my daughter. She loves dolls and it's gearing up to be the year of the doll. Got a precious moments Rapunzel doll while at WDW in April and we have gotten the American Girl Dolls that were recently discontinued and put away (don't think we'll give her them all at once). My sister got her the Anna and Elsa animator doll and Kristoff animator doll, also the singing Anna & Elsa. My husband is a big kid. I plan on getting him the new Infinity gaming system and I don't know what else. Happy shopping everyone.

 

[JoeyEmmaMomma]

Hello! Joining in.
I haven't started shopping yet, but I have been saving $$$ all year to shop with, which will make shopping more enjoyable!!

I need to get Santa gifts for DS8, DD5 and DS1. Will be going simple for the baby. Being kid 3, he has so many hand me down toys. Plus his birthday is in October.
We are making a Disney trip in December. We'll be celebrating DD's 5th bday and I'm also counting it as the kids Christmas gift from DH and I.
Santa brought them Kindle Fires last year.
I'd love to go simple this year. We tend to buy to much and it's so not necessary.

I also have nieces to shop for, siblings, parents, teacher gifts, etc.

I'll be back later with my list of people to shop for and ideas I have for them.
I'd like to get started this month. I also need to start planning and shopping for the baby's 1st bday party.

 

[sarahk0204]

I've thought of something else to get the kids. Not very exciting, but definitely needed - flannel sheets from LL Bean. We are hopeful going to replace DS's twin bunk beds with a full size bed this fall. DD has some flannel sheets for her full size bed, but not LL Bean. DH and I have a set, and they are SOOOO nice!

 

[Shanan]

Glad to see the thread for Christmas is rocking & rolling. Last year's Christmas was a horrible for us (Mom diagnosed with cancer October 2013 & passed away on 1/31/2014) I don't even remember what was given or received. I do remember time spent with family.
However, this year already working on Christmas gifts. Been canning homemade jelly for my siblings & their families. Will give my nieces & nephews $20 a piece which they are fine with that. Planning on helping friend pick & shell pecans. In 2012 we did over 700 Pounds!! My co-workers love the roasted/salted pecans I give them. Been saving for a Yeti cooler for DH who has been wanting one for awhile. Also planning to not over schedule during holidays so that DH & I have time together.
Last year just reaffirmed that family, memories & yes time is the most important gift. I would give anything to have one more Christmas with my mom.

 

[3Gsandme]

I didn't know this thread existed! I'm so excited! I'm sooo into Christmas. Little dd and I are already watching Christmas movies.

Well, we watch them year round, but whatever.

I have a few ideas for gifts, but nothing too firm yet. Middle dd (will be 8 next week) wants a karaoke party machine. There's one at Sam's Club she's been lusting after with a built in disco ball and all that jazz. I'm sure everyone but her will hate it, but she'll probably get it.

LIttle dd (5) has been asking for a Nintendo DS, so she'll probably get that, too.

Big dd hasn't made any requests yet, but her contract is up on her phone so she'll probably get a new one.

 

[Disneyluv111]

We don't spend too much on Christmas, although I have one child.

She wants two toys that will total about 70.00! TOYS and one of them is used!

I'm still debating if I should do that or give her cash so she can continue to save for what she wants and things at WDW when we leave for our trip. Christmas is the 25th, soon it will be February!
I have nieces and nephews too, like 10 of them! I also have my mother in law's birthday on New Year's day so I have to budget for that as well because we give her cash a lot of it, not 50.00, more like 50 times 6!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I start Christmas shopping very early. Sometimes as soon as one Christimas is ending, I'm already picking up things (on sale) for the next one. For my sister, I scored really nice flannel pj's for $10 each at the end of the season sale after last Christmas. I also got her a really nice handbag from QVC. My Mom really likes Argan Oil from Josie Moran so I got her a nice kit. My Mom lost her Mickey Mouse stud earrings so I plan on replacing them. I've gotten the most for my daughter. She loves dolls and it's gearing up to be the year of the doll. Got a precious moments Rapunzel doll while at WDW in April and we have gotten the American Girl Dolls that were recently discontinued and put away (don't think we'll give her them all at once). My sister got her the Anna and Elsa animator doll and Kristoff animator doll, also the singing Anna & Elsa. My husband is a big kid. I plan on getting him the new Infinity gaming system and I don't know what else. Happy shopping everyone.

My dd is sadly outgrowing the AG doll phase! It happens too soon…she still things they are pretty, but doesn't want anymore. I have heard the Infinity thing is really cool!! Glad you are joining in!!

Hello! Joining in.
I haven't started shopping yet, but I have been saving $$$ all year to shop with, which will make shopping more enjoyable!!

I need to get Santa gifts for DS8, DD5 and DS1. Will be going simple for the baby. Being kid 3, he has so many hand me down toys. Plus his birthday is in October.
We are making a Disney trip in December. We'll be celebrating DD's 5th bday and I'm also counting it as the kids Christmas gift from DH and I.
Santa brought them Kindle Fires last year.
I'd love to go simple this year. We tend to buy to much and it's so not necessary.

I also have nieces to shop for, siblings, parents, teacher gifts, etc.

I'll be back later with my list of people to shop for and ideas I have for them.
I'd like to get started this month. I also need to start planning and shopping for the baby's 1st bday party.

Good for you saving all year!! that's a big jump on the game right there…you already have the budget!!! I agree…it's easy to go over board and it is not necessary!

I've thought of something else to get the kids. Not very exciting, but definitely needed - flannel sheets from LL Bean. We are hopeful going to replace DS's twin bunk beds with a full size bed this fall. DD has some flannel sheets for her full size bed, but not LL Bean. DH and I have a set, and they are SOOOO nice!

Flannel sheets sound great!! My ds15 has a set (just from Target) that he loooves… I may get him one from LLBean!! Good idea~ we just moved 5 hours north from where we have always lived and winters will be winter up here! At least for us anyway!! LOL!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Glad to see the thread for Christmas is rocking & rolling. Last year's Christmas was a horrible for us (Mom diagnosed with cancer October 2013 & passed away on 1/31/2014) I don't even remember what was given or received. I do remember time spent with family.
However, this year already working on Christmas gifts. Been canning homemade jelly for my siblings & their families. Will give my nieces & nephews $20 a piece which they are fine with that. Planning on helping friend pick & shell pecans. In 2012 we did over 700 Pounds!! My co-workers love the roasted/salted pecans I give them. Been saving for a Yeti cooler for DH who has been wanting one for awhile. Also planning to not over schedule during holidays so that DH & I have time together.
Last year just reaffirmed that family, memories & yes time is the most important gift. I would give anything to have one more Christmas with my mom.

Glad you are here with us this year!! Sorry last year was so heartbreaking for your family…you aren't the only one here who lost a mom around that time last year…it's hard anytime, but the holidays are so much harder. Yes, it does make us very aware of what & who are really important!!!

I didn't know this thread existed! I'm so excited! I'm sooo into Christmas. Little dd and I are already watching Christmas movies.

Well, we watch them year round, but whatever.

I have a few ideas for gifts, but nothing too firm yet. Middle dd (will be 8 next week) wants a karaoke party machine. There's one at Sam's Club she's been lusting after with a built in disco ball and all that jazz. I'm sure everyone but her will hate it, but she'll probably get it.

LIttle dd (5) has been asking for a Nintendo DS, so she'll probably get that, too.

Big dd hasn't made any requests yet, but her contract is up on her phone so she'll probably get a new one.

Hi!! Yep, this is the 7th year I think for this thread!!!! Glad you found us!!!! We love it! Sounds like good ideas for all your girls!!!! And we love Christmas movies too…I could watch the Jim Carey Grinch all year! And the real Dr Suess Grinch….And Christmas in Connecticut….

We don't spend too much on Christmas, although I have one child.

She wants two toys that will total about 70.00! TOYS and one of them is used!

I'm still debating if I should do that or give her cash so she can continue to save for what she wants and things at WDW when we leave for our trip. Christmas is the 25th, soon it will be February!
I have nieces and nephews too, like 10 of them! I also have my mother in law's birthday on New Year's day so I have to budget for that as well because we give her cash a lot of it, not 50.00, more like 50 times 6!

50 x 6 That's hilarious!!!! Glad you are hear with us!

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I started shopping over the summer, but I don't officially start until after DS's birthday Sept. 9th. Here's what I'm thinking so far:

DD 18: She's in college and doesn't have much room, not into clothes so I'm not sure. I know so far she wants an otterbox for her phone and a SIMS game for PC.

DS 17: Going to WDW with his best friend (not me sadly) in January so I told him his food/spending money would be it for Christmas. I may pick him up something disney related to go with it, a t-shirt maybe.

DS 15: A pen tablet for his laptop, a couple xbox games. He wants an iphone and does need a phone now and his ipod is about 5 years old, but I was planning on the pen tablet being his big gift so I'm not sure.

DS 13: Will ask for a bunch of video games definitely. Whatever the new releases are.

DS 10: Keeps asking for things he's not getting. A dirt bike for one, we have no place to ride one. A pool table, which I might consider if I can find a reasonable used one. He is getting a fairly inexpensive tablet I found on Amazon. He loses interest in electronics quickly so I don't want to spend a lot. I've also gotten him a spirograph.

I'm going to sound like a grinch here for a minute, but I don't really feel like shopping for DH at all. Every year he will ask for ideas of what I want and I'll tell him and then he'll get something totally unrelated. Last year our budget was really tight and we agreed no gifts for each other and it was such a relief that I'd like to do it again this year, but he won't go for it if the budget allows.

 

[Aliceacc]

Two gifts for my mom that I wanted to mention:
- I just contacted Jostens in the hopes of locating a copy of mom's Class of 1947 High School yearbook... how cool would that be???

- Several years ago, at about this time of year, I contacted all my siblings-- I'm one of 5-- and my husband's 2 siblings. I asked everyone to email me as many "Remember the time..." type things as they could. ("Remember the time we put detergent into the pool and everyone in the neighborhood had a bubble bath??.... Remember when dad would turn the corner on his way home from the train, and one by one we would run and jump into his arms? " type stuff.)

I put them into page protectors, and then into binders for the moms. (and for us. I also put a copy into a folder for each sibling.) It was a huge hit.

As a poignant PS-- that year my mother in law wasn't feeling well enough to sleep at our house for Christmas Eve and Christmas night as she always did-- she had a nasty stomach bug. My husband and son made the 45 minute drive on Christmas Eve morning, to check in on her and bring her some Gatorade, and they brought the gift... we figured she would enjoy reading it on Christmas Eve alone.

Long story short, when we couldn't contact her the next morning, they drove back, and found that she had passed away in her sleep. I would like to think she enjoyed the book before going to bed that night.

OK, that sad tidbit aside, I think it was a great gift!!! We all got a real kick out of reading it together when my mom opened it Christmas Eve.

 

[Julia M]

I love this thread. I use a iPhone app that I love. Things can go in the list by ideas, purchases, wrapped and given, and you can add a photo. If I'm put shopping and get an idea it's easy to add.

My kids are older: 22, 20 and 17. So a combo of gift cards, gifts and sometimes big ticket items.

My dad got sick last year the week before Xmas. What we thought was a massive stroke was a massive seizure brought on by a non operable brain tumor. So my Christmas last year was visiting rehab centers for my dad who was being discharged the next day. My dad Is still alive but Xmas is a long time away so we are not making any plans yet. I'm in education so my break was a blur of hospitals and rehab as we never wanted my dad alone.

My goal is to buy gift cards along the way for my kids and nephews and get colleagues gifts bought and wrapped now if the worst happens. Then I can always use my Xmas budget to pick up a couple items for the kids in one evening.

I miss the days of toys and little kids but this is a lot easier!

Julia

 

[Happiest mommy]

Hi Guys jumping on board again! even though i'm in a funk because we had to cancel our Disney trip this year but reading all the ideas here makes me feel I have something else to look forward too.
I Havent decided yet what i'm getting my girls for Christmas let alone DH uhg! thats another issue lol!! need ideas for teachers too, happy to see the thread again

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I started shopping over the summer, but I don't officially start until after DS's birthday Sept. 9th. Here's what I'm thinking so far:

DD 18: She's in college and doesn't have much room, not into clothes so I'm not sure. I know so far she wants an otterbox for her phone and a SIMS game for PC.

DS 17: Going to WDW with his best friend (not me sadly) in January so I told him his food/spending money would be it for Christmas. I may pick him up something disney related to go with it, a t-shirt maybe.

DS 15: A pen tablet for his laptop, a couple xbox games. He wants an iphone and does need a phone now and his ipod is about 5 years old, but I was planning on the pen tablet being his big gift so I'm not sure.

DS 13: Will ask for a bunch of video games definitely. Whatever the new releases are.

DS 10: Keeps asking for things he's not getting. A dirt bike for one, we have no place to ride one. A pool table, which I might consider if I can find a reasonable used one. He is getting a fairly inexpensive tablet I found on Amazon. He loses interest in electronics quickly so I don't want to spend a lot. I've also gotten him a spirograph.

I'm going to sound like a grinch here for a minute, but I don't really feel like shopping for DH at all. Every year he will ask for ideas of what I want and I'll tell him and then he'll get something totally unrelated. Last year our budget was really tight and we agreed no gifts for each other and it was such a relief that I'd like to do it again this year, but he won't go for it if the budget allows.

Hi!! Glad to see you again!!! Love all your gift ideas…and for my hubby he loves GCs for massages…He really loves getting those and can use them throughout the year as he needs! Unless your hubby doesn't like massages then forget it! LOL!!

Two gifts for my mom that I wanted to mention:
- I just contacted Jostens in the hopes of locating a copy of mom's Class of 1947 High School yearbook... how cool would that be???

- Several years ago, at about this time of year, I contacted all my siblings-- I'm one of 5-- and my husband's 2 siblings. I asked everyone to email me as many "Remember the time..." type things as they could. ("Remember the time we put detergent into the pool and everyone in the neighborhood had a bubble bath??.... Remember when dad would turn the corner on his way home from the train, and one by one we would run and jump into his arms? " type stuff.)

I put them into page protectors, and then into binders for the moms. (and for us. I also put a copy into a folder for each sibling.) It was a huge hit.

As a poignant PS-- that year my mother in law wasn't feeling well enough to sleep at our house for Christmas Eve and Christmas night as she always did-- she had a nasty stomach bug. My husband and son made the 45 minute drive on Christmas Eve morning, to check in on her and bring her some Gatorade, and they brought the gift... we figured she would enjoy reading it on Christmas Eve alone.

Long story short, when we couldn't contact her the next morning, they drove back, and found that she had passed away in her sleep. I would like to think she enjoyed the book before going to bed that night.

OK, that sad tidbit aside, I think it was a great gift!!! We all got a real kick out of reading it together when my mom opened it Christmas Eve.

good idea on the yearbook…tell me more about that~ I might can do that for my mom too. Sorry to hear about your MIL..that was a shock I am sure.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I love this thread. I use a iPhone app that I love. Things can go in the list by ideas, purchases, wrapped and given, and you can add a photo. If I'm put shopping and get an idea it's easy to add.

My kids are older: 22, 20 and 17. So a combo of gift cards, gifts and sometimes big ticket items.

My dad got sick last year the week before Xmas. What we thought was a massive stroke was a massive seizure brought on by a non operable brain tumor. So my Christmas last year was visiting rehab centers for my dad who was being discharged the next day. My dad Is still alive but Xmas is a long time away so we are not making any plans yet. I'm in education so my break was a blur of hospitals and rehab as we never wanted my dad alone.

My goal is to buy gift cards along the way for my kids and nephews and get colleagues gifts bought and wrapped now if the worst happens. Then I can always use my Xmas budget to pick up a couple items for the kids in one evening.

I miss the days of toys and little kids but this is a lot easier!

Julia

glad to have you!!! I hope your Christmas is filled with blessings and you get to have your dad with you!! But, I think planning ahead as much as possible is always the wisest thing to do~ not just because of your dad but for all of us….never know when we will come down with something, or some event come up and drain our accounts…nice to have things taken care of as much as possible!!!

Hi Guys jumping on board again! even though i'm in a funk because we had to cancel our Disney trip this year but reading all the ideas here makes me feel I have something else to look forward too.
I Havent decided yet what i'm getting my girls for Christmas let alone DH uhg! thats another issue lol!! need ideas for teachers too, happy to see the thread again

So sorry you had to cancel your trip!!!! Hang around as much as you need to so you won't be sad!!

 

[CandyMouse]

Love this thread every year, thanks again Disney Mommy 3! I haven't bought anything yet, but I have DD-17, DS-12, DH, both our Moms and my great-nephew will be 1 this month. My Nieces and Nephews ( 5 total and a couple of their spouses. ) I usually just bake some goodies for them every year and they love my PB choc. balls I make. Anyhow thinking of doing some cash and a few gifts for my kids. I'll be following along for some ideas!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Love this thread every year, thanks again Disney Mommy 3! I haven't bought anything yet, but I have DD-17, DS-12, DH, both our Moms and my great-nephew will be 1 this month. My Nieces and Nephews ( 5 total and a couple of their spouses. ) I usually just bake some goodies for them every year and they love my PB choc. balls I make. Anyhow thinking of doing some cash and a few gifts for my kids. I'll be following along for some ideas!

Your Welcome!!! Glad you are here!!!

 

[Aliceacc]

[SIZE="3
[COLOR="red"] good idea on the yearbook…tell me more about that~ I might can do that for my mom too. .

I contacted Jostens, and they said that, understandably, they don't keep copies of old yearbooks. Obviously it wasn't digitalized, and the school no longer exists.

I may try the Archdiocese of Brooklyn to see if by some chance they have a copy-- mom attended a Catholic school there. But it doesn't sound likely.

I'm not sure what my next step would be. I may have to let this idea simmer and see whether it's doable for next year.

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi Guys jumping on board again! even though i'm in a funk because we had to cancel our Disney trip this year but reading all the ideas here makes me feel I have something else to look forward too.
I Havent decided yet what i'm getting my girls for Christmas let alone DH uhg! thats another issue lol!! need ideas for teachers too, happy to see the thread again

For teachers, how about:
- a Vera Bradley travel mug: http://www.verabradley.com/product/...ts?green=3B798432-CAC0-5C12-B974-7C3653C44911

- a VB lanyard for their keys: http://www.verabradley.com/product/lanyard/moon-blooms/154945_198192.uts

- a fleece throw. (Who doesn't like a warm blanket on a chilly night?? I've gotten them in late fall for under $10)