7th Annual Christmas Thread

[ah1126]

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.

You could try used book stores in the area of the school or even keep an eye out at thrift stores.

 

[4 Ears]

How about the local library or Historical Society?

Maybe you could photo copy it anyway?

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

15 weeks until christmas!!!

 

[MomToOne]

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.

It's a long shot, but look at:http://www.e-yearbook.com/new_york_yearbooks.html

Folks have scanned some yearbooks and put them there. They only have a few, but hey, it's worth a try, right?

Also check out classmates.com - I googled my mother's NY high school and year, and found a link to buy a copy of her yearbook (which we have, so don't need one - I just used it for a test). Here's the page I hit for her school so you can see what I'm talking about: http://www.classmates.com/yearbooks/Richmond-Hill-High-School/194141 (for some reason, if you click on that link you don't go where I intended you to, but if you cut and paste it into your browser, it does?) They don't have everything - only what someone has provided to scan - but they seem to have a good collection of older New York high schools.

ETA: OMG - Just found my father's yearbook on classmates.com, for the year he graduated. What a HOOT!!!!!!!! (We didn't have this one) My father went to a NYC Catholic High School. Note to find the yearbook, it was easiest to just google "<name of high school> yearbook <graduating year>" - the classmates link to it was the first or second hit. I couldn't find it at first in the yearbooks section on Classmates.com because I wasn't sure what borough the school was in and you apparently need to pick that for the "city" to find the school.

 

[Happiest mommy]

Aliceacc thanks for the great teacher gift ideas!
went to Kmart to browse today they have so many toys marked down an additional 40% the already marked down price a couple of ladies snatched up the big hug Elmos for $37 great deal! the original price was $60! check out your local Kmarts

 

[starearedkid]

Well it seems like our Make A Wish trip will be happening in early December--the second week. So between that and Hanukkah and Christmas, we will have an explosion of things in our house. I think DH and I will try to scale back the holidays as much as possible---mostly because since DD's diagnosis in January she has gotten so much STUFF. It is seriously unreal.

I do think we will be getting her a small violin, she is only 3 but LOVES musical instruments.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Well it seems like our Make A Wish trip will be happening in early December--the second week. So between that and Hanukkah and Christmas, we will have an explosion of things in our house. I think DH and I will try to scale back the holidays as much as possible---mostly because since DD's diagnosis in January she has gotten so much STUFF. It is seriously unreal.

I do think we will be getting her a small violin, she is only 3 but LOVES musical instruments.

Glad you have a date!!

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

100 days until CHRISTMAS! !!!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

100 days until CHRISTMAS! !!!!

WOOOOHOOOOO!!


Mornin' ladies!! Can y'all believe we are halfway through September already? I know some of you are definitely getting fall weather!! We had a touch of it last weekend and we really loved it!
So,..for my dd11, I have figured out one thing I am getting her for sure…A Mason Pearson hairbrush.I think. they are pricey, but they last your WHOLE life. I know people are using the ones their Grandmothers had, so it should last her! Her hair is long and quite a bit thicker than mine so I know she will love it. She is at the stage where she loves to brush it and her other brushes are not good enough. Anyone have experience with these? In other news..we made our FP selections!!!! And there is a 1 in my ticker!!!!

 

[Happiest mommy]

Hi guys! I wanted to let you guys know I went to Five Below yesterday and they have TONS of Frozen merchandise I have never seen so much, they had short and long sleeve shirts all sizes, games, puzzles, cups, notebooks, pens too much to list might want to go and check it out

 

[LilyWDW]

Small change here. I am not going to get the time to do the pin boards for my 5 nieces and nephews. There just is no way with my new jobs, my trip, and everything else for me to do all 5. Plus, they were ending up to be way too expensive. So, each of them will get 1-2 toys up to $20. Hopefully I can get some small lego kits at the lego store at DTD for the 3 boys so will only have to worry about the girls.

Also still no idea what to get my two cousins. One I like, one I don't and only buy for because I have to keep the peace. Hoping to find something that will catch my eye for the one I like. Can't do a Pick the Pearl like I am doing for my aunt, grandmother, and best friend because I gave her one the Christmas after the last trip. Maybe some other jewelry or a statue of some sort?

But the other cousin.... ugh. That may end up happening like the week before Christmas since I dread spending money on her. Maybe a couple pieces of jewelry or a nice scarf from Charming Charlie? They usually have some on sale and they are nice, but not expensive ($10-$15 for jewelry and scarves are like $12ish).

 

[Deffenm]

The weather is cool here this week so it really gets me in the holiday mood.

Time is flying by. I can't beleive less then 100 days until Christmas.

We have 44 more days until our WDW trip so I need to make sure we have everything for that first.

My in-laws just informed me that they are going to be out of town for Thanksgiving so it looks like I have to prepare my first ever Thanksgiving dinner. So that should be fun.

This year is going to be hard for me during the holiday's as I lost my father last week. I am the oldest of 5 and my youngest brother is only 15 so this is really hard on us all.

My oldest DS gave me a few other ideas for some books he wanted so that was good. I have a good list going which is always the hard part. I hope to pick up several gifts while we are at WDW for the neices and nephews. DD wants a Vera Bradley mini hipster but the Disney ones are $65 so I am hoping I can catch a sale on last seasons styles or something.

So much to do and so little time.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

The weather is cool here this week so it really gets me in the holiday mood.

Time is flying by. I can't beleive less then 100 days until Christmas.

We have 44 more days until our WDW trip so I need to make sure we have everything for that first.

My in-laws just informed me that they are going to be out of town for Thanksgiving so it looks like I have to prepare my first ever Thanksgiving dinner. So that should be fun.

This year is going to be hard for me during the holiday's as I lost my father last week. I am the oldest of 5 and my youngest brother is only 15 so this is really hard on us all.

My oldest DS gave me a few other ideas for some books he wanted so that was good. I have a good list going which is always the hard part. I hope to pick up several gifts while we are at WDW for the neices and nephews. DD wants a Vera Bradley mini hipster but the Disney ones are $65 so I am hoping I can catch a sale on last seasons styles or something.

So much to do and so little time.

I am sorry to hear about your dad!

 

[lyncecelia]

So happy for this thread!

This Christmas will be interesting, because one of my closest guy friends (my "big brother") is probably coming up! I usually get him an Amazon Gift Card, however, I want to get him a bit more than that as we are un-wrapping presents, and I don't him to just get a gift card watching that lol! So I definitely have to switch gears a tad.

I'm definitely all excited for Christmas already though, much to my husband's dismay .

 

[ashleyasiegel]

Joining in on the Fun! I wanted to cut back on Christmas this year for my girls but unfortunately that's not happening as I keep finding cute stuff LOL!

I am struggling on what to do about my oldest daughter who is 6. She wants Frozen and AG Isabelle stuff as she got Isabelle for her birthday in June. I have picked up almost everything Frozen with the exception of the Disney Store ice skating dolls that I am still waiting on. I am just not sure what to put on her list for other family members. I would love to not have to buy all Isabelle's clothes myself but I am worried that they will sell out as most of the family are slow shoppers especially my Husbands side. Last year I put the frozen dolls on my father/stepmoms list and of course she didn't get them. Then it took me until April to finally get them. Buying all of the frozen items at full price is killing my budget LOL!

My 3 year old is easy as she loves Dress up and Minnie and Disney little people.

Then I have a 14yo niece, 14yo nephew, 13yo nephew, 12yo nephew, 10yo niece, and 3yo niece to shop for. Its mainly the first 3 I am struggling with as the younger ones are still easy and the 12yo nephew wants Disney infinity.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

So happy for this thread!

This Christmas will be interesting, because one of my closest guy friends (my "big brother") is probably coming up! I usually get him an Amazon Gift Card, however, I want to get him a bit more than that as we are un-wrapping presents, and I don't him to just get a gift card watching that lol! So I definitely have to switch gears a tad.

I'm definitely all excited for Christmas already though, much to my husband's dismay .

Joining in on the Fun! I wanted to cut back on Christmas this year for my girls but unfortunately that's not happening as I keep finding cute stuff LOL!

I am struggling on what to do about my oldest daughter who is 6. She wants Frozen and AG Isabelle stuff as she got Isabelle for her birthday in June. I have picked up almost everything Frozen with the exception of the Disney Store ice skating dolls that I am still waiting on. I am just not sure what to put on her list for other family members. I would love to not have to buy all Isabelle's clothes myself but I am worried that they will sell out as most of the family are slow shoppers especially my Husbands side. Last year I put the frozen dolls on my father/stepmoms list and of course she didn't get them. Then it took me until April to finally get them. Buying all of the frozen items at full price is killing my budget LOL!

My 3 year old is easy as she loves Dress up and Minnie and Disney little people.

Then I have a 14yo niece, 14yo nephew, 13yo nephew, 12yo nephew, 10yo niece, and 3yo niece to shop for. Its mainly the first 3 I am struggling with as the younger ones are still easy and the 12yo nephew wants Disney infinity.

to both of you!! We are glad to have y'all join in!!



14 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!!

 

[lyncecelia]

to both of you!! We are glad to have y'all join in!!



14 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!!

Thank you!

I'm so excited for Christmas . But, then again, I am every year .

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

I love the entire fall and holiday season. However each year the family(relatives on both sides) are becoming more of a stressful hassle. Hoping for a few good ideas on handling the situation.
We have the only home suited for all to get together so things are done here, which I am fine with. We have aid the full bill for everything for way too many yrs and finally 2 yrs ago said we wont be treating everyone for every get together-10 to 14 /yr. Just cannot do it. We asked For everyone to bring items for the big holidys-easter, tday, xmas...and for the spouse of however's birthday it is to take care of birthdays. ie..sis take care of BIL.

They show up with things like a can of beans, no drinks(when there party) enough for only a couple people, things only they will eat...so I kept trying to get agreements on menu's and amounts...only slightly better. I try to think its the company not the food so ....ignore it.

Then there is the showing up for the dinners hours late(literally HOURS) so we just eat without them even though the tables are all set and wen they show they aregood and ticked but I say too bad. I can't begin to say how poorly behaved some of the kids are-handling the foods on the platters, piling food mile high to only eat a few bites, DRINKING from the gravy boat, taking soda after soda with only a few sips then toss saying its warm..Yes we have discussed with the parents but has had little impact except to tick them off.

I would like to get out of the gift exchange with our relatives as well. I would just do for the couple youngest nephews because while we always try to special gifts both sides of our relatives do the last minute GC so I feel like I am just getting money or credit somewhere to pay me back for spending a ton of time shopping for them. And fi we just do a GC for them then it is like we are just swaping money, which seems stupid to me.

My DH , myself and our sons are fine on our own for the holidays. Cant leave due to DH business at that time of year or we would be somewhere else over the week of xmas and new years. We have a bunch of traditions of our own that we always do but would give them up for some peace.

I am already in planning stages for DH and 2 DS gifts. I am thinking of gold chain and cross for each DS. A new watch for DH. Every other year we get the new phones , so if BF deals are good I'll do that as well. plus there is always PJ's, new crocs, clothes, some blu rays...that kind of thing.

OK, so anyone who has any ideas or have dealt with these types of family issues PLS let me know! TIA!

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

Almost forgot, is anyone else signed up for emails at organizedchristmas.com or there 101 days to Christmas?

Love these to help me stay on track all season. I never do it all but it makes things go so much smoother for me.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I love the entire fall and holiday season. However each year the family(relatives on both sides) are becoming more of a stressful hassle. Hoping for a few good ideas on handling the situation.
We have the only home suited for all to get together so things are done here, which I am fine with. We have aid the full bill for everything for way too many yrs and finally 2 yrs ago said we wont be treating everyone for every get together-10 to 14 /yr. Just cannot do it. We asked For everyone to bring items for the big holidys-easter, tday, xmas...and for the spouse of however's birthday it is to take care of birthdays. ie..sis take care of BIL.

They show up with things like a can of beans, no drinks(when there party) enough for only a couple people, things only they will eat...so I kept trying to get agreements on menu's and amounts...only slightly better. I try to think its the company not the food so ....ignore it.

Then there is the showing up for the dinners hours late(literally HOURS) so we just eat without them even though the tables are all set and wen they show they aregood and ticked but I say too bad. I can't begin to say how poorly behaved some of the kids are-handling the foods on the platters, piling food mile high to only eat a few bites, DRINKING from the gravy boat, taking soda after soda with only a few sips then toss saying its warm..Yes we have discussed with the parents but has had little impact except to tick them off.

I would like to get out of the gift exchange with our relatives as well. I would just do for the couple youngest nephews because while we always try to special gifts both sides of our relatives do the last minute GC so I feel like I am just getting money or credit somewhere to pay me back for spending a ton of time shopping for them. And fi we just do a GC for them then it is like we are just swaping money, which seems stupid to me.

My DH , myself and our sons are fine on our own for the holidays. Cant leave due to DH business at that time of year or we would be somewhere else over the week of xmas and new years. We have a bunch of traditions of our own that we always do but would give them up for some peace.

I am already in planning stages for DH and 2 DS gifts. I am thinking of gold chain and cross for each DS. A new watch for DH. Every other year we get the new phones , so if BF deals are good I'll do that as well. plus there is always PJ's, new crocs, clothes, some blu rays...that kind of thing.

OK, so anyone who has any ideas or have dealt with these types of family issues PLS let me know! TIA!

Ok…so, my advice is probably going to sound harsh. We have had issues with both sides of family taking advantage~maybe not to the extreme you are dealing with, but rude, disrespectful,etc! So..I would shake it up this year~ you need to pick a location that YOUR immediate family (hubby and kiddos, and you) would like to go for a family get together. There is NO reason for you to keep being hostess if you are having to deal with this baloney. There are tons of places that you can reserve a room or a section for a family Christmas dinner. Each family orders as they arrive and pays their OWN families bill. the idea that you keep offering to do it and then be treated like that is very unnecessary. If they want to show up at the chosen venue 2 hours late, so be it..if y'all are finished before they show up, then they just missed out on a great visit with your family. I think you have done your share and you need to enjoy the holiday and relax with a great meal and not worry about walking on eggshells, having your home destroyed, or just being taken advantage of. Also, you would probably punish your kids for acting that way at someone else's home, so for them to have to sit and watch family members act this way is always hard to swallow. I know because as a kid this happened to me on lots of family 'occasions'…it's not fair just to you , but it's unfair to your kids as well.
Bring whatever gifts y'all give to the dinner and swap there…if you don't want to do Gift cards, y'all can do fun 'experiences'. By a bucket and fill with movies, popcorn, candy,etc for a family movie night. Fill a small basket with small family games,..do one for nail care, etc…you can stuff some great things in small baskets and not go crazy trying to please everyone. Or say, that this year your family won't be participating in the gift exchange~except for the kids under 12 or whatever you think is appropriate for your bunch. Whatcha think? Holidays (for us) are about celebrating the persons birthday, or the Lord for Easter and Christmas,..letting kids have fun and getting fun gifts and making memories. This will take a LOT of pressure off of you for ALL holidays, not just Christmas.