7th Annual Christmas Thread

[DisneyRegulars]

Oh, my heavens! Someone stop me! I made a list this year and still I have gone overboard ---UGH! I blame it on single child syndrome.

I too have an only child, it's so hard for me to not go nuts. His Christmas list also includes his birthday which is in January. He's 4, obsessed with hot wheels and bmx racing, so far on his list I have:
Various Hot Wheels Track Builder Sets
Hot wheels monster truck track
Skate board and helmet (his request)
New bmx racing shirt for next season
A motorized set to add to his marble track from last year
Legos!
Lego roads (his request)
A really nice cuboro marble track that I bought last year but didn't give him.

 

[pigletto]

I have the only child thing going on.. only there is two of them.

I guess I have finally started the Christmas shopping!

So far for dd I have a Lilly Pullitzer Medium Agenda. Probably not a big deal to most of you but I couldn't find them anywhere here.. and only found ONE place that would ship them to Canada. So I got the medium (they only had two to choose from) and when all was said and done with shipping and exchange that little journal cost more than $45.

I also got her a plug in Scentsy burner for her room and started her with two of the scent bars (She's 17 and I think it will be great for her dorm room next year).

Then today I noticed one of the books I planned to buy ds for Christmas was in the Scholastic book order from school for way less than I could find it. So he got the latest Ridley Pearson, and I also ordered a box set .. The Underland Chronicles. I'm having another child in his class hand in the order and collect it for us so DS won't see the books before December.

Since we have started doing our Disney vacations in December, we've scaled back at Christmas. I don't think we need more "stuff" but we have a fabulous time going to our happy place together .

So I am looking to get a mix of things the kids need (clothes and such) and a few wants to make Christmas morning fun.. but I just don't spend what I used to on gifts and that's just fine with all of us. The kids big gift this year is annual passes to Universal (which we will use this December and one more time before they expire.. maybe next October) and they will get a ton of enjoyment from those!

 

[DisneyWalle]

Maybe we should start a support group for those of us that struggle with only child syndrome shopping.

 

[mrsp1030]

I am really having a hard time getting motivated to shop. With 3 boys, my house ready feels overrun with stuff. So far I've gotten 8 year old large lego artic set and some Orioles gear, 6 year old large lego fire station and 2 year old a balance bike. We are going to Disneyworld at Thanksgiving so hoping to spot something they want there. Hard time finding fun, unique ideas this year.

 

[gracie1]

Bumping thread

 

[cheap traveler]

I've been lurking, trying to get ideas, but now I'm so depressed I don't want to shop anymore

I've gotten quite a bit of my shopping done, for all the friends and relatives, as well as for DD10 and DD8. Now DD10 is causing so much trouble that I want to return all her gifts! She is doing pretty well in school, not causing any stress in class and working hard, but then the rest of the day happens. She has had 2 write-ups at the after-school program they attend, and it would be 3 if they knew that the other situation was caused by her (I am holding her accountable for it at home, because we live in a rural area where there is no other after-school option so I can't have her kicked out.) And at home she has been quite bad also.

Yesterday I stripped her room of all toys and playthings, took away all electronics, took away Halloween even! She better turn her behavior around pretty quick, because Christmas will be awfully sad for her if she has to watch her sister open presents in 2 months!

I'll share what I have for DD8 so far. Still waiting for a list to see what Santa will bring (he only brings 1 gift each):
L.L.Bean duffle bag
*Frozen socks
*slim jim
*Elephant bracelet
*toothbrush
*Frozen stickers
*Frozen chapstick
Wild & Woolly bathroom reader book
Surfer rescue lego set
Nim's Island DVD
girl scout pouch and charm
*lip-shaped funny straw
Uno dice game
*Vinylmation
Monster High doll
*string thing (for cat's cradle)
X-mas eve pajamas

All the items with a * are stocking items. Once I see her list, I might get 1-2 more items, and I think we need a few more stocking stuffers. Plus Santa will bring something she wants.

DD10's gift list is similar.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

I've been lurking, trying to get ideas, but now I'm so depressed I don't want to shop anymore

I've gotten quite a bit of my shopping done, for all the friends and relatives, as well as for DD10 and DD8. Now DD10 is causing so much trouble that I want to return all her gifts! She is doing pretty well in school, not causing any stress in class and working hard, but then the rest of the day happens. She has had 2 write-ups at the after-school program they attend, and it would be 3 if they knew that the other situation was caused by her (I am holding her accountable for it at home, because we live in a rural area where there is no other after-school option so I can't have her kicked out.) And at home she has been quite bad also.

Yesterday I stripped her room of all toys and playthings, took away all electronics, took away Halloween even! She better turn her behavior around pretty quick, because Christmas will be awfully sad for her if she has to watch her sister open presents in 2 months!

I'll share what I have for DD8 so far. Still waiting for a list to see what Santa will bring (he only brings 1 gift each):
L.L.Bean duffle bag
*Frozen socks
*slim jim
*Elephant bracelet
*toothbrush
*Frozen stickers
*Frozen chapstick
Wild & Woolly bathroom reader book
Surfer rescue lego set
Nim's Island DVD
girl scout pouch and charm
*lip-shaped funny straw
Uno dice game
*Vinylmation
Monster High doll
*string thing (for cat's cradle)
X-mas eve pajamas

All the items with a * are stocking items. Once I see her list, I might get 1-2 more items, and I think we need a few more stocking stuffers. Plus Santa will bring something she wants.

DD10's gift list is similar.

Sorry dd10 is having behavior issues, I know how stressful that is

I would love to know what you got for her that is different from dd8 list. I have a dd7 and dd9 and probably give them about 50% of the same stuff and then try to do 50% different things. When they are close in age it can be hard in a way.

 

[cheap traveler]

Sorry dd10 is having behavior issues, I know how stressful that is

I would love to know what you got for her that is different from dd8 list. I have a dd7 and dd9 and probably give them about 50% of the same stuff and then try to do 50% different things. When they are close in age it can be hard in a way.

Thank you.

I'll list the changes below. They usually get the same things, just different variations (different lego set, different movie...)

Wild & Woolly book - Under the Sea book
Surfer lego set - Quarter collecting book
Nim's Island DVD - Now: 51 CD
Lip-shaped straw - Mustache straw
Girl Scout things - no replacement yet
Uno Dice game - no replacement yet
Monster High Doll - Ever After High doll
DD10 is also getting Harry Potter Film Wizardry book - she is big into Harry Potter. I'll get some books for DD8 also, not sure what yet.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Cheap Traveler…sorry to hear this.. I have one in college and one in High school, youngest in JR high…so I have been there!! I just want to say, is there anything maybe going on you are not aware of that could be causing her to act out? Bullying at school? Allergy issues? I know when my middle one is getting sick or is dealing with seasonal allergies his attitude is totally like the body snatchers! he's just very very affected by it..more than siblings.. also,..she may be hitting the hormonal shifts from pre-puberty. I know we hate to even think about it, but for some girls, its does start at 9 or so… I am sure you have thought about all of this … Just wanted to throw out some options for her…I hate it for them when they go through all this. It's easier to look for an out when it is someone else's kid…if it was my kid, I would just say, you know better and you are in BIG trouble!

 

[100AcreWood]

I have a 12 year old dd. The middle ages are difficult. We are having a lot of problems at home too. They just seem to want to test you at this age!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I have a 12 year old dd. The middle ages are difficult. We are having a lot of problems at home too. They just seem to want to test you at this age!

This is true also… I didn't want to say it!

 

[cheap traveler]

Thank you everyone for the words of encouragement! We are 3 years into puberty (physical signs started just before she turned 8 - and she is skinny as a rail!) The hormone waves have been apparent for quite a while as well. I'm going to talk to her teacher to see if anything is going on, but so far I've had nothing but good reports from class.

She has problems with her father - he rarely shows up or calls, so that has been breaking her heart for 8 years. I've started seeing someone this year, so I wonder if having him be there any time she wants to talk, and calling to say goodnight, and telling her he loves her, is causing a problem - why does he do all these wonderful things for us when Daddy doesn't? At first I thought maybe she was having a problem with my boyfriend, but things she has said make it clear she is ok with him.

I'm just hoping that a little tough love will put her back on the right path! And hopefully before the holidays.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

oh bless her heart! Thats so sad…my little nephew deals with his dad being a jerk and a crappy guy all around..it's my brother so I can say that! He lives about 2 miles from him now and still doesn't bother to call or come around..he is suppose to get him for the traditional weekends and once a week thing,..never does…or he will go long periods of time then get him for a weekend here and there. He is not a good example and very short with my dn, so I don't think he is missing out on anything. But, there are times when he acts out! I know he feels the same as your dd~ Why doesn't my dad take time for me? He is now remarried and goes and does for his step kids!! It's so infuriating! My nephew is really a good kid and loves everybody so it is hard to see his dad be such a creep. He's 9 and doesn't remember before they split up… I hate to see people treat kids like that…makes it very hard for them growing up! And then when the kids grow up and don't want anything to do with them, the goofballs don't understand why they don't 'respect' them…ok..off the soap box..Can you tell this hits close to home?!

 

[ah1126]

How do you handle it when your child keeps asking for something that you know they aren't going to get?

My DD 4 1/2 wants a Barbie car that she can ride in and drive. She asked for it last year, and is asking again this year. We don't have the money or space for it and I think she is getting to big for it anyway. Last year I kept bringing up the point of where would she keep it, but she is asking again for it this year.

There was one year when I was growing up that I really, really, really wanted the Burger King Play-doh set. I was so upset for more than one year that I didn't get it. My parents would have gotten it, but weren't able to find one. 25+ years later I still remember how bad I wanted it. I know it's not the end of the world for her to not get something she wants, but any tips on making it easier would be great!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

ask her what else she wants..explain that sometimes there are things that we want so much, but for whatever reason we don't always get them..tell her if she didn't get that,what else would be a good thing to have instead…hopefully she will come up with something not as expensive! LOL

 

[ah1126]

ask her what else she wants..explain that sometimes there are things that we want so much, but for whatever reason we don't always get them..tell her if she didn't get that,what else would be a good thing to have instead…hopefully she will come up with something not as expensive! LOL

Thanks! Good thinking. The only other thing she has said she wanted was an Anna doll. I'm sure she will think of a few more things before now and then.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Only 9 weeks until CHRISTMAS!!!!

 

[NYEmomma]

Someone HELP me with my 2.5 year old twins. I am absolutely, positively stumped for them because they have an older sister that was (and is, as well as the twins) thoroughly spoiled so she has every toy known to man, leaving my youngest two with loads and loads and loads of hand-me-downs to play with.

We have art/craft stuff, board games, puzzles, every single Little People item made in the past 5 years, Barbie dolls, baby dolls, Polly Pocket....

The only things I've gotten them so far are Kindle Fires and I'm going to start them off with Calico Critters since that is one playset that their older sister doesn't have.

I have a huge l list (an stash) for my oldest, but almost nothing for the twins.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Someone HELP me with my 2.5 year old twins. I am absolutely, positively stumped for them because they have an older sister that was (and is, as well as the twins) thoroughly spoiled so she has every toy known to man, leaving my youngest two with loads and loads and loads of hand-me-downs to play with.

We have art/craft stuff, board games, puzzles, every single Little People item made in the past 5 years, Barbie dolls, baby dolls, Polly Pocket....

The only things I've gotten them so far are Kindle Fires and I'm going to start them off with Calico Critters since that is one playset that their older sister doesn't have.

I have a huge l list (an stash) for my oldest, but almost nothing for the twins.

Well..they have a lot…and they are only 2.5, so they technically won't remember how much they get…If you do the Calico Critters, wrap all that in as many little boxes as you can so it seems like more~thats what most kids like anyway is unwrapping!! Do some scaled down things to unwrap..a box of crayons, a box of coloring books or a package of art paper to draw/color on..just some small things…Since they have so much already!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

9 WEEKS TIL CHRISTMAS!!!

5 WEEKS TIL THANKSGIVING!!

It won't be long and we can start hanging Christmas lights!!!