We're using it now so it's not really going to be a Christmas gift anymore but I'm checking it off anyway!
I count down the weeks, but I really pay attention to how many paychecks- 10!!! Ouch!!
that is very scary. 
I really think the kids are getting a Wii...sounds super great for everybody. We can all enjoy it, they can all have individual games. Each one will still get gifts, but this will be the biggie!!!! This will be good since we are going to Disney before Christmas this year.....We can still enjoy a little disney with that TSMM game once we are home!!!
Some actually have not been paid... grrr. 
) But I still have to get DD's bike- she isn't too picky though, so it should be ok. And DS will only be 1, he won't know the difference. 
Well- I was making good headway with my x-mas shopping... but that has to be put on hold now... ugh! DH's hours at work have been cut and now I am lucky to pay the bills!
I dunno- I think the kids are going to be fine either way. I already told them it will be a smaller x-mas due to going to Disney in sept anyway. (Thank God the trip is already paid for and we have free dining!
Good thing I started early! At least we will all have something under the tree!
i wish Wal-Mart had not stopped offering Lay-a-Way...that helped sooooo many people!! Me included..if not for anything but convenience!! But, I wonder if with the economy like it is, they are reconsidering bringing it back. We always get our kids Wal-Mart bikes...they are great!!! Lots cheaper than TRU also!!!
I am so sorry you are having a hard time
maybe at Disney you can find a few things in their mark downs and sneak them home for their stockings? I am sure with people not buying as much at the parks, they have to have some stuff discounted!
As for lay-away, the K-mart by us still has it! I am hoping they have a decent bike soon. She isn't too picky, thank God, but she really likes the Hannah Montana and Bratz bikes at walmart. Go figure! I still say by the next year she won't really like Hannah Montana anymore and then she will refuse to ride it.... i dunno, just my theory. 
Glad I am a pack rat and that she is super easy to shop for!
I count down the weeks, but I really pay attention to how many paychecks- 10!!! Ouch!!
OMG!!!
You think that is scary? My husband is paid once a month so only 4 paychecks til Christmas here!
My step daughter will have to be driven to the airport day after x-mas- she has to be at her mother's house for a week during x-mas. She may stay an extra day this year, we have not decided. We will also have to find a way to deliver all the presents to my DH's family in NC this year too! Usually we go there a week or so before the holiday, but this year we just can't afford it. Maybe some of them will visit us and we can have them deliver the rest of the presents. I dunno otherwise. Most of it can be shipped easily, but we are getting his younger sister a big doll set. That might not be easy to mail. But we always like to go a little over board with his youngest sister. She is 14 and has Down Syndrome- add that to her severe diabetes and other problems, and we just think she deserves a really good x-mas. She goes through a lot day in and day out, so we like to give her something special! I too would be a nervous wreck. . The only problem is that we get the check 10/1; it's soooo hard for me to hold onto the money without spending it on something else before December roles around.
Xanphylus I am sorry you and your family are going through this; I hope he's able to get more hours soon.
It should pick up soon, they just always have a lull after summer for some reason. He works at Wrigley's- so everyone buy lots and lots of yummy gum!! Hopefully they will be back to full hours this next month! Please....... 
You think that is scary? My husband is paid once a month so only 4 paychecks til Christmas here!
That is my DH too...I hadn't figured the only 4 paychecks out yet.
I got my MIL a characture sketch of the 4 grandkids when they were all together this summer. FIL will get a DVD basket. (Will start looking for DVD deals)
My Mom is 84 so I will get her a gift card to get her hair done. (I do that for her b-day, mother's day, and Christmas) so that is her 3 perms a year.
My sisters and I don't exchange, but I do buy for the nieces and nephews and there are 3 of each.
My DH and my 2 DD, I have no ideas for.
Thanks for putting this into perspective.
We live in the woods so I don't want any trees in my living room! 
Our PS2 is sitting in the closet at the moment. At some point I need to sell it on Craigslist or eBay.
