Thinking of Christmas

[moonpie85]

Hey everybody!

I'm sooo in the holiday spirit already! Am very excited for the Target July Toy Clearance, can't wait til the 26th! Also excited for QVC's Christmas in July on the 25th. Those two events always officially kick off my holidays.

So far all I have picked up is the Belle animators doll and a book for my DD who will be two next week. Once her birthday is over I will be shopping full force for Christmas. I have also ordered a couple of Shutterfly books for the grandparents using free codes.

 

[scnrc00]

I have been thinking about Christmas for a couple weeks now. I normally start buying right after Christmas for the next year but this year started out a little rough. Things have finally gotten back to normal around here so I started trying to figure out what to get my girls. Plus my youngest daughter has a Bday the first week of December and she will be 9. I actually bought my first gift today thanks to craigslist. My youngest is into American Girl and last year we built her a custom dollhouse which is a little over 4 feet tall and 8 ft long. But she has always wanted Kits treehouse which of course is discontinued and has been for some time now. And I refuse to pay $400 on ebay so I was excited when I found one today locally for $200 brand new with some extras. It is already put away for Christmas morning. Now to think about the other girls.

 

[mannasn]

I've been sort of thinking about Christmas... got a PIN for free dining 12/10-12/13 so we were discussing with the kids doing a Disney trip(early December) instead of gifts this year (we haven't been since 2006). I feel like my kids are old enough to help make the decision - 10 and 14. The 10 year old is all for it, the 14 year old is just "blah." But I think he's just at that age that he's kind of "blah" about everything! lol

Still haven't made up my mind yet, but I'm leaning towards the trip and just doing stockings at home for Christmas day (they'll still get gifts and/or cash from grandparents anyway)

 

[michelleh1]

I've been thinking about Christmas too! I'm already finished with our sibling gifts. I just do something small and inexpensive - I got nativity figurines on clearance at Kohl's right after Christmas for my siblings, and our favorite card game for dh's siblings. I do photo calendars for our parents later in the year, so I really only have our kids left (dh and I really don't buy for each other). And I'm really struggling with what to do. We are taking a surprise trip to DLR the last week of November, and I'm wanting it to be our Christmas, but I'm struggling because Christmas will still be 3 weeks after we get home. My kids rooms are already bulging with stuff that they need to get rid of, but won't. I really don't want to buy them more gifts to add to the stuff piles. (They'll have more stuff after the trip anyway because of the souvenir money.) I'm thinking of getting my girls mp3 players for their birthdays this year so they will have them for the drive. I'm excited because they are small and won't take up much space. I know my ds would enjoy more wii games for Christmas, but I really struggle with the girls. My youngest two want everything they see on tv - pillow pets, happy nappers, those flip-up slippers. I'm trying to think of a membership somewhere that we'd all enjoy, but with ages 5 to 14 it's hard to find something that will keep them all happy. We usually don't spend a lot and we try to keep Christmas simple. I'd love any ideas or even some validation that our trip could be our main Christmas gift this year (I'll still do stockings). They do have grandparents and generally get $10 or a small gift from each of them.

 

[jdcthree]

We usually don't spend a lot and we try to keep Christmas simple. I'd love any ideas or even some validation that our trip could be our main Christmas gift this year (I'll still do stockings).

Of course your trip can be the main gift. Christmas isn't about gifts, even though they are nice. You have no reason to feel guilty. When I was a kid I would have loved a trip to Disney and a stocking full of goodies for Christmas! You could even sneak a few souvenirs home from Disney for those stockings.

 

[michelleh1]

Of course your trip can be the main gift. Christmas isn't about gifts, even though they are nice. You have no reason to feel guilty. When I was a kid I would have loved a trip to Disney and a stocking full of goodies for Christmas! You could even sneak a few souvenirs home from Disney for those stockings.

Thank you! I do believe that Christmas isn't about the gifts, and that is why we keep it simple as we are trying to teach our children that. I also would have loved a trip as a gift as a child - we never went to Disney.

 

[bababear_50]

Saw something like these today



Uploaded with ImageShack.us


Hotwater bottle in a sack,,so I bought three of them --on sale at
Giant tiger $3.00 each. I got three royal blue,velvet types.
I picked up 3 small bottles of spiced rum, $12.45 each.
3 small spice jars of nutmeg-dollar store $1.00 each
3 small spice jars cinnamon-dollar store $1.00 each

Here is the tag I will attach to them.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[bababear_50]

I've been thinking about Christmas too! I'm already finished with our sibling gifts. I just do something small and inexpensive - I got nativity figurines on clearance at Kohl's right after Christmas for my siblings, and our favorite card game for dh's siblings. I do photo calendars for our parents later in the year, so I really only have our kids left (dh and I really don't buy for each other). And I'm really struggling with what to do. We are taking a surprise trip to DLR the last week of November, and I'm wanting it to be our Christmas, but I'm struggling because Christmas will still be 3 weeks after we get home. My kids rooms are already bulging with stuff that they need to get rid of, but won't. I really don't want to buy them more gifts to add to the stuff piles. (They'll have more stuff after the trip anyway because of the souvenir money.) I'm thinking of getting my girls mp3 players for their birthdays this year so they will have them for the drive. I'm excited because they are small and won't take up much space. I know my ds would enjoy more wii games for Christmas, but I really struggle with the girls. My youngest two want everything they see on tv - pillow pets, happy nappers, those flip-up slippers. I'm trying to think of a membership somewhere that we'd all enjoy, but with ages 5 to 14 it's hard to find something that will keep them all happy. We usually don't spend a lot and we try to keep Christmas simple. I'd love any ideas or even some validation that our trip could be our main Christmas gift this year (I'll still do stockings). They do have grandparents and generally get $10 or a small gift from each of them.

Of course your trip can be the main gift. Christmas isn't about gifts, even though they are nice. You have no reason to feel guilty. When I was a kid I would have loved a trip to Disney and a stocking full of goodies for Christmas! You could even sneak a few souvenirs home from Disney for those stockings.

I am so happy that I am not alone.
I have a 8 year old grand daughter and I am thinking of taking her to Disney next March (Spring Break). This would have to be my Christmas gift to her and not much else. The air fare from here alone is $500.00 to $700.00. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if a 8 year old would understand all of this?. Is three months too long time for a 8 year old to wait for a gift? Hope that makes sense.

Hugs Mel

 

[michelleh1]

Is three months too long time for a 8 year old to wait for a gift?

Only if she lives nearby! And is constantly asking if it's time to go yet. LOL. I think that most 8 year olds would be able to understand and wait (but maybe not patiently).

I think you could do something fun with it for Christmas since you are going after. If you're giving her some souvenir money then you could get her a gift card or Disney dollars or just make a certificate for some spending money. If you are just doing the trip, then you could make her a certificate for a special photo with ____ (fill in her favorite character). It'd also be fun to make a fake airline ticket or some type of travel itinerary that shows she is going to Disney. Or you could make a countdown calendar or chain for her so she can count down the days. However you want to do it, she can have something to open on Christmas and can anticipate the upcoming trip.

Edited to add: I just noticed that you do DISigns, I'm sure you'll think of something super creative for telling her!

 

[reginaastralis]

I am so happy that I am not alone.
I have a 8 year old grand daughter and I am thinking of taking her to Disney next March (Spring Break). This would have to be my Christmas gift to her and not much else. The air fare from here alone is $500.00 to $700.00. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if a 8 year old would understand all of this?. Is three months too long time for a 8 year old to wait for a gift? Hope that makes sense.

Hugs Mel

My dd will be 8 in Jan, and I think it depends on the kid. Maybe if you got her some small things to bring on the trip, or her own suitcase if she doesn't have one ... that might get her excited.

My parents anniversary is right after Christmas, and I'm planning on sending them to the Grand Floridian for two nights. I might (depending on how many more times our car plans on breaking down this year ... ) plan out a nice dinner and something else for them to do there. However, I've told them that all of their gifts this year are going to be put off until their anniversary .... don't you know my dad complained at Father's Day that I hadn't gotten him anything. I hope your daughter is more understanding than my dad.

 

[bababear_50]

Only if she lives nearby! And is constantly asking if it's time to go yet. LOL. I think that most 8 year olds would be able to understand and wait (but maybe not patiently).

I think you could do something fun with it for Christmas since you are going after. If you're giving her some souvenir money then you could get her a gift card or Disney dollars or just make a certificate for some spending money. If you are just doing the trip, then you could make her a certificate for a special photo with ____ (fill in her favorite character). It'd also be fun to make a fake airline ticket or some type of travel itinerary that shows she is going to Disney. Or you could make a countdown calendar or chain for her so she can count down the days. However you want to do it, she can have something to open on Christmas and can anticipate the upcoming trip.

Edited to add: I just noticed that you do DISigns, I'm sure you'll think of something super creative for telling her!

My dd will be 8 in Jan, and I think it depends on the kid. Maybe if you got her some small things to bring on the trip, or her own suitcase if she doesn't have one ... that might get her excited.

My parents anniversary is right after Christmas, and I'm planning on sending them to the Grand Floridian for two nights. I might (depending on how many more times our car plans on breaking down this year ... ) plan out a nice dinner and something else for them to do there. However, I've told them that all of their gifts this year are going to be put off until their anniversary .... don't you know my dad complained at Father's Day that I hadn't gotten him anything. I hope your daughter is more understanding than my dad.

Ok here is what happened in the past hour

We scrapped the idea of taking my Grand-daughter on a March break trip.

Air Canada dropped their price down to $545.00 from $680.00 so we decided to book a ticket for my grand daughter for our Jan 1st trip instead of our March -Spring break trip.
I think she can wait 6 days . It will be a Christmas Surprise gift.
Now I must keep this secret.
Hugs Mel

michelleh1
I plan on making her a Giant airline ticket to announce the trip--she is going to be sooooo excited,,and this Nana is a bit excited too!!!Thanks for the kind advise.


reginaastralis
Hon your dad will understand when he sees how you have planned a special time for them at the GF,,I'd love to stay there.You are a great daughter.

Thank-you both for all your advise and support

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I got two books preordered for gifts today. The new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book and a new Captain Underpants book are coming out this year and the scholasticbookstore.com is having a sale using JULY4 you get 20% off. Free shipping if you spend over $25 so I didn't get free shipping, but still saved $1.30 after shipping.

 

[tinytinkmom]

So happy I'm not alone!
We are heading to WDW and on a Fantasy cruise for the two weeks leading up to Christmas, so I feel like I need to get everything taken care of early this year! Not to mention, I enjoy Christmas shopping!

 

[michelleh1]

Air Canada dropped their price down to $545.00 from $680.00 so we decided to book a ticket for my grand daughter for our Jan 1st trip instead of our March -Spring break trip.
I think she can wait 6 days . It will be a Christmas Surprise gift.

How exciting! I think that is perfect, just a few days to anticipate the trip, but not so long that it causes craziness. The big airplane ticket is a great idea too.

 

[TillyDe]

I start shopping for Christmas the day after Christmas. Last year I got my DD a electric brownie baker at Walmart for $3 right after Christmas.

Last September, I walked into a local Walmart and all toys on Clearance was 1/2 off. I had found out in August that my first grandchild was going to be a boy. So, I got stuff for all the way up to age 3 or 4. It is stored in my closet.

Last weekend, my DD returned some Walmart diapers due to they stick to my grandson. She had been given 4 boxes as a gift. She got a gift card and bought toys for him for Christmas/Birthday.

So, this past month I have discovered Viggle, Sunshine Rewards, and Swag Bucks. Plus my daughter does Viggle. We are going to use these to get as much as we can. Next year we want to do a totally free Chistmas by doing these and the free Target gift cards with purchase.

We do not have just Christmas to worry about but the following:
My daughters birthday is mid November. Her boyfriends daughter and my birthday is the first week of December. My Grandson's birthday is Jan 6. Then DD boyfriend birthday is mid Feb.

And I belong to the "over buy club".

 

[bababear_50]

Getting closer to my goal BUT I am also one of those in "Over Buy Club" .
The heat here is making it easy for me to dream of Christmas.
Hugs mel

 

[mjantz]

I've bought a few items, mostly on our summer vacation. Our 'extra' room is being cleaned out this summer & I think there are a few 'lost' purchases in there. Our budget has tightened so those 'lost' items will probably become gifts for someone.

Biggest problem I have is DS vs DD. DS usually wants something really expensive & DD wants a bunch of little things. So, we end up with a serious present discrepancy. DS says he doesn't mind (& I believe him) but his little pile is so pathetic some years.

 

[Zhoen]

DS usually wants something really expensive & DD wants a bunch of little things. So, we end up with a serious present discrepancy. DS says he doesn't mind (& I believe him) but his little pile is so pathetic some years.

I've already started the groundwork for that problem with my two daughters. DD5 still likes all kinds of little things (seriously, one of her favorite b-day gifts was a stuffed animal that would have been $8 new, but I got it for a quarter at the thrift shop), but DD8 has discovered video games and wants the latest titles (doesn't get them much, but wants them.) I was wrapping presents and she commented about "how come I have two small ones and Sissy has 4 big ones?" So I had to explain to her that sometimes the best things do come in small packages, and that when she wants more expensive gifts, that means there will be fewer of them. She took it pretty well...

Now if only SD20 could be convinced...

 

[QVCshopper]

My goal for this year is to do my kid's presents for almost "free." I do Viggle and Wikets (apps on my iPad) and have a decent amount of Barnes & Noble and Amazon gift cards saved up. I don't go overboard, though. I think we're going with Legos, maybe Dream Lites, and DS game, and a couple other tiny things? I'll decide later--it's still only July.

 

[worm761]

Biggest problem I have is DS vs DD. DS usually wants something really expensive & DD wants a bunch of little things. So, we end up with a serious present discrepancy. DS says he doesn't mind (& I believe him) but his little pile is so pathetic some years.

I have the same issue and tend to have a lot of guilt over it. DS is 16 and DD will be 3 in December. When DS was little I definitely over bought. I have cut back but DS's "toys" are in the form of a new TV and the latest video game titles at $60 a pop. DD's stuff is just little and there is so much more! Example: last year for Christmas my father got DS a gift card to GameStop for $50 so handed me a 50 and asked that I get DD a gift with it. DS got the same amount of money but spent it all on one game. I got DD a Little People jungle thing with an additional 4 animals, total of 5 things. He understands but it just looks so unbalanced.