Comments on: How do you Christmas shop?

By: wlaswf

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By: eykofbgd

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By: mom4inspiration

mom4inspiration — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:39:07 +0000

I love the significance of the three gifts like those from the wisemen. We are doing that this year!

By: Breathes_girl

Breathes_girl — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:45:08 +0000

My kids hate me for the fake tree, lol. Too bad, we live in an apartment so it's a fire hazard AND I had enough of watering and vaccuuming up after it when I was a kid!

I started shopping a couple of months ago, mostly stocking stuffers, music and books. My budget is tight so if I do it in small bits here and there it doesn't seem like I spend as much.

I never have tried to spend the same amount on them.

If I don't get a list they get what I think they need. If I get a list they actually get a couple of things they wanted.

My parents have always tried to spend the same amount on all three (my two and my nephew) going so far as to give them the difference in cash! That drives me batty!

By: Mach Momma

Mach Momma — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:35:30 +0000

Being a mom for 25 years now. I have went through it all it seems.
I have found that if I buy things throughout the year, I over spend because I forget what I have or I tell myself I got such a great deal on this or that-so I can spend more. I do buy gift wrap etc after Christmas.
This is what I have found works for my fam (especially me,the impulse shopper) I start shopping mid Sept and am finished by Nov 30. I do not allow myself to go to any store after Dec 1. I tell my husband he has to grocery shopping for that month. He usually does not do such tasks, but he knows he has to pay for it one way or another.
It is quite nice and really brings in a peaceful feeling to our entire home to focus on the reason for the season.

My mom started donating money to "The Smile Train" for her grandchildren over 10. At first, my teenage boys were a little confused, but being raised in a charitable home, they did not question. Can I tell you the response my boys gave when they received the thank you card? It was amazing, better than anything money can buy, to know that they helped those children.
This year we are going to buy a goat for someone in a village.
One year we hand made every gift and that was amazingly COOL. We did start in the spring that year.
Although we are very blessed monetarily, the greatest joy is giving and helping others.

By: Shelle

Shelle — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:05:04 +0000

We don't do Christmas or birthdays, dh doesn't allow it. We do have birthday cakes…and the kids get money for Christmas from their grandparents…that seems to keep them happy.

By: Catherine Anne

Catherine Anne — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:34:18 +0000

As the years go past Im thinking about making more for others and shopping less. Its just stuff and stuff does not show the birh of Christ. Maybe Im getting a little out there. Im sure we will shop for our family just not as much as we have. I want to spend time with the kids, baking, building and sewing for our gifts. One thing we do is santa always has left 3 main gifts as the wise men brought three gifts to christ! Love your christmas pics! Such a cozy time of year!

By: Hattie

Hattie — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:43:11 +0000

I've hung the stockings before on the wall using command hooks. They look nice and no holes!

With 4 boys I've been trying to find toys and things on clearance or w/ all these new toy coupons! I have a feeling this is going to be a small Christmas!

By: Pam (meanestmother)

Pam (meanestmother) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:32:03 +0000

We hang our stockings on the rail of our stairs. They are hung in age order with the youngest closest to the top of the stairs to make it easier for them to get to. After they all have their stockings the tradition is to get their picture taken on the stairs in the pajamas with their stockings. All the kids still living at home are "required" to oblige this tradition, like it or not. This enables our children to all enjoy the same memory despite the wide age difference.

By: Becky

Becky — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:32:03 +0000

I love your "I just lost my mind" story!!!I'm about 95% done with Christmas shopping! And I have 2 kids, 1 niece, 4 nephews, 1 12 year old brother, and 2 boys that I babysit to buy for! I hit the Target Christmas in July sale-Hard! I've also been buying things here and there on sale or with a coupon. For the adults in my family we are filling baskets with household things that I get for free or cheap, and then I will be making them something special also. I already have over $200 worth of things in each basket! The only thing left to buy is an outfit or 2 for my 1 year old, and some little things for our 3 infant nephews! Woo-hoo!!

By: Becky

Becky — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:31:10 +0000

I love your "I just lost my mind" story!!!

I'm about 95% done with Christmas shopping! And I have 2 kids, 1 niece, 4 nephews, 1 12 year old brother, and 2 boys that I babysit to buy for! I hit the Target Christmas in July sale-Hard! I've also been buying things here and there on sale or with a coupon. For the adults in my family we are filling baskets with household things that I get for free or cheap, and then I will be making them something special also. I already have over $200 worth of things in each basket! The only thing left to buy is an outfit or 2 for my 1 year old, and some little things for our 3 infant nephews! Woo-hoo!!

By: Lisa S.

Lisa S. — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:02:19 +0000

I'm so glad to know I'm not the only crazy mother who would do something like drag a Christmas tree down to the curb for early pick up. I haven't done that particular thing but can rival that story in other ways…

I just started a gift box this summer. I'm sure lots of people already do this but it's new to me. I've been buying marked down stuff and then popping them in the box to sort out later. I have a general idea of what gift goes to whom but I am flexible. I'm pretty well set up for Christmas and have been spending about $40 a month so far. I'm waiting for Shutterfly to put their calendars on sale and then I'll be more or less done. This is waaaay better than stressing out like crazy from October through December like I normally do!