I don't believe in going in debt for Christmas. Let dh do it 30 years ago and never since. My solution is to make a list, buy all year long when budget allows and wrap as I go. I have a notebook to keep track and each gift. It's labeled with who it goes to and a number. The number matches the one in the notebook, so I know what it is. They like to pick out their own clothes, so a gift card works good (which I have a Christmas fund going for this), and the little stuff is easy to add here and there during the year.
I also sell Avon, and am able to buy gadgets, cologne, makeup and jewelery all year too. I have a closet I can store stuff in my Avon boxes marked "Christmas". Since I have so many Christmas decoration (can we ever have too many ), no one thinks twice to look in those boxes. ;D
I am with you, Vivian. It isn't worth going into debt over. In fact, we have quite a few friends who don't believe in decorating or gift-giving at all. The only decorating the do is the creche scene and Christmas day is for gathering together with family over a nice meal. I kind of like that. Although, I must admit that I truly do enjoy giving gifts and get a lot of joy from that.
Cherylpearl, what is Holiday blessing mix? It sounds really neat.
We are spending less on everything this year, not by choice, but because of circumstances. DH is now working and It is nice to have another income again. It will be hard still, until everything is caught up until May.
Christmas will be small and more meaningful. DS even made a couple of things this year, without any prompting. I am very proud of him. Don't know about DD, she has been secretive since we picked her up at college last week.
Merry Christmas!
__________________ Friendship is like the sun, it just makes you feel better!
We decided that we would only purchase that with which we could pay for in cash. That is a big thing for us, as previous years we would still be paying in April for Christmas presents, etc.
This year, we bought the 2 kids at home new winter snow boots for Christmas early, as they both needed and could use them. As for the GK's, I made them clothes and picked up some Barbie Dolls at the thrift stores and made clothes for the dolls also. I also pick up different things through out the year and store them in a box for gifts. Such as for birthdays and Christmas. Nothing really huge. Since my DH's hours are cut back, my older kids got about $5.00 a piece. Otherwise, if I have the time I usually make a lot of them as I sew, crochet, and knit. I need to make my stash of crafting supplies dwindle down.
And I saved most of my kids toys when they were growing up. I have been going through the 13 or 15 large boxes, so I haven't been doing much shopping for toys.
VicRae, Do you have Dollar Tree Stores near you? I was surprised at the different crafty items they have there! I've bought yarn, hair goodies, flower picks, beads, scrapbooking, all kinds of things to craft with all year long.
If we all start saving and planning for next Christmas and the birthdays coming up, we don't have to go into debt and we will have time to make the craft items we'd like to give.
Example:
For girls, bath stuff in a basket from the dollar store with, maybe a hair clip or barrett, and don't forget the scrubby. They sometimes are 3 in a pack for a dollar, so you can use the other 2 for someone else's
For boys, there are mini tools, and items down the "hardware" isle.
Can also pick up goodie tins now everywhere 1/2 price or lower. Save them for next year and bake something nice. Many people like home made cookies, cakes, etc.
Giving should mean more if its home made and hand crafted rather than bought from store. Seems like some people have forgotten what giving is all about. It's not what you get, it's that someone thought enough of you to give you something. Giving something hand made is giving you something of themselves. Sure beats store bought when you think someone traded time from their lives for your gift, and time is so very precious to us all!
Yes, we do have a Dollartree store. I get alot of stuff there and have for a long time. I even belong to the website for them and get sales flyers sent to me. I also go to the thrift stores and shop there. You would be surprised at what you can find.
We also had our, Big Lot store having a going out of business sale at 50% off the prices of everything in the store that were already on sale.
My motto is; If I make it they can't take it back just to get the money to spend on what ever.
I guess I shouldn't be that way. The most we spent was on the snowboots.
I love Dollartree.. I get alot of cute things there. I don't get any flyers from them.. they have them in the store or in the newspaper. We don't go in debt for anything either. If we don't have the money, we don't get it. My grandkids all live in Ohio & Tennessee, so I just send them gift cards. We only buy gifts for each other & then only what we have the money for.
), no one thinks twice to look in those boxes. ;D
Friendship is like the sun, it just makes you feel better! 
