Christmas
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| Tue, 07-12-2005 - 5:07am |
today I was thinking about Christmas and granted in November the Christmas bonus comes in, but I want to put it toward lowering our overdraft. And so I had the following plan. If you have ideas as well, please let me know.
For my Mom: Since we are going to London together next month, I'm gonna take my laptop, and my digital camera and make lots and lots of pictures and keep a vacation diary. When we get home, I'm gonna buy a photo album (not too expensive), take some fabric (which I have lots of) that looks British and make her a scrap-book.
My Kids: That is a problem, because they do not appreciate home-made stuff as much as my mom does. I was thinking I'll give them 30 Euros each (I have 2 married daughters, so that will be 60 Euros a couple) and maybe I make some little stuff, to stuff their stockings with.
My grandbabies: Since the little one will only be 6 months old, I'll make her a baby-quilt and for Bryan I have no idea yet. I'll probably get him some Legos (I can build on to that). Maybe I can find a starter set on ebay.
My husband: Gets an extra payment on our debts :), i.e. the left over Christmas bonus to put down the overdraft.
My friends: I only have 3 or 4 that I will give to, I'll make something for them, like a doily or a quilted table runner (I'm learning how to machine quilt, so that will be good practice as well). And if I don't get done with all of it, I deliver later.
I have also a friend, that has a birthday in September... I think I invite her over for dinner and cook for her (something like Fondue or Raclette), or I organize a party for her, maybe I could make it a pot-luck.
What do you guys think about my plan?
Sushi

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I think that you have a great plan. And I think you are definately serious about getting on track and your persistance will pay off:) Good Luck and I am glad you are posting!
Btw- I also quilt.
Shannon
Shannon
:) I think I just read a post on the frugal living board from you. It was about rag-quilts. :) Gave me a wonderful idea on what to do with my fabric that I can't really use for anything except make squares out of... maybe I shade them into light and dark and stuff... It will definitely be an interesting experiment. :). I'm not that good at quilting, but I hope to get better.
On a side note... I'm so proud of myself. I just changed my flat-rate. My provider has a special on a different rate (now I have DSL flat and the special is on DSL flat classic) and it will save me a whopping 20 Euros a month. Now I pay 29,95 and in the future I will pay 9.95. I am locked in for 12 months, but we don't plan on changing providers anyway. Too much hassle and I can only download 1MB/sec instead of 6 (oh my :)) but it won't kill me. With no time limit on the flat rate, who cares how long it takes to down-load stuff. I'm so proud of myself. hmmmm.... 20 extra what if I put that toward the credit card too.
sushi
Hi Sushi - I think it's a great plan.
All my best,
Danni
This is a fabulous idea! How old is Bryan? Children love "collections" that make up a toy. For instance, you could make an explorer's pack by combining a backpack (perhaps you already have one you're willing to part with) personalized with a little stitchery and packed with collecting jars (washed jam jars), butterfly and/or fish/tadpole net (any old net found at a yard sale or dollar store), binoculars (two toilet paper rolls glued together lengthwise, decorated, and with a string tied for around his neck), a book about insects/frogs/snakes/whatever found at a yard sale or dollar store, newspapers and plastic bags for collecting wildflowers, a wildflower press made with two pieces of plywood (decorated, of course) some cardboard, newspaper, and butterfly nuts to hold it tight (I can give you more detailed instructions for this if you're interested--it's really quite simple and useful--far better than pressing flowers between books), etc.
Use your imagination, and you can come up with lots of options for "collections" a little boy would love. Another one is just a wallet--again, you can find a good-looking one at a yard sale for a dollar or less probably, and pack it with those little fake credit cards that often come with credit card applications, expired membership cards (but not expired credit cards), fake money (nick some from a monopoly game in your closet, for instance--a few dollars should do), a few pennies and nickels, and a special card with his name written and picture pasted on (you could do something very authentic-looking on the computer, print it, and laminate it with an iron-on laminate--usually less than a dollar for a small pack).
It's a bit more money, but subscriptions make lovely non-toy gifts for children. My children ADORE their subscriptions to Wild Animal Baby (19.95 for the year, came with a baby animal dish set) and Your Big Backyard (15.95 for the year, came with a pair of real, child-sized binoculars), and wait excitedly for *their* magazines to come each month. These are available through the National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org), the publishers also of Ranger Rick for the older child. Whatever your child's interests, there are mags out there to suit them.
By Christmas, the baby will be almost a year old, right? Babies that age love balls, nesting cups, and scarves--all very inexpensive items. You could give baby a collection of colorful soft balls (you could probably make these if you're talented with sewing), some nesting Rubbermaid purchased inexpensively, and two or three soft, brightly-colored scarves (yard sales are a good source for these, too, or perhaps you have some in your closet that you don't use any more). These types of toys are actually very good for them developmentally--far superior to the flashing, singing, beeping, blaring, battery-powered monstrosities many people overstimulate their babies with (can you tell I'm a little opinionated on this?? LOL). And they're very inexpensive, but packaged in a nice square basket (purchased at a yard sale for less than a $1) with a ribbon, they make a lovely, appreciated gift. Of course the quilt is a great idea too, but I thought I'd throw that one out there too in case it appeals to you.
Children love toys filled with imagination and a loved-one's care. And you have plenty of time to start "collecting" for them, so I think you'll do great. I also HIGHLY recommend yard sales for children's toys. I collect books and small toys for 50 cents or less a piece to take on trips to keep the kids entertained. I also hoard things for birthdays and Christmas and to give as gifts at parties (of course, only like-new toys get given to other peoples's children as gifts, but my own children don't mind a bit if it's a little scuffed or has someone else's name written in it, as long as it's not missing too many pieces or obviously broken in some respect).
Good luck, and let us know how it goes. You've reminded me that it's the time of year when I usually start planning for Christmas too. I collect baskets at yard sales all year so I have a good stock of them at Christmas time, and I can make collections of goodies and trinkets for friends and dh's co-workers and package them very nicely. They look like those ridiculously overpriced $40 baskets at gift stores but generally cost me less than $5 a piece to make.
If your children have backyards and a place to hang one, you can make a hammock very easily and cheaply from an old bedsheet. You can either buy a (double size) sheet at a yard sale or other inexpensive outlet, or use something already in your closet (my choice because I am overloaded with sheets!). Choose something with an attractive pattern or a plain color, but preferably something that doesn't look obviously like a sheet. A flat sheet will be easiest to work with. All you do is sew it closed with right sides together, leaving the ends open. Turn it right-side-out, then choose something to use for rings. I have a stock of rings I bought online for about 50 cents each--hardware stores (not Lowe's, but something more like an Ace Hardware or the neighborhood hardware store) often carry rings used for harnesses. You might have to call around a bit, or look online. Don't use the flimsy craft rings sold at craft stores--it must be rated to carry a load, or you risk someone getting injured. Pull one end of the sheet through the ring by about three inches, then sew it in. Do the same thing on the other end, and voila--hammock. This is the hands-down favorite hang-out in our yard for children and adults alike. It's hung between two trees in the shade, and everyone loves it. I'm planning to make two more, because it's so popular.
One more thing--grown people often appreciate something that doesn't cost much at all--a bit of creativity and love combined. Like the scrapbook you're making your mom (what a fabulous idea, by the way!)--anything that shows you not only love them dearly and uniquely, but also that you care enough to take the time to do something special. When we were *really* strapped for money, I would send each of my parents and grandparents a poem or just a really thoughtful letter about what they've been to me, with lots of details and stories to back it up and rekindle their memories. They loved it. I think they might wish I would just always do that. It's so much easier just to go out and buy a gift, but these sorts of things create memories that will last forever.
Good for you for taking this step. I'm proud of you.
Heather
Heather,
You really hit the nail on the head with how I have been feeling lately.... when i started going to garage sales and seeing that i could get the same stuff toywise there that I was spending a fortune on in the store- for next to nothing...... it has changed my outlook alot, I have been moving toward this for a few years but I really realize how much the big expensive toys are not necessary. Thanks for the ideas and the inspiration!
Shannon
Hi Heather,
thank you for your wonderful ideas. I have to read that mail again... cause while reading it, I could feel all the excitment about it you felt and I read it too quick. But there are some wonderful ideas in there for Bryan who is 3, but will be almost 4 by Christmas.
Yesterday, I broke my sewing machine, so I have to regroup on the stuff for the friends, that is, no quilts, but I already have some alternatives. I'm gonna look at it again today, maybe I can fix it. I hope so. If not I could hand-sew small pot-holders and quilt them for some friends. Anyway, I will make counted cross-stitch pictures of Tomatos, egg-plants etc. for a friend, who is a gardener :) and doilies for another friend... so I even if I have to wait before I can fix my machine, I get by.
You know, finding this place is the best thing that happened to me in a while. I am so thrilled, cause all the ideas I get and I don't feel so alone anymore. It helps me so much mentally. Thank you all.
Sushi
I'm so happy I could help! :) You guys made my day with your compliments.
I can't take total credit though--I was inspired by Amy Dascyscyn. If you like those ideas, there are many more similarly inexpensive gift ideas in her book, "The Complete Tightwad Gazette" (including many ideas for "collections"). You can check it out at the library, most likely, and if you have the option, get the "Complete," or you'll only get some of the ideas available (there are also volumes 1, 2, and 3, but the "Complete" contains all of them plus some extra material).
My sons are 4 and 1, so I imagine your grandsons will like similar things.
And, I'm glad you're happy to be here. This is the best board I have ever had the privilege of being a member of. I intend to stick around long after we're out of debt (if ya'll will still have me, that is ;)). Thanks to the Rules of Play and our outstanding cl's, this place stays nice and friendly, incredibly supportive, while at the same time encouraging accountability and inspiring accomplishment. I've been a member for about three years now, and I have seen the same consistently supportive environment flourish, and I've seen so many people come through here absolutely depressed and at their wits' end, and just thrive in this environment and grow so much and watch their finances come into order. And of course, I've seen people who have struggled and struggled and been hit over and over again with financial troubles, and while it's hard to watch, it's good knowing they can always come here for encouragement and support. Most of us who have stuck around for long have seen at least some improvement in our situations over the long haul, if nothing else but just an increased ability to organize and manage our finances, however tight they may be, combined with a sense of confidence and self-worth that comes from knowing that we're not alone and that others here will understand and sympathize.
Whew. I hope the cl's are reading that, because I realize I should have posted it in its own post titled, "DSG CL's Rock" LOL.
Anyway, thanks for joining us, and I hope you'll get as much out of this as I have.
Blessings,
Heather
Hello Heather,
I'm already getting a lot out of it... a lot of love, a lot of nuture and a lot of wonderful ideas. I have only been here for a few days now, but I feel so much better... less burdened and I feel like I can handle it and get out of debt. Thanks for all the support.
Sushi
Awww - Heather.
All my best,
Danni
You're right, Danni--in addition to our awesome CL's, we also have a terrific group of folks who post. Everyone here adds something special. I know I can always come here for great advice, support, and thoughts--whatever my financial issue (or other issue, for that matter), there's someone who has some special insight that helps me.
Thanks, everyone. Ya'll rock. :)
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