Christmas talk????

Avatar for eclectic5777
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Christmas talk????
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Mon, 10-06-2003 - 12:54pm
Okay there has been two posts mentioning Christmas shopping. Gosh it will be upon us before I know it. Thinking I need to simplify this too. I just do not want to spend hours trudging around to a dozen stores and settling for something just so I have a gift. I'm going to start thinking of how I can make them feel thought of without it draining me of all my energy. Now that I will not be taking my October week off I'm going to really be looking forward to my Christmas vacation.

Anyone else re-thinking their Christmas rituals?

You Were Born An Original...   Don't Die A Copy

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-06-2003 - 6:42pm
I meant your DS.

Rhonda

       ~~Rhonda~~


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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-06-2003 - 7:05pm

When I first saw the topic I was thinking..bah, humbug.

Live With Passion!

Phyllis

Avatar for imthebigsister
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-06-2003 - 7:15pm
Geez, I think I gave you all the impression that I was the biggest humbug artist around when it comes to Christmas. Hardly! It's always been a huge deal in my family; throughout my childhood I was probably the biggest beneficiary of everyone's generosity with my Christmas Eve b-day. In my reply to Margie, I was just focusing on the unnecessary non-ritual stuff - that is, the running from mall to mall for "stuff" that nobody needs. I guess that's even a ritual for some people; I'll even be happy to do my part to expand the economy. But no more than that. I loved that last year DH and I were able to go to the malls and NOT shop and NOT feel overextended energy- or money-wise, but instead just enjoyed looking at the decorations, hearing the music, and getting a little caught up in the celebratory part of it, and even reflecting on what the season is supposed to be about.

I have to admit I reacted badly to the Christmas display in the grocery store of all places this weekend, because I love Thanksgiving so much and feel like it's being bypassed. I'll still decorate my home for Christmas, and still bake goodies and eat too many goodies and other foods of the season. I'll still listen to Christmas music way too early, and I can't wait to make a new ritual with my niece of the Nutcracker every year. I just want Thanksgiving to have its place. I don't want this time of year to be rushed past me.

Donna (aka Charlie Brown....)

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Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-06-2003 - 8:55pm
Don't forget those marshmallows over the fire. If would be wonderful if you could show them what Christmas CAN be like. It might really make a difference to them.

If you have a mall that is a "Simon" one, they have the greatest gift cards to simplify shopping, particularly for those hard to buy for teenagers or for wives who like to pick out their own stuff. ;-) They are good for any store in the mall and a number of stores that aren't in the mall.

All together now, sing "Good King Wensesese... uh, Hark, the Herald Angels Si-ing."

Rhonda

       ~~Rhonda~~


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Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-06-2003 - 11:17pm
Yeah, we were all sitting around thinking, "Boy, that Donna, what a humbug artist." Not! I think we understood your point and agree.

I don't like it that Halloween is glossed over too. Rob and I went to Walmart today, and he was like, I can't believe all this Christmas stuff is out already. I said, well, it IS almost Halloween! ;-) I think having it put out so early not only takes away from the other holidays, but makes Christmas seem more commercial and less special. If you have almost 4 months to decorate, shop, and otherwise prepare for a holiday that's almost 1/3 of the year! I'd like to be able to savor each one. I must confess that I do go to the Hallmark ornament premiere each July. I've been collecting some of those since the mid-70's and have every one of the Victorian houses and shops. This is the 20th anniversary of those, so there's an additional special ornament out.

We spend more on our parents than we used to and less on ourselves. I told them to enjoy it. It's time they got back some of what they've given us throughout the years. Rob gets plenty, but once the kids (nieces, cousins, etc.) are grown and/or married we don't give them gifts any more. We give to the next generation, although if Lauren doesn't quit with the step-children and babies, I may not be able to keep doing that! Actually, I have gifts for her 3 children already bought. I'll wait until the new one gets here in Feb. to worry about that one.

Rhonda

       ~~Rhonda~~


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Avatar for bootywhompus
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 10-07-2003 - 8:40am
No, you are not the biggest humbug artist around...I AM!

Bah!

Lori

Lori

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2000
Tue, 10-07-2003 - 9:00am
We keep running gift lists, and the gift giver chooses from the other's list. I also keep a gift closet where I keep things that I pick up on sale throughout the year. For Allison, I listen to what she's interested in, make mental notes and eventually get it down on paper. We also set a dollar limit. Stocking stuffers usually blow the dollar limit, but I've been trying to take care of those at Big Lots or Dollar-type stores.

Yes, I keep spreadsheets on gifts - want lists, purchases and what everything costs. If I didn't, my gift buying would be out of control.

Cussette

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 10-07-2003 - 9:09am
Phyllis, do the CL's still do Secret Santas? That's how I discovered this board. John (electricbug) was mine, and I was his). Wonder what he's up too. It's been ages since we've heard from him.

Rhonda

       ~~Rhonda~~


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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-27-2001
Tue, 10-07-2003 - 9:38am

This has been great fun reading about all of your Christmas traditions, ideas, etc. this morning.

Nancy

"Make Choices that bring you joy"  cl-Patty


 


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 10-07-2003 - 10:13am

Not that I know of.

Live With Passion!

Phyllis

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