53 days until Christmas day

[Golden Eagle]

Where has this year gone? I cannot believe that Christmas is just around the corner.
Who has started their shopping?
I have not even thought about it yet . I guess I better get motivated .
Should make it easy as all of the decorations etc. are already on the shelves in the stores. It really has become very commercialized.
_________________
Be an organ donor; give your heart to Jesus.
Exercise daily; walk with the Lord.

[Susan A]

I have some things bought for my daughter (only because the store I work in had some amazing deals this summer). I have started thinking about Christmas, mostly because my youngest DD's birthday is before Christmas.
_________________
Susan A
Cochrane, AB

[Carol Ann]

Bah Humbug! When I saw Christmas ornments out in the stores before Hallowe'en is over with, it makes me not like shopping even more than I do already!
I've always been a last minute shopper and somehow I always pull it off! My kids are older now, so they like the monetary kind of gifts, although this year DS1 bought a house, so I should be able to come up with some great ideas for him.
I usually make pj's for the little ones around me, and I didn't think I would be able to this year as I didn't really have a place to sew till we fixed up a room in our new house, but just this week, I temporarily set my machine up, bought some material and will happily do some sewing now.

[mouse]

I don't start my Christmas shopping until early December.I usually do ok with what I purchase.This year though,I won't be spending near as much as I did last year.I also find that the"reason for the season"has been pushed aside by retailers.Thus resulting in consumers feeling that they need to find"that perfect gift"for everyone on their list(s).Then the stress sets in.Not for me though.If something doesn't get bought or done,oh well...I usually make candles,and put them in interesting containers(ex:old glass coke bottles,canning jars,wine glasses)to give for gifts...

[Golden Eagle]

I do a lot of the same thing Mouse, I buy large packages of cups and stuff them with candies and wrap them. Or I buy decorative tims and stuff them with cookies I bake etc.
This year my kids are getting money and they can buy what they want with it. They are going back to Ontario to see their Dad so DH and I get Christmas alone. We have decided to have a romantic original Christmas. No hoopla and big gifts, just quiet and peaceful times with candles, home baking, decorating and music. First time in our new home so we will look forward to the fire place etc.
Wonder how the weather will be this year?
_________________
Be an organ donor; give your heart to Jesus.
Exercise daily; walk with the Lord.

[lyndafaye]

this is going to be a strange Christmas this year.
have to pack the presents for my youngest son and his wife and get it mailed this week. going to China.
they will get the usual money in the Canadian Account which they can access but the few personal gifts have to go out as soon as possible or it arrives for his birthday in January.
My other son and his family want to come home for Christmas but with the weather and road conditions that is always iffy. We usually put a box of presents on the Grey hound a few days before Christmas but it isn't even sure they will still be running here in Dec. Was planning on giving gift certificates to Chapters and an educational toy store so they can pick out their own gifts either before or after Christmas. Not much fun for opening though. little kids like lots of stuff. Adults get money.
But if they plan on coming home we have to have gifts here as well. But if they don't make it I guess we will have a lots of just because day gifts for during the year to send by mail.
I do all my shopping in a few hours. We make the 4 hour trip to the city and I wander around picking things up. Then we either spend the night or most times just turn around and make the 4 hour trip home. Tiring day but it is done.
I love the lights and the music and look on the little ones faces as they see the sights of Christmas and wait to see Santa.
But people here have Christmas lights up and on already.
Way to early for me and it sort of turns me off of Christmas.

[Golden Eagle]

Lyndafaye,

There is nothing more precious in life than the gift of children, most especially at Christmas time.
It really has to make one think when there are people out there who are resentful about people having this precious gifts. I guess they have their own deep dark secrets and demons in life to hide from and behind...

I was at a sale yesterday and managed to start my Christmas shopping

_________________
Be an organ donor; give your heart to Jesus.
Exercise daily; walk with the Lord.

[Maggiemayrhian]

I haven't started xmas shopping yet! My daughter got married this September, but she had been living with him for three years, so she doesn't need anything for the house, so not sure, also just found my relatives on my father's side so will have to get them something. As for my son and hubby I have no clue, can we please cancel xmas this year it would be really good!

[bridgetspa]

Hi,
I usually start Christmas shopping in August when the back to school sales are on (we've never had much money, so it was always important to save as much as possible) this year between a very busy time at work and a sudden illnes I am very behind. I've done the nieces and nephews and most of the cousins and started on my children. I've had to cut back on the baking as I can't stand as long as I used to but the imporant things will be done, though I'll have to buy the fruitcake this year.
My son was born on Dec 20 so I always have so much to do just before Christmas. I find that if I start early then I can enjoy the season and don't feel pressured when things get hairy as things always do.


Cathy