I always get stressed out at the last minute. Like I forgot something and just run around like a crazy person. I hate that feeling. I don't want to be rushed and feel all this pressure over the holidays. How do you not feel that way?
Here it is the 10th of December and I have no idea what we are doing for dinner. We usually go to DH family or mine and some years have been both. That is stressful but for some reason this year nothing has been mentioned and I just realized it. I guessI should makes some phone calls or it might be TV dinners this year lol.
<span>I used the Amercan Greetings program to make the coupons. And I am planning coupon books for both kids this Christmas. I can't believe how fast the holidays are approaching! Why does it seem they get here faster each year? </span>
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Just this morning on the early local news they TV hosts were lamenting that the radio stations were playing Christmas music already.
No matter how I plan, I'm always behind by this time of the year. Such is life I guess.
Our neighbors already have their tree up and the lights on their house!! Now I've heard of early decorating, but wow, it's not even Thanksgiving yet. Has anyone else put up Christmas decorations yet?
I used the Amercan Greetings program to make the coupons. And I am planning coupon books for both kids this Christmas. I can't believe how fast the holidays are approaching! Why does it seem they get here faster each year?
We've done the coupon thing before, with things like for the adults, a backrub, or a I'm too tired to bathe the kids, you do it, coupon. For the kids, an afternoon making a favorited but time consuming special snack, or an hour of mom/dad time even when mom/dad is in begging busy. It's a great way to show someone their value.
I love the customized coupon idea, too. I wonder what would be good for adults. I wish my husband would wash and clean out my car once a month. I just hate doing it, and even though it probably needs it more often, once a month would be great.
That is a WONDERFUL idea, SimplyMe!!!! My 7 year old daughter would think that was the best gift ever! Thank you so much for a great idea! Did you use a specific program to create it?
I was a tad short on cash on my daughter's birthday this year, and what I gave her was such a hit she has requested it again.
I made a coupon book up and printed it out. It was very pretty and looked great. The coupons included small things, like 3 books from the flea market, or 3 coupons for the movie of her choice from the on-line rentals. Some were bigger, like a Mom and Me day at the salon, an MP3 player, and dinner out to the place of her choice.
She has been getting gifts since September now. She said it was so great because it was like her birthday never ended. And it helped me out financially, I was able to give her some really great gifts I couldn't afford all at once.
LChoice that is such a neat family tradition. One year my boys built me a bird house. I just loved it. We had many bird families until it was worn out from the weather. I will have to put in an order with them for a new one this Christmas!
I have a friend who came from a large family (5 kids) that lived on a farm/ranch in Central Texas. They were comfortably off, but never a huge amount of extra cash, and their family gives only handmade/homemade gifts for Christmas. She says she likes the tradition but it is sometimes a challenge for her brothers.
To help some this year, I started using lay-a-way earlier in the summer. I was able to get everything I needed and didn't have to come up with a lump of cash at one time. Anyone else use lay-a-way's?
Creative is the key, I totally agree with this. I try to make sure that my kids make a gift for everyone in the family, teachers, bus drivers and our friends. It helps to stretch the budget, gives them a sense of accomplishment and we always have a great time together.
Creative shopping definately is the key, I agree totally! I've scaled back some as the kids have grown older, alot of it because of financial necessity. With 3 teenagers and a 9 year old, things are just naturally more expensive. They want the iPods, phones, video games, all that. It causes me stress just thinking about it! LOL
