It's Dec. 10, and I've done nothing for Christmas

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I haven't done a thing either. Though I'm starting to get into the spirit a little; DS14 had a bunch of friends sleep over last night; they went out for a walk very late and this morning I noticed that several neighbors' lite-up reindeer have been moved into some very naughty positions....

Well, I'm not sure seeing that would have put me in the Christmas mood, but it definitely would have made me laugh.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

My father died unexpectedly on Tuesday, and the funeral and everything is finally over. But I find that has just emotionally drained me to the point that I don't even CARE if we don't have a tree or decorations.

I am so sorry for you loss. My wife's dad passed away on Dec 26th so I know what you will be feeling when this time of the year comes around. If I were you I would do whats in your heart. if you want to celebrate Christmas then do so. If not then don't. Do whats best for you and your family.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

we will be taking advantage of the warm weather to finish outside. Hopefully go get our tree too. That will get me in the mood to do the inside decorating.

I haven't many gifts to get. We cut back exchanging when I got laid off. My nieces and nephews are at the age where cash is best.

I got REAL lucky. One of the girls I work with managed to get me the Nintendo WII system ( her sister works for Nintendo ). So the one really tough to get gift is done for DS.

I too believe in letting people know what I want. Less stressfull.Unfortunately my DH nevers says what he wants and I have no clue what to get him this year.

I also don't have to cook this Christmas! My MIL is having difficulty getting around and would prefer we all come there. So just double batch of appetizers and I'm DONE!

Lawren,

It sounds like you've got everything together, and are well on your way to being done. Wish I could say the same thing.

Anyway, you're not cooking Christmas dinner either........yay!

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Cindi,

My father died unexpectedly on Tuesday, and the funeral and everything is finally over. But I find that has just emotionally drained me to the point that I don't even CARE if we don't have a tree or decorations.

I am so terribly sorry to hear that. How very awful, for you and your family. It is so sad when a loved one passes near the holidays, and to die unexpectedly makes it impossible to deal with. It is just a horrible situation.

I understand a little of how you feel. My brother passed away on Christmas Eve. It was the saddest thing that I have ever experienced. And to this day, I have bad memories of that holiday. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that Christmas this year won't be too difficult for you. Take care.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I'm further ahead then normal. Bought a tree yesterday and have most of the gifts ordered. Last year I never even finished decorating the tree. My DD moved to England the week before Christmas last year, 2 days after she graduated from college. I was depressed.

This year my son's girlfriend and her 12 year old son live with us so the house is alive again. I'm really in the mood.

Lists - I hate it when people don't/won't give me lists. Even when I know someone inside out, I still have a hard time coming up with gifts. People's taste change and some people, like my sister, are very picky!

Good for you. However, I'm really jealous.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Boardgirl

I LOVE being in the mall on Christmas Eve!

[3kids4me Super Moderator and Super Mom Find all posts View Profile Close 3kids4me]

Hanukkah starts this Friday night, and our tradition is that the kids get a gift per night for eight nights. It's tough to make sure everyone's gift is somewhat equal for each night. I've asked the kids if they want to just open up their presents all at once, but they like the idea of lighting the candles each night and then opening a present.... Fortunately, Hanukkah is more of a kid-centered holiday, so there are no gifts to buy for adults.

Anyway, this year I ordered almost everything. (I really wish one could get miles for using Amazon!) It is so convenient to have everything just come to the door. Angela, you might want to consider it! Now, if they only came wrapped....

Sharon

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

I usually do my Christmas shopping on Christmas eve at about 7 am. The malls are not that busy at that time and I can get done in about an hour.

This year I am way ahead. I started shopping around Thanksgiving.

[Tom52 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Tom52]

What I'm not ok with is that he always wants a list from me. I've made my displeasure known in the past, but this time, I flat-out refused. We've been married 15 years - if he doesn't know me by now, why are we even together?? "You might get stuff you don't want and don't need." Uh huh, but why should I have to tell you what to get me? Why can't you put forth a bit of effort? Why can't I get surprises like everyone else?

Anyone else with that problem? Am I being unreasonable? Should I have to provide a list of what I want every year like a child listing the toys she wants? I may be pushing it too far this year, as I don't plan to give any hints, either. I think it's time he flew solo on this.

When I was a child I always made a list of toys I wanted and was still surprised if I got any.

The only way I could understand your displeasure is if hubby expects you to think of meaningful surprises for him while expecting a list from you. Otherwise, I have to sympathize with hubby on this one. I would enjoy the holidays a lot less if DW didn't at least steer me in the right direction on possible gifts.

If you purposely try to make his gift choices difficult, might he purposely try to make sure you don't make that mistake in the future? Maybe he will finally get you (him) that new bass boat you (he) always wanted.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

I don't know what is going on with me this year, but it's Dec. 10, and I have yet to purchase one Christmas gift. We brought up some boxes of decorations a few weeks ago, but we haven't really done any decorating yet.

Normally, we start to decorate the day after Thanksgiving, and by this point we are done. I usually have the majority of my shopping done at this point, too.

I really have to get going with this......I don't want to be shopping in the malls on Dec. 24.

So, I don't suppose you want to hear that everything is bought, wrapped, cards will all go out by tomorrow......... Of course we still have no decorations up (except for the wreaths on the front door) and probably won't until next weekend.

[BoardGirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BoardGirl]

No list from hubby. I always try to find something he'll like and sometimes I'm wrong but sometimes I really Hit It and mostly it's in between.

What ever happened to "it's the thought that counts"? Do those of you that provide lists not miss getting surprised?

I'm not picky, I'm happy with something he just puts thought into. I guess that's where I'm off base.

Thanks for your input.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

So, I don't suppose you want to hear that everything is bought, wrapped, cards will all go out by tomorrow......... Of course we still have no decorations up (except for the wreaths on the front door) and probably won't until next weekend.

No, I didn't want to hear that......I wanted to hear that you had nothing at all done, and that you were starting to pull your hair out. LOL

You even have all your gifts wrapped? And, you're sending out cards, and they will be in the mail tomorrow. Now you're just showing off.

I have to say tho, I'm shocked that you're not further along in your decorating. What's the deal with that? Sounds like you've been slacking off to me.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

I have to say tho, I'm shocked that you're not further along in your decorating. What's the deal with that? Sounds like you've been slacking off to me.

Well, I have to show that I'm not completely perfect.

And I like to leave some of it for Lizzie to help with when she gets home from school. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Sharon, that is a very nice tradition. I don't blame the kids for not wanting to give it up. When my kids were young, we would do the twelve days of Christmas. Each morning when they woke up, they found a small gift waiting for them in their bedrooms. It was a lot of fun.........I had 'Christmas Spirit" in those days. LOL

Hanukkah starts this Friday night, and our tradition is that the kids get a gift per night for eight nights. It's tough to make sure everyone's gift is somewhat equal for each night. I've asked the kids if they want to just open up their presents all at once, but they like the idea of lighting the candles each night and then opening a present.... Fortunately, Hanukkah is more of a kid-centered holiday, so there are no gifts to buy for adults.

Anyway, this year I ordered almost everything. (I really wish one could get miles for using Amazon!) It is so convenient to have everything just come to the door. Angela, you might want to consider it! Now, if they only came wrapped....

Sharon

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Well, I have to show that I'm not completely perfect.

And I like to leave some of it for Lizzie to help with when she gets home from school. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Well, at least you've given me a good excuse. My new cover story.....I'm waiting for Erica to get home from school.