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Posted on 11/03/2004 6:16:42 PM PST by HairOfTheDog
The brothers won't wear scarves. They don't like 'em, and they think they're girly.
I've done hats before. Bought, though. Fleece costs so much unless you find scraps for sale that it was just as inexpensive to buy the hats. They did like 'em! Anything warm goes over well here! And even if someone already had hats or gloves...you can always use more.
So...that's something. I had forgotten that. Thanks!
I'll probably make candy for some.
But usually food gifts are shared...so I need some other presents.
Dad is going to be the hardest, along with Jim! Especially as HE has a birthday, too. The 21st. Eek!
Film at eight...
A few years ago, I went out to T. J. Maxx and found several things I liked. I noted where they were in the store and described them in a note. I gave it to our two older sons and they were able to go out there and get something within their budget that they KNEW I would like, and I was somewhat surprised on Christmas morning because I didn't know exactly what they would get for me.
Ah yes, I remember you now...
I wanna know what she said...
Don't we all!
But see, that's the problem, I've done that. I've pointed it out in the store, in the advertisements and so forth.
Biggest problem is that while I absolutely detest surprises...just about any kind, wife loves them. So she loves trying to surprise me.
I do think I'm at least beginning to get the message across that if it's not practical or usable don't get it for me. I don't want anything that has a sole purpose of being looked at.
It's helped that we've been de-cluttering the house. I'm able to say on a regular basis that wife needs to educate her siblings that Nana needs nothing that isn't functional. No trinkets, no knick knacks, etc. I've been able to convey that regarding the whole house, so I think the message is getting through.
I have 7 brothers and sisters and bunches of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Many years ago, we decided in my family to NOT buy each other gifts. We have a family party every year a week or two before Christmas and everyone brings something to put in a gift bag for each of the kids who are 15 or younger. We try not to spend more than $1 on each child, so it only costs $20 or $25 for the gifts. The kids LOVE this, and ours even ask when they'll get their gifts from the family. Unfortunately, last year was Clare's last one to get the gift. Joseph falls off after this year, but we'll still send gifts for the little ones.
This way, their is no pressure for people to try to spend beyond their means, and they can just come to the party with some food for the meal and the gifts for the kiddies.
You're going to buy her a bicycle, aren't you ;~D
I was actually thinking a bus ticket...but a bicycle might not be bad.
"Valerie" and I literally have not had time to talk. She said thedoctor had good and bad news...
The Parents Assn. started having an "Elves' Workshop" at St. Mary's School when our kids attended. They're still having it! We always tried to get things that we knew parents would love to have, and use, and that kids would be happy to give their parents. We got things that cost from .50 to $25.00, depending on how much the parents sent in with the kids. They could always find something within their price range. Watching the kids come in to shop was a high point of my year; they were so cute. The kids in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades would pair up with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders to help them shop.
Find some camo print fleece! Clare bought one for Joseph last year. He loves it!
We never did gifts between the aunts uncles and cousins, but we always got together, not on Christmas, but in the week surrounding it. That ~would~ be too much.
I've done most all of my shopping online!
She's just looking to have to try something different! ;o)
Well, we can do some of that...
But I want to get Dad some little trees for his train set, he has no scenery, just the train... and I can't tell whether they look real or not in the pictures... Some look like little greed turds on a stick. I want to see them in person. :~D
Re: 2J's confession: I'm shocked! Shocked, I tell you!
Maybe.
Except...as I said, fleece is awfully pricey!
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