[RosieCotton]

I'm trying to think of things I could make for Christmas...save some money. As if I have any TO save...

But I didn't start brainstorming until today. Little late.

The brothers that have far more cash than me and who buy themselves whatever they want when they want it really have me stumped. I have NO clue what to do for them.

[trini]

My problem is that he wants to borrow money to but Christmas presents and I say make do with what we have. If people don't get, they will understand that it is certainly not because we haven't thought of them, but because we just can't afford it. He is also worried that our kids will have pretty slim pickings, my attitude is "Yeah, so they will".

[TalonDJ]

Ah, people like that.... ok like ME I understand. You just have to get or make them something that they would normally never buy themselves and may or may not need but that will have long term sentimental value because YOU gave it to them. Trust me, there are many things they can use but would never buy themselves. Just about anything that is not electronic or not a tool or you don't use to play a sport probably falls under this category

Or you do like me and cop-out with a gift card to some place like Sears.

[trini]

But, having said that, I just have this feeling that it will work itself out without us having to borrow and we will have money for what we need. The Lord has a way of providing.

[Corin Stormhands]

I'm trying to think of things I could make for Christmas...save some money. As if I have any TO save...

Hey...ain't you got three extra bags of beans?

I hate this endless giving cycle. No matter how many years we say we'll do less, it always ends up being more. Much of it done last minute.

I admit to getting a little Scrooge-ish with regards to presents. I love celebrating the season, but I hate the gift exchange stuff, particularly on the family side.

I particularly have a hard time with people getting me things that aren't practical, because 1) we don't need more crap to sit around and 2) we don't have the cash to throw away on stuff like that.

I try to be specific with hints, but it doesn't help. I asked for a skill saw for three years. Highlighted in the store flyers, pointed it out in the store. I finally got Papa's when we cleaned out the house.

Last Father's Day (whilst the family was all gone) I had said to Jr. at least a dozen times while we were working on Luke's fort "Dad could use a new set of drill bits..."

Instead I got one of those yard tools that's supposed to make things easier. It don't.

So, I know it sounds Bah Humbuggy when I say "don't bother getting me anything" for Christmas, birthday, Father's Day, etc.

But I hate the whole aspect of feeling like I have to search for "just-the-right-gift-that's-the-perfect-thought-of-sentiment-and-looks-like-I-spent-months-figuring-it-out-because-it-has-a-deep-emotional-significance-and-a-meaning-that-reaches-to-a-new-depth-of-spiritual-awareness-and-fondness-of-the-heart"...and I get something and want to say "you really thought I'd want that?"

I would be delighted if we could limit Christmas present exchanges to what Santa leaves under the tree for the boys.

< /Ebeneezer>

[SuziQ]

Do they need scarves? You can get some interesting designs on fleece these days, and make some scarves that don't need any sewing. You just cut across the grain of the fleece so that you get the full 72" length, then cut fringe on either end. The 8th grade class is doing these to sell at the Holly Fair this weekend.

[SuziQ]

You could also bake something for them! I have a great Gingerbread recipe. Clare is making some in that mini-bundt pan I bought at the King Arthur Flour store. We had the Girl Scout troop over last night and the girls decorated the Cakesicles. Remember that other pan I found? They had a great time!