Sunday, November 4, 2012

Christmas and Gifts



When my oldest was a baby - we went completely overboard on gifts. I have no idea how much money we spent, but it was ridiculous. The next 2 years followed pretty much the same.  When he was 3, and Mr. K was a baby - we cut back a bit, but still spent way more money than I care to think of.

Last year, I heard the saying "something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read". I thought that was a great idea to follow and so we cut back to only 4 or so gifts from us (Santa brings them one gift and then fills their stockings with little items).

This year, we followed the same thing - and my shopping is done for the boys; my wrapping is done for them and everything is now hidden away in the basement.

They each have 1 book, 1 outfit, 1 pair of pj's, Mr. J has a board game and a puzzle, and Mr. K has 2 toys. Santa will bring them their most desired gift on Christmas morning and I feel great having it all done now!

What about you? Do you run out on Christmas Eve picking up last minute gifts, or do you buy early to save some stress?

9 comments:

  1. Love the advice: "something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read". Great job getting all this done ahead of time!

    I try to shop months ahead for anything that can be purchased in advance, but will purchase the special items this month (as their tastes seem to always change at the last minute).

    Jenna
    www.snymed.blogspot.ca

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  2. Wow - you are prepared! I need to cut back this year for sure - thanks for the great ideas!

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  3. That's an awesome saying and tip! I know when DD was a baby we went over board like you wouldn't believe. This year since they have way too much already, we're cutting back a lot. They get gifts from us, presents from Santa, a gift from their grandparents and they do a gift exchange with all their cousins. I think that's plenty, lol.

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  4. We have had the motto of something then want, need, read and wear for years now it really makes life a lot easier when purchasing gifts and my kids don't get over whelmed opening them either.

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  5. This is exactly what I need! Want, Need, Wear, Read.. That's my new Christmas mantra! It will certainly cut back on the stress I have over how to afford it!

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  6. I love that advice! I was like you! In the beginning, I went overboard! Now I try to get "THE" thing of the season and few little gifts. By the time aunts/uncles, grandparents and friends by for them they have AWAY TOO MUCH!

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  7. I absolutely love that saying!! I think it's perfect and similar to what I stick to. We've been trying to cut back a bit, as we also went "hayday" when the kids were babies and have realized they don't need ALL that stuff. I don't want them to come to expect just gifts every year at Christmas.

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  8. that is a great idea. this year we should try it. My girls have too many toys!!

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  9. I've never heard that saying and I really like it! It's so easy to get buried under a pile of gifts. I tend to overbuy because I start early and keep coming across must have items. Maybe restricting myself like this would make for a less stressful holiday season...

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