"Of all the animals, the BOY is the most unmanageable!" ~ Plato

9.28.2008

So it has begun.....

I know you may be thinking this is INCREDIBLY early to even be thinking about it but I cannot help myself.....I have started my Christmas shopping. Really, it IS early. BUT, I hate it when December comes around and I am not yet finished with the gift buying. I find myself scrambling then, buying things that I didn't want to buy because, well, the things I DID want to buy are no longer available. (You CAN still get them on Craigslist or Ebay but the cost is astronomical) I do find that if I wait to long to get started then it seems decisions must be made on wether we eat or the kids get gifts. I think that by starting earlier....say, last week...I will find that we can afford to both eat AND have a Merry Christmas come December. I am also cutting back drastically on the amount I spend as the economy just SUCKS! I've been cutting back little by little over the past several years and throwing in more family activities instead of more gifts. I find it rewarding....there are many more original photo ops too! I mean, seriously, after the umpteeth pic of your lovely child opening a gift, they all seem to run together! SO, yes, it has begun...the insanity that is the holiday season. I am going to do my best to be finished by Thanksgiving because, well, back when I only had 2 boys I was ALWAYS done by then. It makes the holidays much more relaxing! Give it a try!

SO, have you all started with the holiday shopping? Thinking about it? Any fun holiday family activities you think 5 boys would dig? Do tell!

7 comments:

Amie said...

We reign it in with the gifts too. I think fewer gifts mean they appreciate them more.

And it's never to early to start Christmas shopping! My mom shops all year.

4funboys said...

every year I say I'm going to be done shopping by Thanksgiving... so far...

I don't even think I've started shopping by Thanksgiving.

ha.

I LOVE Christmas...

Shasta said...

I just started over the weekend, I love started early, it may seem silly but it's way better than rushing at the last minute!

Claremont First Ward said...

I've been thinking about it but haven't actually started.

Jennifer said...

My husband thought I was crazy when I started last week. But with a new baby coming in Nov, I figured this will be the best time.
In our family, we have a 3 gift policy. Jesus got three gifts when he was greeted by the wiseman so each child gets 3 gifts plus stocking stuffers. Then gifts from Nana and other relatives. Between us and all of the grandparents they still seem to get way too much.
I agree with family activities, there is nothing better than spending quality time with family and enjoying a great day doing something that you wouldn't normally do.

Ronnica said...

I haven't started Christmas shopping, but I have a lot less to buy (no kids). I think that now is the best time to get started...I just have to figure out what I should get!

Jennifer said...

I am doing the same thing this year. Anytime I find a deal on something I think someone I know would like I buy it. I already finished (I say finished, but I am sure I will find more I want to buy) my kids Christmas shopping for only $40 for both!! Wal-mart was having a great sale... 50% off already clearanced toys. I have found that toys always go on sale right before they start stocking for Christmas.