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Make it easier on yourself

Date: Tue, 12/12/2006 - 16:27

Submitted by Bossy4455
on Tue, 12/12/2006 - 16:27

Posts: 5854 Credits: [Donate]

Total Replies: 13


I learned many years ago when my sons were small to keep it simple, especially when we were alwas broke. Some of the things I did, was first make sure my bills were paid, and what was left, usually little. I went to the dollar stores and discount stores and bough alot of small toys, and wrapped them ndividually so it was alot of presents, without spending much. As they got older I put in "gift certifiacates" I made. Good for movie and popcorn, good for a trip to go skating, good for a lunch with mom,etc. That helped because those always were due after Christmas, so I have more time to get some extra money. Now that they are grown, they don't so much remember what toys, but that we were together, drinking hot chocolate, telling stories of when they were young, or we were young. Every year about 4 months befor Christmas, I would statr buying for Christmas, the best time is after when all the sales are on. I would pick up a pen and pencil set in August with the extra five dollars, a bag of Army men another payday,etc. The best thing is, tkae care of your home, it's costs, food, etc., first, if you don't have these things, and bills taken care of, it kinda defeats the purpose! Hope this helps someone!1..Karen


Karen,

Those are very good ideas. I don't have any kids of my own yet. I found when my nieces were little they always like the toys from the dollar stores better than the expensive ones. My hubby and I do the gift certificates for each other instead of buying gifts for each other anymore. I always pay cash now too. I don't have to worry about those credit card bills coming in January anymore. I remember the time spent together as a child more than I remember what was under the tree. Well except for the year my dad made me a dollhouse which I still have.


lrhall41

Submitted by Cow & Chicken on Tue, 12/12/2006 - 18:46

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Karen. Good ideas. I cant hardly think of a toy that I got for Christmas except my Mrs. Beasley doll. I am telling my age now. LOL It is the family time that matters most and not all the stuff. If people would just take time to thing about the reason for the season. KYSIDE38


lrhall41

Submitted by KYSIDE38 on Tue, 12/12/2006 - 20:43

( Posts: 2477 | Credits: )


Great ideas Karen---it is the little things that count with kids. When my daughter was little, I was unable to work and had to be on welfare/food stamps. Money was very scarce and I would start a layaway in September of about 25 dollars worth of small stuff so she would have lots of "things" to open for Christmas. Christmas is what you make it---the excitement of waiting for it was the best thing I always thought.


lrhall41

Submitted by Lorri on Sun, 12/17/2006 - 18:51

( Posts: 1721 | Credits: )


Karen,

Those are excellent ideas. Wrapping presents separtely from the dollar stores does make it look like a lot of presents. Also, I remember going on the train in the mall or going to Twigbees more than the presents I received, except when I was 5, I got a scooter, which I remember wanting SO MUCH!


lrhall41

Submitted by dbaker6 on Sun, 12/17/2006 - 19:47

( Posts: 1600 | Credits: )


I want to add something to this about what I said. We did Christmas with my youngest son,girlfriend and her two young kids. I found out these kids never had a Christmas, or much of one. So we went to the dollar stores and Wal mart and got a buch of toys, some clothes on the sale rack and wrapped them all seperately. The look on these kids faces!! It was bittersweet because as soon as the little girl unwrapped all her presents, she gathered them up quickly in a bag and wanted to go sit in the car. Her mom said, "they're your presents, they're not any other kids here to take them away" She opened up a Barbie I had gotten, and before she did, said I hope it's a something Barbie. When it wasn't, she said "that's ok I didn't get it" So today I'm going to try to find out what she wants and if it isn't too expensive, get it to be from Santa. The point I'm trying to make is, you never know when you might touch someone's life, with the smallest of gestures..Happy holidays to all...Karen


lrhall41

Submitted by Bossy4455 on Mon, 12/18/2006 - 10:48

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Aww Karen, how sweet! What a wonderful story.

I will most likely end up doing the Dollar Store thing...money is so tight right now, there's no way I can afford the things on my older son's list at all. The younger one is provided for already, but my older son moved back in with me this summer, so I was a little unprepared. Everything on his list is $100, more or less, so we had to have a little talk. He has settled for something much less, so I think I'll be able to get it for him. Their dad is sending gift cards for Christmas, but chances are, they won't arrive until after Christmas, despite my requests for him to send them beforehand so the kids aren't disappointed. I want to be sure there are at least a few gifts under the tree so they are not disappointed.


lrhall41

Submitted by SUEBEEHONEY70 on Mon, 12/18/2006 - 10:54

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Karen,

I love to hear stories like that. What a caring, giving person you are!

When I was in high school, I was on the Drill Team. During Christmas break, we went to an orphanage that was behind our school to put on a performance. We also each brought at least one "gently used" or new gift, wrapped, to bring for the children. Even though that was over 20 years ago, to this day, I remember how the kids' eyes sparkled and how grateful they were for us going there.

This year, my son is going with the Young Men's Club from our church to sing Christmas carols at a nursing home and to have a little Christmas party for them. I relayed this story to him and will relay the one you just gave, Karen, to let him know how much people who are less fortunate appreciate this.


lrhall41

Submitted by dbaker6 on Mon, 12/18/2006 - 10:55

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