I haven't purchased anything yet, but I have started a list and have started saving money for gifts. I think this year my family will be getting more homemade gifts!
UGH. NO. It is mid September. In my world, Halloween prep starts like a month from now (granted, I'm not throwing a party). Thanksgiving prep starts, I dunno, sometime in November. Christmas season starts at Advent. It is SO not holiday time yet.
I've started buying gifts for my family, but no decoration prep at the moment. We moved nearly 2 months ago now and have been too exhausted and busy to fully unpack yet - so that has to be done before anything holiday related happens in the house!
I like to take advantage of sales to find items I know my family will like for gifts - so I keep an eye out all year round for gift items.
I've ordered some gift cards from a couple of rewards programs, for gifts and also for shopping.
I've inventoried the ingredients for making Christmas candy to give away, and made sure I had sufficient tins (from the thrift shop, of course) in which to give them.
Now I'm looking for the best deal I can get on an airline ticket to visit my daughter for Christmas. Ho, ho, etc.
I haven't started for Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas yet. For Halloween I always wait until the last minute. Throwing a costume together out of nothing can save you money and works your creative muscle. I never buy candy, because I live in an apartment. If I get invited to a party I just find a quick cocktail recipe to make a day before. Thanksgiving is always a big one for me, I plan a week or two in advance so that I can make a nice well prepared meal. Being organized in the kitchen helps me avoid disasters and if I plan well I can by things that are in season and even on sale. This Christmas like every Christmas I will make homemade gifts. I will try to do it ahead of time so I might try one of these gift ideas from apartment therapy.com
I've started on what might be the most fun part of holiday shopping: stocking stuffers. I have a list of ideas for the rest of the gifts, and can't wait to start decorating for Halloween and wintertime!
YES! I started by hitting "The World's Longest Yardsale" in August and this past weekend's "Flea Across Florida" (Yard sale that goes across Fla. on HWY 90). I picked up scores of great deals so now I have the freedom to wait for super sales such as Black Friday & Monday after Thanksgiving to complete our list. Most everything is new, bought just for the person in mind, and since I paid as I went....I stay DEBT-FREE!!! (No hassles fighting the crowds at the malls or paying for shipping online.) I am amazed at the really good stuff people sell at these events. I have a wonderful time, usually find what I want and feel way less stressed, as the holidays approach knowing at least the gifts are done. If only I could find a Bakesale for all my Holiday baking! LOL
I'm accumulating cash rewards on my grocery card to cash out next month, paying for all the supplies for my holiday homemade treats. I've got a bag full of stocking stuffers and free or on clearance Bath and Body Works items for gift bags. I'm working on figuring out the bigger items next and getting pumped for Black Friday sales!!
I started buying Christmas gifts already, with the goal of being done on Black Friday. We obviously can't get our tree until December, but I also like to save the baking until December. Baking Christmas cookies in October just doesn't have the same appeal!
Uh, not yet. Usually I have a few things put aside, but not this year. :) Soon though. We have a few other things to get through including a vacation before I concentrate on that!
Yes I've already planned for the holidays. I shop clearance sales for holiday decor. I also try to celebrate Christmas after its over Yes, I surely do. I wait until the end of December to put up my tree and decorate. That way I can get ornaments and a tree for nearly 90% off Christmas might be over but its still the holiday season to me! As for presents we have holiday potlucks instead that way everyone just brings a finger sandwich or a dessert and cookies to save on presents. Sometimes we even make a Christmas pinata for the kids to break open
I plan ahead by having a Christmas Club with my local bank and the check arrives in October. I write down ideas for folks as the months go by, so I have some good items ready to purchase when the check comes. We have never overdone it on the gifts and the buying is done for our grandchild, our children, parents, nieces and nephews still in school/college and that is it. Hubby and I haven't bought for each other gifts for years, after 35 years of marriage what do we need besides our health and happiness.
Yes! There are only 98 days until Christmas. I'm setting aside money for small presents and charitable donations. Also thinking about dinner and travel plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Holiday Prep has begun. Years ago I downsized my holiday spending and anxiety about gifts by declaring there will only be real gifts for people under 18 or students; adults will get a filled stocking from Santa. I also said I am not accepting gifts other than food or disposable items, or handmade things. My family has cooperated fully. For 2 year I received a handmade ornament from each family member,even the 4 yer old. Another year, each person made me a food gift all by themselves. I fill each person's stocking with things I find all year. I shop the Woot, Yugster and other one sale a day type websites for small bargains.I check Amazon and eBay too.So all summer, I have been getting little things and tossing them into a shopping bag, a football dvd for one, a bbq basting brush for another, some new books, etc. I also make homemade candy, chutney, nut treats and jams .The best thing I have done for the holidays, though is to move all this to the Sunday before Christmas. That day is called Cookie day. I make dough and provide icing and decorations and the family make cookies all day long. I serve lasagna and salad and we open gifts and socks. This way, my son and family can have one less place to visit on Christmas Eve and Day and I get them when they are not stressed and burned out. The lasagna is made ahead and inexpensive; the salad is in a bag and I can relax too. Everyone is happy with this new system and no one ever wants to miss Cookie Day.Needless to say, I do not spend as much as when I had to have 4 gifts for each person and an elaborate meal on Christmas Eve. Then the real bonus, I have a new relationship and my boyfriend has a single sister my age. I told her let's not shop and buy gifts for Christmas,, let's go somewhere instead with the money. She was grateful not to have to shop for a new person or her brother anymore and I reminded her we all have everything. So since we are free on Christmas eve and day, we go to a nice hotel in resort town and have a few great holiday dinners out and sightsee.
Not as much as I normally do. I only have one present bought and usually I am at least 25% done but now. I have been window shopping and have started a wish list with gift ideas for my family on Amazon though and hope to get myself into the mode within the next few weeks.
I haven't purchased anything yet, but I have started a list and have started saving money for gifts. I think this year my family will be getting more homemade gifts!
UGH. NO. It is mid September. In my world, Halloween prep starts like a month from now (granted, I'm not throwing a party). Thanksgiving prep starts, I dunno, sometime in November. Christmas season starts at Advent. It is SO not holiday time yet.
Any tips on where to find these coupons?
I've started buying gifts for my family, but no decoration prep at the moment. We moved nearly 2 months ago now and have been too exhausted and busy to fully unpack yet - so that has to be done before anything holiday related happens in the house!
I like to take advantage of sales to find items I know my family will like for gifts - so I keep an eye out all year round for gift items.
I've ordered some gift cards from a couple of rewards programs, for gifts and also for shopping.
I've inventoried the ingredients for making Christmas candy to give away, and made sure I had sufficient tins (from the thrift shop, of course) in which to give them.
Now I'm looking for the best deal I can get on an airline ticket to visit my daughter for Christmas. Ho, ho, etc.
No, I don't "do" Christmas, it's just another day to me.
I haven't started for Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas yet. For Halloween I always wait until the last minute. Throwing a costume together out of nothing can save you money and works your creative muscle. I never buy candy, because I live in an apartment. If I get invited to a party I just find a quick cocktail recipe to make a day before. Thanksgiving is always a big one for me, I plan a week or two in advance so that I can make a nice well prepared meal. Being organized in the kitchen helps me avoid disasters and if I plan well I can by things that are in season and even on sale. This Christmas like every Christmas I will make homemade gifts. I will try to do it ahead of time so I might try one of these gift ideas from apartment therapy.com
Not yet, and I feel like I can't start prepping until the weather starts cooling down!
I've started on what might be the most fun part of holiday shopping: stocking stuffers. I have a list of ideas for the rest of the gifts, and can't wait to start decorating for Halloween and wintertime!
YES! I started by hitting "The World's Longest Yardsale" in August and this past weekend's "Flea Across Florida" (Yard sale that goes across Fla. on HWY 90). I picked up scores of great deals so now I have the freedom to wait for super sales such as Black Friday & Monday after Thanksgiving to complete our list. Most everything is new, bought just for the person in mind, and since I paid as I went....I stay DEBT-FREE!!! (No hassles fighting the crowds at the malls or paying for shipping online.) I am amazed at the really good stuff people sell at these events. I have a wonderful time, usually find what I want and feel way less stressed, as the holidays approach knowing at least the gifts are done. If only I could find a Bakesale for all my Holiday baking! LOL
I'm accumulating cash rewards on my grocery card to cash out next month, paying for all the supplies for my holiday homemade treats. I've got a bag full of stocking stuffers and free or on clearance Bath and Body Works items for gift bags. I'm working on figuring out the bigger items next and getting pumped for Black Friday sales!!
I started buying Christmas gifts already, with the goal of being done on Black Friday. We obviously can't get our tree until December, but I also like to save the baking until December. Baking Christmas cookies in October just doesn't have the same appeal!
Uh, not yet. Usually I have a few things put aside, but not this year. :) Soon though. We have a few other things to get through including a vacation before I concentrate on that!
I've started my planning, but not my actual shopping as of yet. Figuring out what to get family members can be the hardest part.
No, I haven't, but that's a good idea!
I am starting my seasonal part time job, but that's about it.
Yes I've already planned for the holidays. I shop clearance sales for holiday decor. I also try to celebrate Christmas after its over Yes, I surely do. I wait until the end of December to put up my tree and decorate. That way I can get ornaments and a tree for nearly 90% off Christmas might be over but its still the holiday season to me! As for presents we have holiday potlucks instead that way everyone just brings a finger sandwich or a dessert and cookies to save on presents. Sometimes we even make a Christmas pinata for the kids to break open
No. I haven't even started thinking about the holidays yet!
I plan ahead by having a Christmas Club with my local bank and the check arrives in October. I write down ideas for folks as the months go by, so I have some good items ready to purchase when the check comes. We have never overdone it on the gifts and the buying is done for our grandchild, our children, parents, nieces and nephews still in school/college and that is it. Hubby and I haven't bought for each other gifts for years, after 35 years of marriage what do we need besides our health and happiness.
I haven't started preparing yet, but I do love Christmas. And Thanksgiving. And Halloween! :)
Is it Dec. 23 already? (IE: No, I have not. sigh.)
Yes! There are only 98 days until Christmas. I'm setting aside money for small presents and charitable donations. Also thinking about dinner and travel plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Holiday Prep has begun. Years ago I downsized my holiday spending and anxiety about gifts by declaring there will only be real gifts for people under 18 or students; adults will get a filled stocking from Santa. I also said I am not accepting gifts other than food or disposable items, or handmade things. My family has cooperated fully. For 2 year I received a handmade ornament from each family member,even the 4 yer old. Another year, each person made me a food gift all by themselves. I fill each person's stocking with things I find all year. I shop the Woot, Yugster and other one sale a day type websites for small bargains.I check Amazon and eBay too.So all summer, I have been getting little things and tossing them into a shopping bag, a football dvd for one, a bbq basting brush for another, some new books, etc. I also make homemade candy, chutney, nut treats and jams .The best thing I have done for the holidays, though is to move all this to the Sunday before Christmas. That day is called Cookie day. I make dough and provide icing and decorations and the family make cookies all day long. I serve lasagna and salad and we open gifts and socks. This way, my son and family can have one less place to visit on Christmas Eve and Day and I get them when they are not stressed and burned out. The lasagna is made ahead and inexpensive; the salad is in a bag and I can relax too. Everyone is happy with this new system and no one ever wants to miss Cookie Day.Needless to say, I do not spend as much as when I had to have 4 gifts for each person and an elaborate meal on Christmas Eve. Then the real bonus, I have a new relationship and my boyfriend has a single sister my age. I told her let's not shop and buy gifts for Christmas,, let's go somewhere instead with the money. She was grateful not to have to shop for a new person or her brother anymore and I reminded her we all have everything. So since we are free on Christmas eve and day, we go to a nice hotel in resort town and have a few great holiday dinners out and sightsee.
Not as much as I normally do. I only have one present bought and usually I am at least 25% done but now. I have been window shopping and have started a wish list with gift ideas for my family on Amazon though and hope to get myself into the mode within the next few weeks.
I already got a few Christmas gifts on sale