Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Dec 7, 2019 12:41:14 GMT -5
Hey all! I know this is a bit scattered over various threads, commentary, etc. but how about a dedicated Holiday todo lists and spending plans thread? And support and cheer each other on? The goal: Everything bought and wrapped and the house decked out by December 18th.Tasks:- Procure Christmas Tree
- Procure several poinsettias
- Supplement decorations as needed
- Wrapping paper, etc.
- Overload on food and cheer! aka no shopping from December 19th through January 3rd.
- Gifts for Kid1 and Kid2
- Gift for extended family secret santa
- Stocking stuffers and candy/treats
Budget: 1k
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Dec 7, 2019 16:18:36 GMT -5
We bought a wreath from the Boy Scouts for the front door. That is the total extent of our holiday decorations. I received TD's Christmas present in the mail yesterday, I need to wrap it and remember to shove it into my suitcase when I packed.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Dec 7, 2019 16:38:46 GMT -5
I have ordered a Christmas plant.
I sent a gift to a child in need.
I sent a gift to two girls who give me immense pleasure on Instagram.
Spent less than $100.
Shopping done.
I am working on Christmas cards today.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Dec 7, 2019 17:00:36 GMT -5
Trying to decide what Christmas Day dessert will be. A friend of ours is hosting dinner for a group for the 41st year in a row (!) but it's going to be different this year. No typical turkey and trimmings. Because Christmas and Hanukah come so close together, we're having Chinese food. I think it's a great idea, of course, being Jewish (and yes, my family really did the Chinese-food-on-Christmas-Day thing). I am thinking of making almond cookies, or an almond-based cheesecake or tart.
I have to find something for DH for Christmas, but other than that, nothing else to do, really. I don't see my family until January.
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Happy prose
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Post by Happy prose on Dec 7, 2019 19:32:24 GMT -5
Shopping and wrapping is done. I didn't have a lot. Today I put my tree up. It's a pre-lit 3' tabletop, so not so bad. I would like to try making hot chocolate bombs as little gifts, but don't know if I'll get there. Maybe next weekend.
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lynnerself
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Post by lynnerself on Dec 8, 2019 0:31:47 GMT -5
Our outside lights were up before thanksgiving, but not turned on until that weekend. We have learned to do it whenever we have a nice dry day. We went and cut a tree Sunday and put it up on Tuesday. Had to get new lights so wasn't decorated until Wednesday. We have remodeling work being done this Monday and Tuesday so the rest of the decorations won't go up until after that. And then everything has to come down right after Christmas because we are having 4 rooms carpeted on the 30th and 31st. Gifts to extended family are done and mailed ($43 to send 3 large padded envelopes!!!) Working on the rest of the gifts. I need to place a large Amazon Prime order soon. And somehow DH and I managed to have about 8 doctor and dentist appointments this month.
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countrygirl2
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Post by countrygirl2 on Dec 8, 2019 2:08:43 GMT -5
I spent more then intended again. Some of the stuff is needs like a new coat for DD and shoes for MIL so I don't feel so bad. I hope I got useful things but harder to do each year as we all have anything we need. Then I keep finding just one more item, need to stop.
Tree is up and decorated, most outside lights, need to change out one of the nets, put out 2 rotating spotlights and tie on my big bows. Put batteries in the lights at the mailbox. Little grandson helped me decorate the tree, he put bulbs on and did a good job. Kept at it so really helped.
Hubs caught what the kids had the doc wanted to give him something for it and he said no he would get over it, well its been a week now and he still has it. It's in his throat, chest, and lungs, he is coughing tonight. He is so stubborn. I am shocked DD and I have not caught it yet.
It's 2AM, good night all.
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bobosensei
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Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:32:49 GMT -5
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Post by bobosensei on Dec 8, 2019 6:29:22 GMT -5
Outside lights were up in November. I do my tree Thanksgiving weekend. Just before Thanksgiving I put my bannister decorations up and door wreath. I added decorations to the fireplace (more than usual stockings). Tree was fully done Dec 3rd. I have most of my gifts. I only have left to buy for one sister and brother in law, and I might supplement gifts for boyfriend or myself.
Today boyfriend is taking me to the Nutcracker. We go every year. I always danced in it as a child growing up in ballet so brings back so many good memories. For Christmas meal I financially contribute for my sister that hosts, and then bring some sides. Don't know when it will be this year as in past years we work around her mother in law and my other sister's so sometimes we do Christmas Eve dinner and once we did the day after Christmas.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2019 9:07:57 GMT -5
DH kept a spreadsheet. So far I have spent $900 out of the $1500 I had saved in the Christmas Club account.
Decorations are pretty minimal because I switched gears for the flooring installation. There is the wreath outside and 9 stockings on the mantel with some garland. That's it. Of course, 9 stockings cover it up and make it look decorated. Lol.
I'll take something to my daughter's when I go there for Christmas Brunch. I don't know what or where I am doing something with my son's family. I went there for Thanksgiving and took an elaborate chocolate ganache cake and 2 bottles of wine, both by specific request. DH always took wine, and it suddenly hit my son and his wife that it probably wasn't coming this year (I don't drink wine) if they didn't ask. Of course, they didn't ask until 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day!
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flutterby
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Post by flutterby on Dec 8, 2019 10:10:13 GMT -5
This Christmas season is shaping up how it usually does:
1. Tree/house decorated Thanksgiving weekend - check 2. Kids (who at 21 and 23 aren't kids anymore) give me a couple lame/unreasonable ideas for gifts - check 3. Now it's December and neither kid will give me a list - check 4. December is flying by and I feel like I should be buying something, ANYTHING!! so I shop for myself - check and check 5. I set a deadline, in this year's case December 10th, either give me a reasonable list or get nothing!!!! - check
And that's where I'm at.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Dec 8, 2019 10:46:27 GMT -5
Christmas is heading in the same disaster direction as the rest of life at the moment, everything is kinda half assed done. Tree is up- went fake this year instead of real, but there aren't any decorations on the tree. The fall decorations are still up. So I have mini pumpkins on the mantle and a tree in the corner. Christmas dinner will be at my house and I decreed ham this year instead of the usual turkey. I don't like turkey and I want ham dammit. I have a niece with CHF who is on low sodium diet which she only sorta kinda follows the rest of the year so we are having ham I have DD's present. I asked her if she wanted this item and she did, so she knows what she is getting. I have a couple small toys for the grands Mom - no clue what to get. Actually I have lots of idea but can't afford them (yard service for the year, a new house without steps) Dad- no clue. He has everything he wants DSIL- Need to talk to DD about what he wants/needs. My one idea was shot down I am taking DD and family to the zoo lights next weekend. I told her I would pay if they drove, that will be part of Christmas Right now I don't care about any of the Christmas stuff and wish I could just spend the two days (I get Christmas eve and Christmas day off work) at home alone. The stress from work and from caring for Mom is overwhelming at the moment. ETA: Christmas dinner head count is 20 people, ugh. That includes 2 toddlers and 2 babies. Mom will have a fit if it isn't a sit down dinner. I still may do buffet but I am already out on a limb by serving ham.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Dec 8, 2019 11:58:48 GMT -5
Another example of my disaster life is the outdoor lights. They only go halfway across the house because home depot is stupid. I was testing my old strings of lights and one string went poof and blew a fuse. Off to Home Depot with fuse in hand, to compare sizes, and they of course don't have that size. I picked up a new string of lights and get those put up across the hardest part of the house to do, the peak of the garage. This requires me to get on the roof and hang over the edge and slip the lights onto the hooks. Things are going good until I need to add the next string of lights, the plugs aren't compatible. Next day go back to Home Depot they are out of that type of light string as is the the Home Depot across town. The next day back to home depot, hoping they had restocked, nope still out of lights. Try to order them online, nope can't do that because it is a seasonal item. Call the home depot customer service line she confirms can't order them online, but does call a home depot in another nearby town, nope they don't have any. I hit up the home depot in work town and they are all out also. Every number, website etc listed on the box takes me right back to home depot, so I have lights across half my house. I refuse to take these down and get back up on the roof to do something different. I am too stinkin old to be hanging over the edge of the roof.
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tcu2003
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Post by tcu2003 on Dec 8, 2019 16:30:56 GMT -5
I did a bunch of Thanksgiving weekend holiday shopping. So I’ve been bring home boxes from work nearly every day last week and probably a chunk of this week as that’s where I have stuff delivered. More or less done with DH and both kids - DH will probably find something else he wants to get the kids, but that’s on him. He also started wrapping everything already, so yay!
Mom told me yesterday she wants the gift of time from us to help with a few things around her house, so that’s easy. I’ll pick up a few things for her stocking, but it’ll mostly all be consumable items as she doesn’t need more stuff.
We’re done with all of our nieces and nephews but DH’s oldest niece and her husband. DH still needs to shop for his parents and brother, and I need to shop for sister-in-law.
I also need to figure out a gift for my cousin’s husband. They are the godparents to our kids, and we’re godparents to their son. Gifts are her love language, so we still exchange gifts (I already have her figured out, and our godson). At this point I think he’s getting a bottle of liquor, I just need to figure out what kind.
I also need to get a gift for my sister’s boyfriend’s son as she informed me that he’ll be at our house for Christmas lunch.
The house is decorated.
We’re hosting Christmas lunch for my family. I have no intention of spending my Christmas morning cooking and not enjoying my family, so I’m going to do a couple kinds of soup in crockpots, veggie tray; and some other finger food/apps.
Christmas cards are ordered and should be here on Tuesday. I still need to get more stamps. DH and I will work on addressing them after the kids are in bed this week.
I’d like to do some holiday baking with the kiddos, so that’s on the list, but that may not happen until the day or two before Christmas.
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Dec 8, 2019 16:35:58 GMT -5
OMG flutterby I think we are twins (except that I haven't bought a tree yet lol). I have the same situation with my kids for gifts, except for DS1 who always gives me his family's list early. I got DS1's gift, I'll get DDIL's this week. DD gave me a list Fri (Christmas miracle!) so her gifts are done. Still no list from DS2 (for him + GF) or from DS3. I do the same thing, give them a deadline and the threat of no presents (or just a check). And EVERY YEAR I end up running around at the last minute. I hate that. We haven't even gotten the tree yet. That is spectacularly late.
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jerseygirl
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Post by jerseygirl on Dec 8, 2019 16:43:25 GMT -5
Bought a decorated wreath at Church today and hung on our red entry door We’re doing secret Santa this year so only one adult gift for family, besides 3 children and husband DH is giving me money for ticket to Alvin Ailey New Years Eve Will ask him what he wants tomorrow Missing my dear sister who passed away in November
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debthaven
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Post by debthaven on Dec 8, 2019 16:48:38 GMT -5
Hugs jerseygirl. I'm sure it will be a difficult holiday without her.
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Dec 8, 2019 16:50:49 GMT -5
Bought a decorated wreath at Church today and hung on our red entry door We’re doing secret Santa this year so only one adult gift for family, besides 3 children and husband DH is giving me money for ticket to Alvin Ailey New Years Eve Will ask him what he wants tomorrow Missing my dear sister who passed away in November condolences, jerseygirl
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weltschmerz
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Joined: Jul 25, 2011 13:37:39 GMT -5
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Post by weltschmerz on Dec 8, 2019 18:46:23 GMT -5
Another example of my disaster life is the outdoor lights. They only go halfway across the house because home depot is stupid. I was testing my old strings of lights and one string went poof and blew a fuse. Off to Home Depot with fuse in hand, to compare sizes, and they of course don't have that size. I picked up a new string of lights and get those put up across the hardest part of the house to do, the peak of the garage. This requires me to get on the roof and hang over the edge and slip the lights onto the hooks. Things are going good until I need to add the next string of lights, the plugs aren't compatible. Next day go back to Home Depot they are out of that type of light string as is the the Home Depot across town. The next day back to home depot, hoping they had restocked, nope still out of lights. Try to order them online, nope can't do that because it is a seasonal item. Call the home depot customer service line she confirms can't order them online, but does call a home depot in another nearby town, nope they don't have any. I hit up the home depot in work town and they are all out also. Every number, website etc listed on the box takes me right back to home depot, so I have lights across half my house. I refuse to take these down and get back up on the roof to do something different. I am too stinkin old to be hanging over the edge of the roof.
Do you have enough lights for a ditto?
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Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 20:37:38 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2019 19:33:47 GMT -5
We've finished indoor and outdoor decorating which is pretty minimal. I ordered my Christmas gift, an incredible instant read thermometer, on Black Friday and I've used it multiple times already. We're going to the hat store this week to get DH's gift, a new felt Stetson hat.
I have to resurrect the Christmas card list and go over it with DH (most of the recipients are his relatives) and send cards this week. We're doing a stuffed boneless chicken for Christmas Day which I need to pick up at the Cajun meat market. Tomorrow I'll make New Year's Eve reservations at a restaurant.
Our favorite Christmas tradition is placing cash in the employee stockings at our local taqueria, something we've done for the last ten years. We'll need to go to our bank soon to get the money which means convincing the sincere and utterly embarrassed manager that we aren't being blackmailed, held hostage or in our dotage, as required by banking regulations when seniors withdraw large sums of cash.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2019 19:35:56 GMT -5
Bought a decorated wreath at Church today and hung on our red entry door We’re doing secret Santa this year so only one adult gift for family, besides 3 children and husband DH is giving me money for ticket to Alvin Ailey New Years Eve Will ask him what he wants tomorrow Missing my dear sister who passed away in November I'm sorry about your sister; the holidays are tough when you are missing someone. I have incredible memories of seeing Alvin Ailey's troupe in the 80's and 90's; they only get better and better.
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tcu2003
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Post by tcu2003 on Dec 8, 2019 19:44:06 GMT -5
Our favorite Christmas tradition is placing cash in the employee stockings at our local taqueria, something we've done for the last ten years. We'll need to go to our bank soon to get the money which means convincing the sincere and utterly embarrassed manager that we aren't being blackmailed, held hostage or in our dotage, as required by banking regulations when seniors withdraw large sums of cash. What a great tradition, donethat!
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Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 20:37:38 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2019 20:22:09 GMT -5
We've finished indoor and outdoor decorating which is pretty minimal. I ordered my Christmas gift, an incredible instant read thermometer, on Black Friday and I've used it multiple times already. We're going to the hat store this week to get DH's gift, a new felt Stetson hat. I have to resurrect the Christmas card list and go over it with DH (most of the recipients are his relatives) and send cards this week. We're doing a stuffed boneless chicken for Christmas Day which I need to pick up at the Cajun meat market. Tomorrow I'll make New Year's Eve reservations at a restaurant. Our favorite Christmas tradition is placing cash in the employee stockings at our local taqueria, something we've done for the last ten years. We'll need to go to our bank soon to get the money which means convincing the sincere and utterly embarrassed manager that we aren't being blackmailed, held hostage or in our dotage, as required by banking regulations when seniors withdraw large sums of cash.
How much are you withdrawing? I am not sure I have withdrawn more than $500 at a time, but no one blinked an eye.
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Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 20:37:38 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2019 20:25:04 GMT -5
Our favorite Christmas tradition is placing cash in the employee stockings at our local taqueria, something we've done for the last ten years. We'll need to go to our bank soon to get the money which means convincing the sincere and utterly embarrassed manager that we aren't being blackmailed, held hostage or in our dotage, as required by banking regulations when seniors withdraw large sums of cash. What a great tradition, donethat! Thank you, TCU. For us, this is far more than a taqueria; it's been part of some of the toughest parts of our lives. When DH was hospitalized with cardiac issues, I would go there for human interaction before going to the hospital. When he was released and had to have a restricted diet and our fridge died, they would cook what he needed. We've watched the staff bear children and, sadly, bury children. Over the last twenty years they have gone from a tiny building to a bigger building, all with the same staff for the most part. We've learned a good bit of Spanish but, more importantly, learned that caring and compassion transcend language. We have no blood kin to speak of so they've sort of adopted us as very pale family members with funny accents. On Christmas Day morning the employees all bring home-cooked food to share with one another and some patrons; this year I'm going to step up and bring Charro beans. Yes, that's coals to Newcastle, but it's my way of honoring their tradition. Now all I have to do is get some fresh epazote for those beans
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Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 20:37:38 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2019 20:28:58 GMT -5
We've finished indoor and outdoor decorating which is pretty minimal. I ordered my Christmas gift, an incredible instant read thermometer, on Black Friday and I've used it multiple times already. We're going to the hat store this week to get DH's gift, a new felt Stetson hat. I have to resurrect the Christmas card list and go over it with DH (most of the recipients are his relatives) and send cards this week. We're doing a stuffed boneless chicken for Christmas Day which I need to pick up at the Cajun meat market. Tomorrow I'll make New Year's Eve reservations at a restaurant. Our favorite Christmas tradition is placing cash in the employee stockings at our local taqueria, something we've done for the last ten years. We'll need to go to our bank soon to get the money which means convincing the sincere and utterly embarrassed manager that we aren't being blackmailed, held hostage or in our dotage, as required by banking regulations when seniors withdraw large sums of cash.
How much are you withdrawing? I am not sure I have withdrawn more than $500 at a time, but no one blinked an eye.It will be more than $500
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Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 20:37:38 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2019 20:40:31 GMT -5
How much are you withdrawing? I am not sure I have withdrawn more than $500 at a time, but no one blinked an eye. It will be more than $500 Well, you should get great service next year!
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plugginaway22
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Post by plugginaway22 on Dec 9, 2019 6:58:21 GMT -5
I struggled last year with gifting cash to our 3 adult children, but in the end they were happy and it was so much easier on me. We plan to do it again, and now with 2 grand-babies, they will each get a small gift or 2 with cash for their education funds.
My parents are in their 80s and are thrilled with simple things: birdseed for their feeders, a jigsaw puzzle, baked goods. DH and I probably won't exchange much of anything this Christmas, we have milestones in 2020 that will be spendy.
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Cookies Galore
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I don't need no instructions to know how to rock
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Post by Cookies Galore on Dec 9, 2019 8:20:56 GMT -5
We don't really decorate, so that was easy to check off the list. We made gingerbread houses with hubs' family over Thanksgiving weekend (free) and I bought two mini stockings with mine and honey's first initial ($8). All those are on a high shelf because our three-legged cats are climbers and assholes. So we have a Christmas shelf. Never took the wreath mom made us out of the basement and I need batteries for the window candles.
So far I only bought work gifts since our party is this week ($75). The cost break down is my contribution to boss gift, white elephant, and little treats for the 13 other people on my team. We all really like each other.
I spent this past weekend writing my shopping list and will go crazy this upcoming weekend. Works for me because the new credit card cycle will begin and I can keep Christmas spending separate from our recent trip spending. My year-end vacation starts December 18, so I could also put off the store shopping until then.
I always use the second of the three check months to set aside money for Christmas, which was October for me. I like to not think about Christmas until I have to. 😁
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Dec 9, 2019 8:47:28 GMT -5
I put the wreath up Sunday night. I handed batteries and candles to DH while he was watching football so that's done. He did the Advent calendar too.
Christmas soaps were bought last week and put in the bathrooms and kitchen. Linens will be put out tonight.
Living room tree needs more lights and ornaments. New tree needs put up in dining room.
And we need to decide what we are doing outside.
I've got a good bit of shopping done. Most of what is left is gift cards.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Dec 9, 2019 14:35:34 GMT -5
Had the decorations put up last weekend. Gwen wanted a real tree but I didn't want to repeat that experience again so we compromised. She got a little real tree of her own to decorate yesterday while I put up our fake tree last weekend. Almost done with all my major shopping. All that I have left to do is get my brother's gift which I will likely do when off on my birthday since it's from a local shop. I want to do some stocking stuffers for the kids and DH. I did the shopping for my great uncle and grandmother yesterday. They give me cash and I go shopping for the kids. I LOVE it because it means no more Leapfrog toys that they outgrow in two minutes.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2019 18:43:54 GMT -5
Had the decorations put up last weekend. Gwen wanted a real tree but I didn't want to repeat that experience again so we compromised. She got a little real tree of her own to decorate yesterday while I put up our fake tree last weekend. Almost done with all my major shopping. All that I have left to do is get my brother's gift which I will likely do when off on my birthday since it's from a local shop. I want to do some stocking stuffers for the kids and DH. I did the shopping for my great uncle and grandmother yesterday. They give me cash and I go shopping for the kids. I LOVE it because it means no more Leapfrog toys that they outgrow in two minutes. I make my daughter and daughter-in-law send me the link to whatever they want me to buy and where. I like to physically show up with the present and hand it to the grandkids myself, but I want it to be parent approved.
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