Are you already working on Christmas?
It’s Nov. 3 ladies, how far along are you on Christmas?
About three weeks ago an old friend announced on Facebook that she had just finished her Christmas cards! It totally stressed me out! About a week later, she announced that had finished a bunch of her Christmas shopping online.
Is this friend uber- organized or just plain crazy? (I think there’s a fine line.)
I was inspired (panicked?) by her getting a jump on things and decided to get a little ahead myself. After the kids went to bed on Halloween night, I uploaded a bunch of photos and designed our Christmas cards on Shutterfly.com. It is a relief to have that project done.
I also started working on another time-consuming holiday project – a calendar filled with photos of the kids and family for both sets of grandparents. (I even make two versions of the calendar so the Giarrussos aren’t looking at Walshes and vice versa.) I think I’ve got about five months done so far.
I also bought a few Christmas presents last weekend when I ran into Target. The toys are all in stock now. The aisles are wide and clear. (The only catch to this is if they change their minds about what they want.)
I am planning to buy all the teachers’ presents in the next week and order my Godmother’s and Godson’s presents.
My dream is by the time December hits to have all the work done so I can just spend time with the kids – baking, looking at lights, doing some charity work, watching movies and just hanging out as a family.
So it worth stressing out your November to finish by an arbitrary date? Or should the goal be to finish half or three-fourths so you just have a little bit to do in December? Are YOU working on Christmas already? If not, when will you start?
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101 comments Add your comment
motherjanegoose
November 3rd, 2009
7:18 am
I FOR ONE think having your Christmas cards ready now is a bit too much. Maybe it is just me.
Theresa, does this mean that only ladies will be contributing today:
“It’s Nov. 3 ladies, how far along are you on Christmas?”
I would love to hear from men who are handling the holidays at this year or in years past. My husband puts up the tree with our daughter and also the lights but it is a bit too early for that…right?
@ Vork or the Vork imposter from last night….please check in with Kathy, DB or Newmom before you call me a windbag on yesterday’s topic of going out together with other woman. These ladies HAVE been out to eat with me and each has indicated she would like to go again……hmmmm.
We are really cutting back on Christmas. It is not about the money at all but about all of the hullabaloo!
Since our families are spread out all over the United States, we are not sending gifts anymore. The shipping was well over $200 to get everything out. My kids are older now and having oodles of brightly wrapped packages is not a big deal. I truly have plenty of stuff.
We are looking at what we can do for others. My daughter read the mail and is interested in buying a heifer or goat for poor folks. Does anyone know anything about this? We also try to do some volunteer work.
motherjanegoose
November 3rd, 2009
7:21 am
RE: the $200 shipping, again, it is not about the money but spending $200 to get things THERE seems like a waste to me….just wanted to clarify. Have a great day all!
Vork
November 3rd, 2009
7:21 am
You buy Christmas presents for your kids’ teachers? Are you friends with the teachers? If not that is kinda lame and could be construde as kissing ass.
Vork
November 3rd, 2009
7:24 am
@motherjanegoose
Crazy lady I am done with you. You are about as exciting as getting a root canal and irritating to no end but ultimately you are not worth my time…….unless you say something that pisses me off.
Christina
November 3rd, 2009
7:38 am
We made a couple purchases online last week because a steal-of-a-deal was ending. Aside from that, I’ve made a list of everyone we’re buying for, how much we’re spending, and a few likely gifts. We traditionally do a lot of shopping on Black Friday, and usually set a goal to be finished by December 1. We usually are 90% finished by December 1 (including Christmas cards out the door), but there inevitably is a last-minute surprise.
deidre_NC
November 3rd, 2009
7:50 am
vork do you have kids in school? its kind of standard to get the teachers a little something…not kissing a**…you need to either get off this blog or stop being so mean..if i was theresa id ban you from here
as for christmas…i dont do it…way too much commercialism (SP) it all pretty much makes me sick. i will buy each of my grandkids 1 gift..usually a book…they will get tons of stuff…no one needs as much stuff as kids get. i will take a ornament off a tree and get a needy kid something…i do that every eyar..sometimes i get more than 1…this year it will be 1 because im broke…and it wont be the ornamant that says the kid wants an X box!!! thats my christmas…i wont get off work long enough to go to my family in atlanta for christmas…so i will do something here…i may volunteer at a shelter or something….
ZachsMom
November 3rd, 2009
7:51 am
I thought when I first read the topic line, that is was going to be about people who have to WORK on Christmas and ideas for still being able to celebrate.
I was dismayed when I went to Kroger and they had all their Christmas candy and displays up. This year Zachary has only asked for one gift and since it is approx $350 it will be the only one that he is getting. It is kinda sad to not have toys to play with anymore on Christmas morning. He will love the TV but it is not the same for mom.
@motherjanegoose It is called HEIFER INTERNATIONAL, we do it at our church. THey have a great web site.
Going to enjoy my last day off this week by doing laundry and try to figure out how to celebrate christmas while at work.
deidre_NC
November 3rd, 2009
7:59 am
MJG–the “Samaritans Purse” has gifts like that….go to their website….you can donate anywhere from $7 to hundreds to go towards certain things…its all laid out on the site…and i have looked into it and it is a great organization..im thinking of doing that this year rather than the tree ornament…
Belle
November 3rd, 2009
7:59 am
I am finished with the Christmas shopping. I buy things all through the year since I hate getting out in all the insane crowds. Everything is stashed away until I can get it wrapped. I’ll get the lights up in the next couple of weeks. This will be the first Christmas that my daughter understands what is going on and I’m excited to see it all through her eyes.
Kathy
November 3rd, 2009
8:03 am
No….it is not worth stressing out ever to keep up with anyone else or have everything “done” by a certain time. I personally don’t care when my friends have all their Christmas stuff done. I am only concerned with what goes on here in my house. It is against the law in our house to do anything even related to Christmas before Black Friday!! I think it is bad luck. Just like leaving your Christmas tree up into the New Year…..just plain old bad luck in my opinion. It disgusts me when I go into the stores and the Christmas stuff is up before Halloween is even over.
In my humble opinion, if Christmas stresses you out, then you are either doing too much, the wrong stuff, or you have just plain lost the whole point of Christmas.
motherjanegoose
November 3rd, 2009
8:09 am
Thanks for the tips all.
Deidre….glad to see I am not the only one who thinks that asking for an extravagant gift ( on the charity tree where others are buying it for YOU) is a bit much.
I saw a tag last year with a little girl asking for an American Girl Doll and specific outfits to match.
That blew me away! I never bought one for my own daughter, as I thought they were too expensive.
Just my choice and I am not saying that no one should buy one. Anyway, I mentioned this at church and was poo pooed…seems some children are used to nicer gifts and when their parents lost their jobs, the rest of us were being asked to step up to the plate…what?
I am not saying you need to ask for a 6 pack of socks from BIG LOTS but some kids are clearly spoiled and this is why I feel I may buy a heifer or goat for families who WOULD appreciate it.
Theresa Giarrusso
November 3rd, 2009
8:10 am
Not just for ladies — I just like using the word. Absolutely teachers deserve a Christmas present — they spend 40 hours a week educating your children. They should be given something extra (beyond just pay) for those efforts.
As far as shipping, I hate shipping so much — I hate going to the post office. I hate waiting at the post office. I only send online or catalog presents to my Godmother and Godson where the shipping is taken care of by the company. No time to box up and send presents. What a pain!
We are also cutting back on how much we are spending this year on everyone.
I don’t think I’ll be done with the kids by Dec. 1 but I think I can have a lot of it done where Dec. is more relaxed. We’ll see.
We don’t do lights on the outside of the house so that makes decorating the house easier. the former owner left us wreaths for every window. they’re on long ribbons and you just pop those puppies over the top of the windows, close the windows and boom you’re done.
April
November 3rd, 2009
8:15 am
@MJG – Samaritan’s purse is a great organization. You can buy a goat, chickens, cows, etc. You can donate all or part of the cost. They are the same organization that does the shoe boxes to ship to children around the world.
(BTW, I hope you saw my clarification to my comment last Friday)
@Deidre_NC – I agree. I wish all the mean people would go away. If you do not agree with a poster – don’t read that post but picking on a poster over and over is tedious, boring, and just plain childish.
Photius
November 3rd, 2009
8:20 am
Ah Christmas: celebrating the birth of the ultimate non-materialist, Christ, by spending ourselves into oblivious buying things people really don’t need…. such as buying teachers gifts. Spend more – you’ll feel better aboout yourself America tells us! Go Baby – SPEND!!!
deidre_NC
November 3rd, 2009
8:20 am
MJG i am so with you on that….i know some kids are used to getting huge expensive things…thats my whole problem with christmas…the things these kids ask for blow me away…heck i want WII but i dont have one…i do get whatss on the ,list…shoes etc–those requests break my heart…but i always get a nice toy for the age group…when we started this i had my kids pick out a ornament of a child their age and they picked out the ‘fun’ part of the gift…i do think this year i will send a check ot Samaritans Purse….there are so many social service and organizations to help the local kids..i am leaning towards the SP gifts….i dont decorate either…just got tired of it lol….last tree i had i left up til march…i said then nevermore….(i was just to lazy to take it down..my son finally did it lol)
Kathy
November 3rd, 2009
8:21 am
When I was teaching we had the “Angel Tree” for families who were struggling. I would always get items off of the tree until one year the tree was filled with requests for things like Sean Jean jeans, a Play Station 2, and a year of cell phone service with a brand new phone!!! The people who selected the families to participate should have been more aware of the things the people were asking for. Also, you should have the common sense to realize that if you are struggling and sign up for the charity tree, you need to be asking for essentials to keep your family afloat…..grocery store gift cards for food, clothing essentials for your kids (NOT request specific name brands), gas cards so that you can get your kids to school or yourself to a new job. I wouldn’t mind paying a bill for a family in need at Christmas time, but I am certainly not buying your daughter an American Girl doll!! I agree with MJG on that one.
Vork
November 3rd, 2009
8:22 am
You know I find it interesting that a lot of you moan and complain about how you are “so busy” and you work, “so hard” yet never have time to do anything you want to do and here you are posting comments to a blog…..hmmm…..sounds a little fishy to me…..like maybe some of you have your priorities out of wack.
Together for 15
November 3rd, 2009
8:22 am
Oh, you bet I started… in August! I’ve hated the Christmas season since I became an adult and had to do all the work. (Nevermind all the birthdays between now and then!)
If you get the work out of the way early, you can ENJOY Christmas and the parties and social stuff. I’m nearly done with shopping for my side of the family! If only the in-laws were more cooperative, I could be done in another week or so with shopping. If I got done with the work stuff early on, I could spend December baking cookies with my daughter, enjoying some Christmas specials on tv with the family, going around to see Christmas lights, buying the toys for our church’s “Giving Tree” families, and doing other stuff that truly makes Christmas memories for us.
I can’t imagine how your friend got her cards done (unless it was just picking them out and addressing/signing/stamping, etc.). I write a letter, and like 40% of what’s in the letter is the stuff that happened Oct-Dec! :)
Good luck to all you type As like me out there! Here’s to a stress-free Christmas Season!
Vork
November 3rd, 2009
8:24 am
@Photius
Because stimulating the economy is not something we should be doing….right?
deidre_NC
November 3rd, 2009
8:26 am
i come to this blog because i enjoy hearing others opinions on things….it is part of my day…i work lots of hours and have long driving times to get back and forth to work so i dont have a lot of free time to go out or whatever…i am now gonna start ignoring vork becuase he/she is an ass…i wish we could have the option of ‘hiding’ people like we can on facebook lol
Photius
November 3rd, 2009
8:31 am
It’s obvious in this narcissistic society that many parents equivilate “how much I love my kids” by how much they give their kids at Christmas; it’s sick.
deidre_NC
November 3rd, 2009
8:35 am
@photius—well my kids know i love them from the way i act everyday…(well maybe not EVERYDAY LOL) but i dont have to give them stuff to make them know it…most parents dont…they just like to give their kids stuff….i dont equate love with gifts and probably most here dont…i love to give gifts to people…i just cant afford it…
Vork
November 3rd, 2009
8:39 am
@Photius
I blame the parents…..and this blog.
Patrick
November 3rd, 2009
8:39 am
I’m thinking of giving away homemade cookies this year to most of my friends, coworkers, and take some to the family in Alabama, if we go. I usually set up a big tin in the breakroom at work, but I think this year I’ll do up several small tins for people in my department, and do the big tin for the breakroom.
I have a very awesome gingerbread cookie recipe that uses some substitutions, additions, and subtractions. Everyone who has had these cookies loved them, even those who never cared for gingerbread. I think I may change up the recipe just slightly, too give the cookies more *oomph*.
No, I don’t decorate them. I tried that last year, and realized why I don’t do it. Too time-consuming and messy. Usually I just spread plain white icing on the cookies, with little red and green colored sugars crystals mixed in. I’ll be going back to that, or sprinkle the sugars on top. What I might do is use different colors, depending on the shapes. One thing I did last year, that was neat, and will probably do again this year is I mixed in a little peppermint flavoring in the icing for the candy cane-shaped cookies.
Looks like I need to hit up Wally World tonight to begin purchasing the tins and some of the ingredients. Baking will commence in mid-December. I never bake these cookies no sooner than either the 15th of December, or the second weekend of December, whichever comes first.
clyde
November 3rd, 2009
8:40 am
As noted on another blog yesterday,Christmas shopping here is completed and wrapped.I’ll watch the good sales this year for next year’s gifts.We don’t send cards,that’s one expense annulled.For the last two years we haven’t bothered with any decorations and this year will be the same.We’re older people and Christmas means different things to us now that the children are gone.We keep the Holidays completely stress free.
FCM
November 3rd, 2009
8:41 am
Theresa “that she had just finished her Christmas cards! It totally stressed me out! ” this concerns me. It seems like Facebook stresses you out since people can post constantly about what they have done. This is not a contest. If it is a contest it’s the lamest I have seen.
Diedre–I don’t think Vork should be banned. I do get tired of some of MJG goings on about her travels, her being paid to talk, etc…unlike Vork I just skip that part of her posts. I love to hear from MJG but I don’t really care if she is in St. Louis, Alaska, or Duluth. I also think some of what she says is not only from a different part of the sidewalk, but out of date with the modern family…doesn’t matter though since I can still consider and accept or reject what she says for myself.
Presents for teachers — I found when my Mom taught that they get a bunch of junk they don’t care about. Last year we ‘adopted’ a few of Clark Howard’s kids–go to his website to learn more–that are foster children. Each child in my family took pride in letting their teacher know that because of the teacher’s love of children, an underprivledged child was reminded they were thought of in the teacher’s honor. The teacher’s thanked me for not getting yet another useless gift and for making sure a child was loved at Christmas.
Santa is looking for one big gift. I have already bought and put up several clothing gifts for the kids. His family usually out does it on toys — maybe to make up for not being around?–and so they do not get many toys from me. They do get a few key things only an ‘elf’ (or Mom) would overhear them wanting though.
I am currently resetting the livingroom from Halloween to Thanksgiving. Thank God! Lots of the decorating starts in Sept for the fall stuff. Thanksgiving sees it all packed up and that weekend will be dedicated to setting up Christmas. The boxes are color coded and organized so it should not be hard this year. The whole house (even bedrooms) get redone for the season. I love the hoopla!
I have already set up my decorating plan, the baking schedule, and the party schedule is coming together.
Like FlyLady says “Let’s Fly through the Holidays.”
deidre_NC
November 3rd, 2009
8:42 am
amen clyde!
new mom
November 3rd, 2009
8:42 am
I have definitely started with our Christmas planning and shopping. For me, the hardest part is figuring out what we want to get our family members. I try to pay attention throughout the year and find things that they may want but never ask for (ie–we gave my mother-in-law a really cool coffeemaker last year, she never asked for one but hers was about 100 years old, and she’s a huge coffee fan) We also don’t want to overdo the commercialism of Christmas, so that’s why I try to get the ‘administrative’ stuff out of the way early, like cards and shopping.
Another organization you can use for buying goats, etc., is World Vision. We have sponsored a little boy for the last 10 years, and this year they added an option to send a special gift for him and his family. We did that, and usually we buy a few goats, sheep, etc. for other families. Last year we asked our family members to buy goats on our behalf, but only one believed us and actually did it. I think it’s just too out of the norm for most of our family, oh well.
One other suggestion is to think of ‘experience’ gifts, whether it’s tickets to a game, museum, theater, etc. It makes memories and doesn’t clutter up your house, or end up in a garage sale in a few years! ;)
Vork
November 3rd, 2009
8:43 am
@clyde
I think that even after my kids have moved out I will still decorate the house for the holidays.
new mom
November 3rd, 2009
8:45 am
Oh, and I agree that doing the picture cards and calendars, photo books, etc is very time consuming. Especially when you have thousands of pictures to sort through and upload. I wouldn’t do it, but it’s what our family loves the most. We do either a calendar or photo book for grandparents, as the gift our girls give them.
Vork
November 3rd, 2009
8:45 am
@FCM
You understand me so well…thank you.
deidre_NC
November 3rd, 2009
8:47 am
my sister always gives to a charity of her childs choice for her big gift…she gets a gift for herself but always chooses a charity for her ‘big’ gift…i think thats pretty cool for a teenage girl to want…it was actually my nieces idea once she was old enough to understand the idea of gift giving…
Andrea
November 3rd, 2009
8:49 am
I am done with the shopping for Christmas. I don’t think I am uber-organized but my budget allowed me to get done REALLY fast this year!! I tend to purchase from one store and I can ship the items for free. Multiple addresses are generally $1 to $2 extra so for me, it is worth it to have the store ship everything for me. I have all of my cards (both Thanksgiving & Christmas) ready to mail. I have already bought my photo stamps and I am expecting them any day now. The only things I will have to do is to decorate the house (which will be done Thanksgiving weekend) and then bake the food items I will be giving away.
I totally enjoy this time of year. It is my favorite time of the year. I go to the stores with my relatives and while they shop, I enjoy the holiday atmosphere. The month of December will pretty much be for fellowship, parties, and family time. I like to be done early because I get to enjoy the months of November and December with my kids and family.
Yes, my kids teachers will get gifts -
Theresa Giarrusso
November 3rd, 2009
8:51 am
FCM — I like to do movie passes for the teachers so they can go with their kids or husbands and enjoy an activity with their family. It’s one of our favorite things to do. I also sometimes do Pizza Hut gift cards since the holidays are so busy that may help them do dinner one night. So I try to make them useful.
Fred
November 3rd, 2009
8:51 am
I am a teacher and I appreciate gifts around the holidays, nothing expensive but just something that shows that you are appreciated by the student. Gifts from parents are no biggie to me. I still have a ceramic dolphin that a student brought back form a vacation, a straw hat from Florida, 4 teddy bears that couldn’t have cost more than $10 together..the list goes on and on, but these are reminders of the kids that I have taught in the past. They still litter my office now that I am out of the classroom. I know that some are freaked out about home made treats from the kids but I think they are great. It shows that the kisa really put some effort in.
Now back on topic. I do all of my shopping on the internet. I hate mall crowds especiallly around the holidays. There is nothing that says happy holidays like fighting over a parking spot, standing in endless lines, hearing kids and parents whining about some thing or another and my inevitable “where did I park the car” I would much rather stay at home with the family.
I put up decorations when we get back from out thanksgiving trip to visit the parents. I think it is still to early but my wife disagrees, so up they go. The girls are finally old enough to help me out with that, so it has become alot more fun. I don’t do X-mas cards, I just sign when told to.
My one and only pet peeve about the holidays is stores and radio stations pushing it earlier and earlier every year. I was at Kohls 3 weeks ago and they already had trees, ornaments and snow globes for sale. ugh!
Wow that was much more long winded than I had originally planned. Sorry.
Vork
November 3rd, 2009
8:53 am
Are there any teachers on this blog? I would love to know what they think of the gifts they receive from their students. Whether they are like, “Oh good more crap I have to find a place for,” or if they truelly do appreciate ALL the gifts they get.
Personally, if I were a teacher, I would rather you just wish me happy holidays, bring me an apple….atleast I can eat that, or do something like what FCM was talking about.
deidre_NC
November 3rd, 2009
8:54 am
my dad was a teacher and he loved getting little small gifts..its just a show of appreciation…and i love the movie pass and restaurant pass idea for the teachers…i plan to give the principal nd 1 teacher a gift this year…they really helped my kids and i still appreciate it….and my kids dont go there anymore…its a gift of love/appreciation..whatever…
new mom
November 3rd, 2009
8:59 am
I only taught one year and I still got more ‘world’s best teacher’ crap then I could handle. My favorite gifts were dry erase markers and paper for my classroom–exciting, huh? This year, for our daughter’s two preschool teachers, I plan to get them either a gift certificate for a pedicure, gift cards for a restaurant, or for the movies. Something they can enjoy! :)
RJ
November 3rd, 2009
9:08 am
Vork, I really enjoy the gifts kids have given me over the years. I still have every single ornament I’ve ever been given! I put them on the tree each year. I have always worked in urban schools where parents don’t have a lot of money, so when I get something, even when it’s from the Dollar Store, I am appreciative. Parents rarely give gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week, so Christmas is the only time I really get gifts. It show their appreciation. I never think of it as “crap”. They could’ve chosen not to spend their money on me at all.
I haven’t started shopping, however this weekend I will go ahead and get my son that PS3 he’s been wanting before they’re all gone. And I want a Disney Tiana doll for myself. Thank goodness Disney finally developed an African American princess. If only my daughter was still 5!
oneofeach4me
November 3rd, 2009
9:10 am
I have not yet started shopping… I am putting together lists based on the budget I created. My kids are still relatively young (4 and 8) so I can get away with $100 each and it comes out to 4 or 5 gifts a piece. They already get so much stuff from their grandparents that I limit what we give. I usually order my stuff online and have it shipped to my job.
I ALWAYS have gotten something for the teachers, even the daycare teachers, but never “things”. Every year I get them a Starbucks gifcard that comes in a tree ornament. I put my child’s name in the from section and keep it moving. Being that most of the teachers go by Starbucks on the way in… this gets used up before they return form winter break and they really appreciate it. Teacher’s are important and WAY underpaid. Spening an extra 20 or 30 bucks is not going to hurt me.
I do Xmas cards sometimes… but dangit my intentions are good, however most of the time I just can’t seem to go to the post office to get stamps and the next thing u know I throw away the cards I spend HOURS preparing. Not to mention the time I spent obtaining addresses. I haven’t sent them in 3 years.
As for decorating we always do it the weekend after Thanksgiving. I really don’t want to go through all that trouble just to take everything down 2 weeks later. The decorating I actually enjoy.
My mom and sisters LOVE the Black Friday stuff… I go along for fun.. to watch them sqirm and stress out about how everything on their list is already out of stock. That’s when I mention the internet.. lol
FCM
November 3rd, 2009
9:13 am
I have done movie and dinner cards before. However, after hearing how many of those never get used, I stopped. It is a good idea though. Better that then World’s Best “X’ stuff. I have the kids do a handmade card. The teachers have told me they have scrapbooks of the cards they flip through like photo albums. Seriously, when someone has been teaching 10 – 20 years they have stuff and can afford a movie too.
NewMom, 1 — glad to hear the new little one and the older little one are getting along!! Having a pair of sisters about that far apart in my house I can tell you it will be a ton of fun and work! Every bit of it worth it. I also get something for the classroom through out the year, just not at the holidays.
new mom
November 3rd, 2009
9:14 am
Just to clarify–I always appreciated the ‘thought’ behind the teacher gifts. Just dealing with all the generic teacher gifts, just for the sake of giving a teacher a gift, is a lot to handle. IMHO teachers don’t need new paper clip holders, coffee mugs, etc every year. I really appreciated the handwritten notes and pictures that the kids made for me–now those gifts I saved and cherished. And they are nearly free, kids and parents don’t need to spend money to show a teacher that they appreciate them.
Vork
November 3rd, 2009
9:15 am
@RJ
My friend I think you are the exception, rather than the rule, but good for you.
On another note….a PS3? And listen to me because I’m a hardcore gamer and own all three current generation game systems, Seriously…..unless you already have an XBox 360 or a Wii I would NOT get a PS3.
If you want family gaming get a Wii. If you want a good mixture of family, hardcore, and casual gaming get an Xbox 360. If you want a serious lack of available games to play but some really good first-party games from Sony…..get a PS3.
JJ
November 3rd, 2009
9:17 am
I do my christmas cards the weekend after Thanksgiving.
I don’t leave the house on “Black Friday”, it’s not worth the hassle.
I shop year round.
I have a christmas cookie party the Saturday before Christmas.
I have NO stress at the holidays….It’s not allowed!!!!
madmommy
November 3rd, 2009
9:23 am
Let’s see. I am just about done with my gifts, but I prefer to make them all verses buying things. I make jams and mini scrapbooks for gifts as they are things that you can’t put a price tag on, plus it shows my daughter that sometimes it’s better to give your time and creativity to show how much you really care. We pretty much have all our family on the west coast, so shipping can be a bit much, but the flat rate boxes really help in that area. You can purchase a pack of them and just drop them off when your ready and you don’t even have to stand in line either. I do try to have everything done by the second week of November and the cards ordered and addressed by December 1st. A bit much, but it always seems to workout in the end since while everyone else is running around, we can just do as we please since were done already. I try to do crafts with our free time together for bonding and just a way to understand the season a bit more.
As for the teacher gifts, we try to give them little things through out the year verses just once a year. A pound of really nice coffee and cookies is what I generally gift at Christmas since it is something that the teachers can enjoy and relax a bit with. Sometimes a batch of homemade cookies and some coffee in say June, is more meaningful or after a really rough week with your child. (Mine is 3 today, so they have those days)
Off topic, so today is my little one’s 3rd birthday and we are waiting until Sunday to have a family dinner to celebrate. Should I wait and just do all gifts then or allow her to open one now? I did decorate the house last night so when she woke up there were balloons, streamers, signs and a birthday tiara for her to mark the date. She was really excieted and couldn’t have smiled more for just waking up, but I just can’t figure out what to do on the gift front. She’ll get more than enough from family and friends this Sunday, but just don’t want her to think mommy and daddy forgot. I guess this is the joy of her only being three, in that she doesn’t know any different.
clyde
November 3rd, 2009
9:27 am
Vork,
I have a friend that decorates every room in the house,complete with separate tree.It takes her about two weeks to put it up and about a week to take it down.To each his /her own.
lmno
November 3rd, 2009
9:32 am
I am really becoming a scrooge the older I get. I dread Christmas for the most part. Too much feeling obligated to travel here and be sure to buy this and that.
How did a simple religious holiday turn into this?
I wish we just went to church, maybe had a dinner, and thats it.
MJ
November 3rd, 2009
9:32 am
I love going out on the weekends 2 weeks before Christmas and wading into the crowds at the malls to do my shopping. I’ve always done it this way; most folks are in a good mood, talkative and polite. Yes, I’ve met some bah humbugs over the years, but the majority are just fine. I have been doing some online shopping the past couple of years just to get the hard to find stuff; it may cost a bit more when you add the shipping but is worth it to me.
I never start shopping till December by the way.
JATL
November 3rd, 2009
9:42 am
MJG -I got my cards done because the company I use had a really great deal if you purchased by October 30th. We’re on a tight budget, so I try to do some shopping and holiday spending a little here and there in the months leading up to Christmas, so we’re not hit all at once.
Uconn
November 3rd, 2009
9:42 am
MJ- I am the same way. Shopping before the holidays is more fun to me than doing it before. I usually can do it in one day.. I just LOVE the people.
New Stepmom
November 3rd, 2009
9:48 am
I am a big Holiday NERD. I love October through January!!!!! I start Christmas shopping after each Christmas because of the deals I find. This year we have cut way back on our gift giving. No gifts to siblings, just small stuff to the neices and nephews. We will get our parents something too, but my brother and I are going in together for our parents and the hubs takes care of his parents.
We host Thanksgiving at our house this year and the house is fully decorated for that! I have still got to get the turkley and others will bring additional dishes and my mom will make the cornbread dressing!
I have my Christmas card list complete and I print the address labels to make it easier. After my 12 week sonogram, I will upload that pic into our Christmas card (we already have other family pics on the card)and be finished and get them ordered. I am a Shutterfly fanatic and will do calendars and our Christmas cards there this year.
My husband and step daughter will be traveling after Thanksgiving and I still get too car sick to go with them, so I will decorate to my heart’s content while they are gone. I should have everything done by Sunday the 29th and like another poster, be able to completely enjoy the season with no trips to the mall only enjoying social activities and the music! Just thinking about all of this makes my heart race a bit ;o)!
RJ
November 3rd, 2009
9:52 am
@Vork, it seems I am. But I think that the teachers that think of it as “crap” work in schools in different communities than the ones I’ve worked in. Inner-city kids don’t give Starbucks gift cards. So when they give anything, be grateful. I didn’t mention that sometimes I get handwritten cards and notes telling me how great I am lol! Kept those too! I’ve had kids tell me that they didn’t have any money, so they made this for me. Very special.
I never give gift cards because I personally don’t like them. Remember the days when you didn’t spend every dime of your gift certificate you got the rest back? Gift cards are a huge rip off in my opinion. I’d rather write a check. At least it doesn’t limit you to where you can spend the money. I have a friend that’s a teacher that got Starbucks cards and gave them away because EVERY kid gave her one! Ah, the difference between her school (where I attended) and mine. I try and choose a gift that they may enjoy like a coffee mug filled with kisses, hot chocolate and peppermint. I always try to be creative. But gift cards are a NOT for me.
As far as the PS3 is concerned, my son won’t listen to me! My daugher and I want a Wii but he swears that the PS3 is the best. Since my husband no longer plays, he could care less. I think I’ll share your post with him. My brother is a gamer and has told me the same thing regarding XBox 360. Maybe we can change his mind…
April
November 3rd, 2009
10:01 am
As a teacher, I enjoy gifts from students but never expect them. It is nice to know you are appreciated with a card or ornament. Yes, I use all the ornaments. I really appreciate school supplies: markers, board erasers, etc. A $5 Starbuck’s gift card is one of my very favorites because it is a splurge I rarely indulge in for myself. However, I never expect anything and am always touched when families remember me.
LM
November 3rd, 2009
10:05 am
We are celebrating Christmas over Thanksgiving since my hubby will behome on leave.
I am getting my shopping done (I hate to shop and do most if not all online) and making arraingments to get the decorations up. Since I am looking at shoulder replacement surgery in the next few months, there are a lot of things I can’t do now, so I am scheduling time for my teenager to help and also see if a few friends can come help. I will send out Christmas card the first week of December, I have bee horrible about not sending out cards the past few years, I get the close family ones done but not to the “holiday family & friends”.
We will also do a small Christmas, just my daughter and myself on Christmas day. I want to do something specail since it will be just the two of us and I have not been able to come up with a good plan yet, any suggestions would be appreciated!
Becky
November 3rd, 2009
10:17 am
I love Christmas and I shop all year long..My gifts don’t have to be high $$ either..Last year, I bought my sister a wrought iron plant stand at a yard sale for $2.00..It was brand new still in the box..She loved it..I try to base my gifts on what the person will like vs what it costs..
@Vork, I always buy the kids teachers a gift, just to say thank you for doing such a great job..Nothing big..I am 47 and I gave a teacher a homemade wreath for Christmas in the 4th grade, I saw her yrs. and yrs. later, she told me that she still used it every year..So some teachers do like gifts..
@Andrea, I’ve never sent out cards for Thanksgiving..I alwys send out Christmas cards..I’ve very lucky in that I can mail them from my work as well as do all of my shipping from work..
Michelle
November 3rd, 2009
10:21 am
For the teachers out there, last year, many of the parents pitched in $$ and I made a photo quilt for the teacher! She loved it! It will be really hard to come up with something for the teacher this year. Financially, I’m just not in the same place as last year!
As for my Christmas, NO WAY have I started! I usually don’t go until MUCH closer to Christmas. So much has changed over the last couple of years that I’m not even finding it enjoyable. Bah-humbug! I think this is partly because all of the planning, decorating and cooking get left up to me!
I will probably do my cards sometime late in November, if I do them at all! I have just really lost a lot of the joy and pleasure that used to go into Christmas. My family all lives at least 9-10 hours away. We have to alternate days for the kids to spend with their mom. It just really takes the celebration out for me.
JJ
November 3rd, 2009
10:35 am
Madmommy – let her open the presents from you and hubby on her birthday.
My brother does this with his kids and it drives me crazy. He waits until we are all together to give presents. That may mean sometimes my nieces don’t get present for two or three weeks after their big day. That’s not fair to the kids.
I’ve always given my daughter presents ON her birthday. Then we plan something at a later date for the family to be together.
I say let the baby open presents from mom and dad on the actual birthday.
Meme
November 3rd, 2009
10:44 am
I have all my teacher ornaments on a special tree. I love it. I do appreciate the thoughtfulness of kids and parents during this time of year.
Loren
November 3rd, 2009
10:56 am
I always sign and address my Christmas cards Halloween night as I give out candy to the neighborhood kids. Now I just have to get postage and mail them the first week of December. Also to save money I keep my Chrismas cards from previous years and use them to make name tags out of for the current year. So am I organized or just nuts. Eithere way,mission accomplished!
Loren
November 3rd, 2009
10:57 am
I even bought this years Christmas cards at last years end of season clearance sale(s).
Becky
November 3rd, 2009
11:03 am
@Loren..I have about 8 boxes of Christams cards that I have bought from last year and at the thrift store..
mitzymy
November 3rd, 2009
11:14 am
I work in the Mall at a high end store that mails all packages that you buy there for free, as long as it is in the US. We also do free gift wrapping, so our customers will come in and pick out what they want and pay for it, give us addresses anywhere in the US, and we do the rest. Fortunately, our store is closed on all Holidays, and at 4pm the day before the Holiday, so we have a little time to do our shopping and still get home to enjoy the family. I am into Christmas Cards, and I get them all out by the 15th of December. I send money to my adult children and their kids, and buy presents for the ones who live near by. Black Friday is a day that I don’t look forward to, because customers already have all of the parking spots near our store filled before we even get there at 7am. We will see how bad our economy is after all of the charging on credit cards after Christmas.
New Stepmom
November 3rd, 2009
11:28 am
Loren, I do that too. I try to pick a design I like (generally at Target) and go back and get them the day after Christmas. This year I am doing a picture card from Shutterfly, because with so many changes I could not pick just one picture to go in or on a card…
Little Johnnie
November 3rd, 2009
11:43 am
All I want for christmas is my two front teeth.
madmommy
November 3rd, 2009
11:49 am
Thanks for the ideas and I will see what he thinks about her opening one gift tonight.
Picture cards are the way to go and they always turn out to be big hits with the family and friends. Since I scrapbook, I place all the holiday cards in there and set the book out so when people are over they can flip through it and we can see how much all the kids have grown. It’s just something sweet that doesn’t cost a lot, but makes a big difference.
If you don’t enjoy something, don’t do it. I enjoy the process of doing cards and writing small notes to everyone, it only takes a bit of time and if you do a few here and there your done before you know it. I do cards for every holiday,even do thinking of you cards where I will include and old photo that will spark a memory or two. When your family members start getting up in age, they really enjoy a quick note, even if you do call all the time. Letter writing is a lost art.
I make jam for gifts since it takes care of the whole family all at once and it’s not just something you grab to give and it give me time and memories with my own family. I only gift cards for those I know will use it and not let it go to waste. Our group runs every Saturday morning, so one’s for coffee are always used. Then again, knowing how my jam is they always want that. :-)
I hope everyone is looking forward to the joy of the season and try’s to get back to how magical it felt as a child and to be honest I don’t remember all the “toy’s” we got, but I do remember who was there and what we did more than anything else.
T
literacymom
November 3rd, 2009
11:52 am
Another spin on making a contribution to improve others’ quality of life is to make a donation in your teacher’s honor to a charity that promotes literacy. As the wife of a career educator I can attest that we do not need another mug, tote bag, or apple-shaped ornament in our house. I also happen to be the director of a nonprofit that teaches parents why and how to build their children’s reading readiness during the critical learning period from birth to age 5. Teachers who have been honored by a donation made in their name say that they are truly appreciative that another local child will come to school ready to be a successful reader. Talk about making a teacher’s life easier!
crazy claire
November 3rd, 2009
12:00 pm
Yung chui yakka lu-ah!!
wmsmommy
November 3rd, 2009
12:29 pm
LM: Why not take your daughter to breakfast at Waffle House and then leave an extra-nice tip? That’s something my now-hubby and I did before we had children. Now, we leave an extra-nice tip every time due to the mess our children leave. Ugh!
Sug
November 3rd, 2009
12:55 pm
LM Go work at a soup kitchen. Pass out soup to those who have nothing on Christmas day……then I bet your daughter will appreciate EVERY gift under that tree!!!!!
My kids and I volunteer at least three or four times during the holiday season.
Go do something whereby you give your time to those in need. Kids need to see this during the holidays. It makes them more humble and thankful for what they do have. Suddenly that Xbox or Wii isn’t as important.
I’ll never forget the time when I was about 8 years old and I went with my mom to deliver an entire Thanksgiving meal to some needy people. It made a HUGE impact on me.
That’s why I volunteer my time at the holidays…….someone out there has it worse than I do.
hungry hobo
November 3rd, 2009
1:06 pm
I’ll have a bowl of clam chowder…extra clams please
New Stepmom
November 3rd, 2009
1:15 pm
@literacymom. Does your group have a website? I would like to learn more. I love to read and want to do all I can to install that in my baby to be….
LM
November 3rd, 2009
2:22 pm
SUG – I like the idea of us helping out at a soup kitchen, do you know how I could find one on the way south side of Atlanta, actually we are south of Locust Grove? Should I try the school to see if they have suggestions, we have done Angel Tree and Toys for Tots in past years, and since we will have Christmas done early this year it should give me time for volunteer work.
Sug
November 3rd, 2009
2:27 pm
Since you are down Locust Grove way, why not go volunteer at Noah’s Ark? They are always looking for volunteers to help with the animals and there are some foster kids there too……..
Let me go see what I can find for you……
LM
November 3rd, 2009
2:37 pm
I’ve been by Noah’s Ark, didn’t know they could use volenteers, wow that would be wonderfull. They also have the Zebra that was found on the side of Interstate 75 there I think. I will contact them and see what I can arrange, thanks a bunch!
LM
November 3rd, 2009
2:47 pm
Just sent Noah’s Ark an email, hope to hear back shortly
motherjanegoose
November 3rd, 2009
3:23 pm
@ April, yes I did catch your comment to me last week….thanks!
@ meme, I also have a tree full of ornaments and memories from the kids who were in my classroom starting in 1983. Love to unpack them!
Wondering how homemade cookies and edible gifts will be accepted this year in light of H1N1? I freely admit my house is not the most hygienic on the block but eating foods that were made in kitchens of which I do not know…does NOT appeal to me. Sorry to offend anyone.
@ FCM…here are a few more out of date ideas that are practiced by my ( not too modern) family:
eating together at the table, at dinner time, with food that has been cooked / not nuked
attending church
reading books and playing games together
my children having chores, driving cars they paid for themselves, a debit card that is attached to the bank account THEY put money in from GASP jobs they are working themselves, doing their own laundry, cleaning up after themselves ( no housekeeper)
me working and spending cash that I earned and not using a dream ( credit) card
writing thank you notes
when mine were younger: bedtimes and eating what mom cooked for dinner…not a short order kitchen
GEEZ…I guess we are really are out of touch with a modern family
Did anyone read the ( hopelessly old fashioned) article by Betsy Flager D5 in the AJC Oct. 31.
Seems research and psychologists are embracing some old fashioned ideas…imagine it…guess it is not for the truly modern family with no common sense…eek did I just say that?
madmommy
November 3rd, 2009
3:25 pm
What is Noah’s Ark? Can you take kids there? My daughter loves the zoo, but it can be tough to get to and once were there she only wants to ride the train and play on all the playgrounds they have there.
LM, great idea to try and go help out. My little one is a bit to little, but I’m sure if I get some of my mommy friends together with their kids it will help the Ark in it’s own way.
Sug
November 3rd, 2009
3:37 pm
Noah’s Ark, from what I understand, is a rehabilitation center for abused or unwanted animals. And yes, Evidence, the abandonded Zebra is there.
They also have a children’s home with foster kids, who work on the “farm”.
check out http://www.noahs-ark.org.
JJ
November 3rd, 2009
3:39 pm
Madmommy – have you ever been to The Yellow River Game Ranch in Snellville (A few miles from Stone Mountain Park). I use to take my daughter there all the time. They have tons of very friendly animals which you can had feed some of them. Deer, squirrels, etc…….they have a rabbit patch and the kids can get in and play with the bunnies…….I know they’ve done a lot of work out there. I would suggest going very early in the day, and the animals are very hungry and they will walk right up to you. The kids LOVE It!!!!!
motherjanegoose
November 3rd, 2009
4:09 pm
@ JJ…we took our 8 year old neighbor to Yellow River during the past 2 summers. It was really nice. I’ll bet it is very pleasant there this week with the beautiful weather.
I actually remember walking through with my then almost 5 year old son when I was past due with my daughter, hoping the walking would get me moving to deliver my the baby. Guess that was another hopelessly old fashioned idea.
Actually, I lived on a farm and tended animals myself. This is way too old fashioned for many modern kids today who when asked, “where does milk come from…” reply…”the refrigerator….”
YES INDEED!
at SUG…kids who actually WORK…you have got to be kidding…haha…I am just teasing. If more kids knew how to be responsible for things such as animals, they would be responsible in their own lives….KUDOS.
nurse&mother
November 3rd, 2009
4:13 pm
MJG, I totally agree with EVERY bit of your 8:09 post. (That’s as far as I got in reading posts).
We very much simplify things during the holiday season. I bought Heifer International gifts of animals for poor families world wide in honor of my sister, mother, and grandmother. I did get my mom and gm a few other things too. My husband and I do not usually exchange gifts, only stockings.
I encourage folks to not just buy just to spend money. Knit a scarf, record a home made video, send pictures in hand painted frames, etc. instead of wasting money. It’s a lot more special (not to mention fun).
Tiffany
November 3rd, 2009
4:19 pm
I really love this topic! I am TRYING to start working on Christmas…I have bought a couple of gifts- I am trying to spread out the buying over the next couple months so it is easier on the pocketbook. I am going to try to lighten the decorating load by doing a little less of it this year…but I really love the decorations, so we’ll see. I just hate all the packing up in January! I love what Clyde said-”To each his or her own” That is so true! Whatever makes you happy for the holidays is what you need to be doing. I LOVE being out and about in the crowds-BLACK FRIDAY IS THE BEST-I can’t wait! I know it is hard to find a parking space, but the deals are so amazing, it’s worth it. Christmas cards are a pain to me, but I like to send out a new picture of all the kids together…getting them to pose for the picture is also a pain. After all the trouble of it, maybe I’ll remember to actually MAIL them this year! Y’all have really gotten me in the holiday spirit now!
New Stepmom
November 3rd, 2009
4:21 pm
MJG, our house is very old fashioned like yours. My step daughter was appalled the first time I made her write a thank you note. Now she knows she does not get to play with the gift until the note is written…it is her choice how long that takes ;o)!
Tiffany
November 3rd, 2009
4:35 pm
MJG, please do not let the personal attacks from Vork get you down. There are a lot of us who appreciate your input here.
motherjanegoose
November 3rd, 2009
4:36 pm
@ Tiffany…HAHAHA! I HATE Black Friday and would not get out if they were GIVING things away. I am 3 miles from the MOG and NEVER leave my house on that day. “Tis true…to each his own!
This may have to do with me fighting crowds all year at Hartsfield…’ya think? No, it probably has to do with me working at Wal Mart from 11th grade until the first Christmas my husband and I were married…me straight out of college and not yet in a teaching job.
@ NewStepmom….guess I am not the lone ranger when it comes to NOT a modern mom….thanks!
@ n&m….I was amazed that folks AT MY CHURCH think we should accommodate these selfish requests on the angel tree. Some also told me, who when approached about a book bag drive for back to school, that we need to buy designer book bags for High Schoolers so that they will not feel out of place if we are donating school supplies and just buy them a regular book bag. WHAT? should I buy 2 book bags for high schoolers who could perhaps mow lawns, babysit, pet sit, scoop ice cream or 8 book bags for 2nd graders who do not have these options?
My daughter has a Jantzen BB that we got at Costco -3 years ago and she is still using it. I am surely out of touch with modern families who just give their kids everything and if they cannot, they ask others to do it for them
motherjanegoose
November 3rd, 2009
4:38 pm
Thanks Tiffany and if I see any GREAT coupons for Black Friday, they are ALL YOURS and I will even pay the postage to send them to you if you send Theresa you address and she can get it to me….hugs to you!
Tiffany
November 3rd, 2009
4:46 pm
I wanted to mention that our class at school always takes up a collection for the teacher’s holiday gift. Some choose to donate, but it is not required. Then we pool all the money into a gift card- then the teacher can get something nice for herself, or spend it on her family.
Tiffany
November 3rd, 2009
4:48 pm
LOL-Thanks MJG!
motherjanegoose
November 3rd, 2009
5:26 pm
@ Tiffany…love that idea. Teachers can have dinner out or give themselves a gift to enjoy for a while. Even $50 purse would be something a woman could use every day. A man might like a new wallet and belt or computer/briefcase. If there are 20 in the class this would be less than $3 per child. I know many children have parents who do not have 50 cents but some ARE able to contribute and no it is not mandatory. I have never worked in a school where parents simply could not afford a small gift. I know some have ( such as Kathy) and so that is a different arena than what I am used to.
FYI…there are those who poo poo getting teacher’s presents and there are those who expect their own holiday bonus every year. To each his own.
I also love gift cards to a book store. This way, the teachers can buy themselves a book or buy a book for the class!
motherjanegoose
November 3rd, 2009
5:33 pm
@ nurse and mother….KNITTING…now that is hopelessly old fashioned and not at all popular in modern families BUT I taught my daughter how to knit and she has knit me several lovely scarves that I wear all the time…to Colorado this week ( oops).
It tickles me to see the faces of those who compliment me on my scarves and ask where I got them…my 17 year old daughter ( then 15 and 16) knit them for me…whew overboard old fashioned to knit YOUR MOM a scarf.
Yes, I am up the the challenge by FCM this morning:
“I also think some of what she says is not only from a different part of the sidewalk, but out of date with the modern family…”
I’ll take my old fashioned ideas and remind myself that my children are now nearly grown and that somehow, those ideas worked!!!! Have a nice evening all!
DB
November 3rd, 2009
10:04 pm
My deadline for Christmas is Saturday, December 5th. Gifts for our family in one state will be ready by Thanksgiving, as we will be spending Thanksgiving with them, and I, for one, also hate shipping costs. I want to have the house completely decorated before the kids come home from college, so that they walk into a festive house after exams and being away from home for so long. Whether or not that actually happens — well, let’s just say that it would be a first!
My mom was a teacher, and we would often marvel at the assortment of little things that she would receive at Christmas. One year, one of the moms was an Avon representative, and every kid in the class gave my mother something “stinky” — solid rub-on perfume (think glue stick), soaps, dusting powder, etc. The Avon mom had carefully managed it so that every child gave her something different in a different scent. It was truly . . . amazing. Especially for my mother, a woman who can’t walk by a candle shop in the mall without sneezing . . . !! Our favorite teacher gifts are movie passes and bookstore certificates. For teachers of younger grades, The Schoolbox certificates always seemed very welcome, for extra supplies for the classroom. Hobby Lobby also seems popular, these days.
On another subject: I’ve stayed pretty quiet on some of these comments — but honestly, folks, I’m getting really tired of the personal attacks, especially on MJG. I do NOT log in to Momania to read grownups sniping at other grownups – I get enough of that dealing with grownups in my work! It’s boring and not terribly informative. I log in because I enjoy seeing how other parents are dealing with challenges today, and sometimes enjoying the fact that I’ve navigated through some of those challenges myself and may have insights to share. While it’s a blog and people can and do say what they want, I’ve been disheartened over the last few weeks at seeing an increased number of personal attacks that have made me uncomfortable — and they aren’t even directed at me. I’ve always thought you should never say anything on a blog that you wouldn’t say to someone’s face — or, if you would, you’d at least take the time to frame it more diplomatically.
deidre_NC
November 3rd, 2009
10:17 pm
thank you DB…ditto
motherjanegoose
November 4th, 2009
6:39 am
Thanks DB. I appreciate the support and deidre too!
HB
November 4th, 2009
10:24 am
I love Christmas, but am at a point where I do very little shopping anymore. I unintentioally got an early start this year. The conference I went to had They Might Be Giants signing their new scicence ed CD/DVD, so I picked up a couple for little friends of mine. My family decided to stop gift swapping last year, and it’s wonderful! We still get together and enjoy spending an evening laughing and reminiscing– that’s what matters.
If you do like buying gifts, though, a tip for shipping costs — lots of online places offer free shipping around the holidays, so if you have the gifts shipped directly to the recipient, you come out ok. I love Heifer International too, though, and would probably do that instead. I also love to knit scarves or crochet anything else (I’m better at crochet — a scarf is all about I can manage knitting-wise) and have given many hadmande gifts over the years.
MJG wrote: “eating foods that were made in kitchens of which I do not know…does NOT appeal to me. Sorry to offend anyone.”
Amen. See, this right here is why I don’t understand why people got all up in arms a few years ago when some schools tried to ban homemade goodies being distributed in classrooms. Why do you want your child eating food out of a stranger’s kitchen?! I guess I just babysat too many families with nasty kitchens to be comfortable with it. I only receive holiday goodies from people I know well, so I feel fine about that, but I know when my mom was a teacher, we never ate the homemade goodies her students gave her for Christmas.
LivininATL
November 4th, 2009
12:14 pm
LM….
….Henry COunty Special Olympics is another great place to volunteer. You can help out with one of their parties, dances sporting events or practices. It’s a fun way to get your kids involved in paying it forward. They hold many events in Locust Grove.
literacymom
November 4th, 2009
1:23 pm
@New Stepmom – the website is leapintobooks.org.
justmy2cents
November 5th, 2009
6:40 pm
I used to always have my Xmas shopping done Sept 1. This year I have yet to start. The girls, 6 & 10, will not be getting toys this year from us. They will get one gift from Santa, and they get to pick how they want their (individual) bathrooms redone. They have a price limit, but get to pick the theme/decorations and such. They are both looking forward to it. I made the deal with the rest of the family members, we agreed not to exchange gifts and save the cash.
I give it another year or so, and we will not be doing any gifts, but rather traveling during the holidays. I’d rather they have memories to last a life time, than some more stuff that ends up broken, not played with, and donated to charity in a few months.
I work in many schools, and most teachers I know toss the homemade gifts. You never know the cleaniliness of the folks who made it. Especially people that let their cats and such prowl the counter tops, roach infestations, etc. It is usually a polite thank you, followed by putting it in the staff break room, or tossed in the trash at the end of the day.
FCM
November 6th, 2009
9:51 am
DB I would say that to MJG’s face. I don’t care where she travels too and I do think some of what she says it irrelevent or out of touch.
MJG I have visited your site. I looked into it as a possibility to recommend to some school programs I know.
Since I have championed you on occasion, here on the boards. I have also had you tell me you didn’t agree with me.
How you decided I attacked you by defending Vork is beyond me.
If all those things you listed make you “modern” then great. To me left room to question:
Why so insecure that you felt a need to make a list?
How often do you eat as a family with all the travel?
Are you sure the nuke isn’t involved when your not home? Not even to heat leftovers?
When you became a parent, as a member of the faithful, you had an obligation to your children about God. Why does that make you modern to go to church?
Reading and playing games together — WTH? Why people would have children and ignore them is beyond me. Again how does this make you modern?
As to spending the money you earned. I am a single mom –where do you think my money comes from? I work for it, am successful, respected, etc too.
The things that you listed don’t make you a good mom or even modern. In my house what you listed is the expection of how adults live their lives and raise children.
motherjanegoose
November 9th, 2009
7:27 am
@ FCM…you are not understanding my comments in print and I may not be understanding yours either.
I am NOT a modern mom, quite the contrary. Old fashioned on many of my ideas, compared to most and I made the list to illustrate…I guess the message still did not come through.
Since I travel extensively, I see more that most…ditto for that idea.
While the last paragraph may certainly be true for you and that is wonderful…it is NOT the norm. I see this often because I am out and about. While many claim this does not matter, it gives me a broader picture of families.
I talk to educators all over who tell me that modern families are not functioning and there is disconnect. They work with the product of these families….their children.
I am just beginning to realize that I owe nothing to anyone on this blog and they owe nothing to me.
In my professional and personal life, I feel obligated to do my best and validate my ideas, to foster relationships and remain employed. Really, it does not matter here.
I like you and know you have your right to an opinion. It is simply unnerving to me to have other bloggers twist what I have said and attack. I guess it is a part of blogging.
Really, I do not need to brag on myself…my clients do it for me. Most folks here do not know my clients. Those who do know me, have kindly shared a positive word. So be it.
Have a nice day and no need for us to quarrel. we are two adults who disagree on some things.
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November 14th, 2009
12:34 am
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