I got a sewing machine for Christmas. It one of my mom's fancy ones she does not use anymore, so there will be a big learning curve. Making reusable bags is one of my plans. Maybe Christmas fabric will be on sale?

Gift bags - would love some fabric ones. I recycle all the old bags after every Christmas. This year about 1/2 were ripped; they served us well for the last ten years. I am hosting two wedding showers in January so any snowy/white paper products will work for that.

cookies, cookies, cookies

Home Depot has nice trees. I love the micro lights on a thin and airy tree.

Just found out I have to give my dh gift ideas for me... I want a kitten but my elederly dog could not handle it. wrapping, shopping, groceries, preparing food, cleaning, grading tests.. basically a litttle of everything.

Praying for your family to have a joy-filled Christmas! All the ideas here are great. We love board games, too. I picked up glyphics on clearance and it is such an easy and clever game: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Creative-Everybody-Experience-Different/dp/B0BHJBY298/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1OSIWJP27LRR3&keywords=glyphics+board+game&qid=1703170939&sprefix=glyphic%2Caps%2C272&sr=8-3 I am going to try to make some holiday themed cards for our family. I would decorate the room with homemade snowflakes and lot of lights. Do you have any battery operated candles? They make a lovely glow.

How kind of you to care and serve her well. I am gf and dairy free, too, and it can be so hard to go to a gathering. I would not subsitute dairy free for the recipes and expect them to turn out ok. You have gottten good advice. Keep some fresh fruit available, so she can grab a snack if she wants.

All of a Kind of a Family Heidi

It is perfectly ok for you to go by yourself. Look into flights or break the long drive into two days. My adult children rarely visit out of town relatives because of obligations with school, work, and relationships. Another hint... be busy and out of the house while you are there. Is there a nice trail nearby to hike? Or a great coffee shop to chill out in? A used bookstore could occupy a few hours.

waxed amarylis bulbs are great - they do not need water but just grow and bloom and make January and February less dreary

Not ok either. Wouldn't it be lovely if the room parent let you know what the teacher really liked. A diet coke and chocolate vs. coffee and sour candy or Target vs. Walmart or Chick-fila vs Panera.

I am sorry she is struggling so much. Have you looked at The Keys to Series?

No GI issues, and I usually have GI issues with stuff... felt flu-ish and went to rest around 2:00 in the afternoon and stayed resting until the next morning. Hope you feel better. (and it was worth it compared to shingles)

thinking about this again... ideally a room parent would have coordinated this and should have sent the email

A little rude, but she is being honest. I would not get a teacher school supplies for Christmas - just donate those items. A general rule - no mugs, no candles, and only homemade treats if you know he/she can/will eat them. A handwritten note is the BEST!

Thanks for posting! I Love finding deals on practical gifts.

If the teacher answered after hours, then yes it is nice.(it is nice either way)

I love Costco, and we have one really close. We stop by just to grab produce and eggs. I get a lot of my clothes from Costco (everything I am wearing now) If it is close enough, go check it out.

I hear you, and I totally relate! I have the hardest time allowing myself to rest. I have to 'work hard' to give myself to rest. I was raised this way, and it is hard to undo. But it is important to listen your body... just the biggest hypocrite ever - I put on a massaging back brace so I could finish my tasks (now I kind of hate myself)

You might want to talk to a travel agent. Also, many crusie lines offer great pricing on Black Friday.

I LOVE good pencils! What a fun Christmas splurge.

We made one with pavers, too. It took about an hour to make.

No - that is crazy!

Have you seen the micro dot trees? They are so dreamy. I got one three years ago on Black Friday. I can't wait to put it up.

I just ordered pj bottoms for my family. This will be our last Christmas before we add a son-in-law. I am a bit nostalgic to the old day. The son-in-law -to-be is great, but he has a big family, and we will have to share holidays.