That's the way it goes with families or with friends. My in-laws don't have the same food that I'm used to on Christmas. So we have to decide what is important to us. So we move my favorite holiday food to other days and let the person hosting the meal have what ever they want. It is hard for us because my In-laws are divorced. So one does Christmas eve and the other does Christmas day dinner. It leaves little time for my side of the family. But you can survive quinoa and fish (fish is traditional in Italian Christmas meals).

I think the key is to be honest with them. We spent one Christmas in a foreign country. We didn't have all the trappings of Christimas - ornaments for a Christmas tree, etc. We all put our heads together and made it a good Christmas. Honestly do you remember every gift you received as a kid or do you remember baking cookies, going caroling, spending time together.

I see that SWB picture is back up looking at us. I keep thinking "what is she thinking?" So add your caption here. My caption is "I like the cut of your jib. I think you could homeschool"

There a complete works of Shakespeare that has all the plays plus commentary or historical info that cost several hundred dollars. That would be on my list. It is targeted for 7th/8th grade I think.

have you seen that flying fairy doll? I must say I was impress by how much it flew. That's the only 'fun' thing I can think of.

I use a cell phone that is 10 years old. I think as they make things more complicated, then they breakdown quicker.

Lots of good inspiration on Pinterest. I've knitted or crocheted baby afghan to give as gifts. I make a smaller version of the unbleached cotton dishcloth, which I use on my face. They would also make a good gift with some organic soap. I have knitted sweaters, headbands and legwarmers. Except for the yarn, knitting doesn't take up much room.

I skimmed the posts and didn't see this. Has the story of the Salvation Army bell ringer who was punched by a lady because the bell ringer said Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas been discussed? Just so wrong. I don't know if anyone has been a Volunteer Bell Ringer. But standing out in the cold for hours on end isn't fun, but very worthwhile. I've done it several times. Then to get punched! The crazies have joined the fight in the War on Christmas.

A small jewelry box? A Book? A Little Purse?

I think it might be appropriate for a father to ask a young man to really consider the serious step he is about to take. I don't know I would want him to bring out a laundry list of his daughter's petty faults. If the daughter was a not nice person, if the daughter was hiding her true personality, and if the couple had not been dating long, then maybe the father should give some warning to the boy. Otherwise, it is up to both young people to do their own "due diligence".

I use that gel bleach to get rid of tea stains in glasses, sink etc. My DH drinks ice tea and it does stain. That greenish gel bleach takes it right off. Nothing else is as easy.

I was. But it was my first and only.

Has she read all of the Louise May Alcott books? Little Women, Little Men, etc.? Short Stories by O Henry? Tom Brown School Days?

Harry and David have gift baskets that include cheese, crackers and usually fruit. They are expensive, but very good quality.

Make sure the shoes fit properly/right size. Kids are more likely to kick off shoes if they don't fit.

There are probably support groups that your friend could ask. It is probably better to have some BTDT than random thoughts from the Board. It is not something that most people have dealt with.

My DD was never and fan and never wanted any Hello Kitty stuff. I would think as a general rule up to 6 or 7 unless a fan.

May your celebration of the Mass for Christ be Merry! Or may the Force be with You.

I would say for the various breeds that people are suggesting and all the qualities you want, you will have to either pay big money or get real lucky. Those breeds are not just sitting at a pound waiting for someone to adopt them. We got a dog 2 years ago and although we love him and everything, a cat would have been 10 times easier. So with that age group, I'd either wait or get a cat.

I think nothing you can say will make her change. When someone is like that only they can change themselves. So I would figure out how much you can tolerate and ignore the rest.

I think being able to have a parent with the child in the hospital trumps the performances. If that wasn't a consideration, then I would say put off the surgery. Kids no matter how old can be scare staying in a hospital and I think it is best if a parent can be with them. That's what I would do.

a tiara to wear while I eat bon bons close, but no a beautiful garden kind of, but no a goat oh interesting, but no to be taller and skinny yes, but world peace okay that, but no, go back to taller and skinny. definitely. final answer. yes.

I always assumed that a cookie exchanges had to be homemade cookies. Unless it is a group event where every has to participate, then I could see buy cookies. But if it is a voluntary event, then why participate if you don't want to bake cookies? (rhetorical question not intended toward the OP).

I always assumed that a cookie exchanges had to be homemade cookies. Unless it is a group event where every has to participate, then I could see buy cookies. But if it is a voluntary event, then why participate if you don't want to bake cookies? (rhetorical question not intended toward the OP).

I'll feel like Judy Jetson if a drone ever delivers anything to us.