Ellie Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 That is all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 :hurray: Yay, I love Christmas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilly6 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Geez, I don't know how I am going to pull it off this year. 4 kids, a DIL, a grandbaby and hubby. Even going cheap, will throw my budget out of whack! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassy Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Oh Ellie, did you have to? My lot are away this weekend and I was just feeling all calm and serene and peaceful for the first time in weeks, then you threw that at me. Ugh, I really, really do not like Christmas, I'm afraid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Counting down over here! Christmas is my favorite time of the year!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoVanGogh Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 DS is a Christmas baby... He has been doing the countdown since, oh, February? March? So. Yeah. I knew it was four months til Christmas. And his birthday. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth S Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I'm already getting email reminders from http://www.organizedchristmas.com. (Which I do recommend, even if--like me--you intend to be a low-key Christmas celebrator.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
athomemom Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 :hurray::hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 :willy_nilly::willy_nilly::svengo::gnorsi: LA, LA, LA, LA, LA I can't hear you!!!! Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stayseeliz Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I'm excited for cooler weather the the holidays but I need to start saving! I just finished paying for books, co-ops, lessons etc for the year. I haven't even thought about buying for Christmas yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Oh Ellie, did you have to? My lot are away this weekend and I was just feeling all calm and serene and peaceful for the first time in weeks, then you threw that at me. Ugh, I really, really do not like Christmas, I'm afraid. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 :willy_nilly::willy_nilly::svengo::gnorsi: LA, LA, LA, LA, LA I can't hear you!!!! Faith Think I'll adopt this coping strategy! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissad2 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 :willy_nilly::willy_nilly::svengo::gnorsi: LA, LA, LA, LA, LA I can't hear you!!!! Faith :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I must be the only one left who does all of her Christmas shopping in mid-December. I don't even think about Christmas presents until Dec. 1. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama2Many4 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 :party::willy_nilly::eek: It's too soon! I love Christmas, but can't wrap my head around it right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethben Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 WHY ARE YOU TELLING US THIS?! :willy_nilly: Where does the time go? Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodhaven Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Yikes! Don't remind me! I guess I need to begin shopping! I love Christmas! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Love it!! I'm ready for the Fall season and the different holidays to start. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess in the Burbs Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 :w00t::w00t::blink: Oh my. Seriously? My mind is still in May! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 :willy_nilly::willy_nilly::svengo::gnorsi: LA, LA, LA, LA, LA I can't hear you!!!! :iagree: The only shining star on this Christmas season is that my MIL moved 3,000 miles away a few weeks ago. It's a terrible thing and we are all angry, but with a SIL (and fam) who live 30 minutes away and haven't spoken to us in 7 years, at least I won't have to plan Christmas Eve, too. Dh and I have decided to start a new tradition to replace his family get-together. We're going bowling! Shopping? Ugh. I dread it this year. My boys are older. So not many 'toys' more little packages with electronics in them. I think I'll wrap them in big boxes to make the tree look better. :lol: Ugh! The tree! I totally forgot! We need a new tree this year. Can I just hide until January?!:auto: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I know! I'm a knitting, crocheting, sewing fool, and this morning I drew up the plans for a large, outside advent wreath. Now I have to get my Dad to make it for me-he so will. And I designed a life size St. Nicholas to put out on Dec 5th, and a St. Lucy. I am so excited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfarm Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I picked up my first few gifts about a month ago. (A dear friend was selling off some of her quilt collection so I bought one for each of the 3 new families in our extended circle and also a crib quilt for a new baby.) I am Christian and love the religious significance of the holiday. But I am fairly adamant about not letting it turn into a crazy, exhausting stress-fest. So we are really careful about not getting overextended socially during this time. For example, for our various adult and youth activities, each one seems to have a Christmas party and many include a gift exchange. Our rule is if the event is self-directed (just fun for members), then we pass. We only attend if it is service oriented (helping others). That cuts out a lot of unnecessary activity, expense, and calories right there. And honestly, we get much more fun and satisfaction from caroling for shut-ins than we do for yet one more gag gift exchange. My one indulgence that occasionally results in a rather ear-piercing sound is that my dd is currently starting to learn several traditional and Irish carols on her pennywhistle. Oh, boy.... a little Christmas music can go a long way in August! Starting in October, I will double up on any casserole-type entrees I cook so that I will have extra frozen ones to just pop in the oven in December when I need a quick meal. My dm goes all out for Christmas and usually has 7 or 8 full sized decorated trees. Her home is more impressive than most magazines I have seen during the holiday season. I, OTOH, have one tree and a few decorations and that is it. She starts by Oct 1 to get it all done. I start the Monday after Thanksgiving. I like Christmas but find it an ongoing struggle to keep it simple and meaningful. However, I am definitely looking forward to another Christmas season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I picked up my first few gifts about a month ago. (A dear friend was selling off some of her quilt collection so I bought one for each of the 3 new families in our extended circle and also a crib quilt for a new baby.) I am Christian and love the religious significance of the holiday. But I am fairly adamant about not letting it turn into a crazy, exhausting stress-fest. So we are really careful about not getting overextended socially during this time. For example, for our various adult and youth activities, each one seems to have a Christmas party and many include a gift exchange. Our rule is if the event is self-directed (just fun for members), then we pass. We only attend if it is service oriented (helping others). That cuts out a lot of unnecessary activity, expense, and calories right there. And honestly, we get much more fun and satisfaction from caroling for shut-ins than we do for yet one more gag gift exchange. My one indulgence that occasionally results in a rather ear-piercing sound is that my dd is currently starting to learn several traditional and Irish carols on her pennywhistle. Oh, boy.... a little Christmas music can go a long way in August! Starting in October, I will double up on any casserole-type entrees I cook so that I will have extra frozen ones to just pop in the oven in December when I need a quick meal. My dm goes all out for Christmas and usually has 7 or 8 full sized decorated trees. Her home is more impressive than most magazines I have seen during the holiday season. I, OTOH, have one tree and a few decorations and that is it. She starts by Oct 1 to get it all done. I start the Monday after Thanksgiving. I like Christmas but find it an ongoing struggle to keep it simple and meaningful. However, I am definitely looking forward to another Christmas season. Love this idea! I am trying not to freak about Christmas coming on so quickly. And just to make things even more fun -four of my kids have Sept. birthdays, two are in Oct., and a dd and my dh are in Nov. Also, I plan to knit several pairs of socks for family members as Christmas gifts. I better get started now if I'm going to actually pull this off. Must. Knit. Faster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Hurray for Christmastime! I should have accomplished more by now. I just sit and stare at my fabric piles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I know! I'm a knitting, crocheting, sewing fool, and this morning I drew up the plans for a large, outside advent wreath. Now I have to get my Dad to make it for me-he so will. And I designed a life size St. Nicholas to put out on Dec 5th, and a St. Lucy. I am so excited. And outdoor advent? :bigear: Like made of wood or something? I hang this quilted advent I made with pockets indoors. We have a tradition of leaving each other notes in them. Or little trinkets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dory Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 NOOO!!!! I never celebrated Christmas until I married. Now it's become this dreaded time of year that way to expensive and everyone seems a little grumpy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Thanks for the reminder! I cut out 6 pairs of jammies yesterday for the Grandkids and I have one afghan that needs to have the strips sewn together. I have fabric bought for another project that will take me weeks to accomplish, but wow, the list is longer than those few items! 4 of the grandkids have birhtdays in the next month or so and all 4 of my DD and Dil's do too! Back to the sewing room! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfarm Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Mothersweets, if you are looking for maximum convenience, pour your second entree into the dish (coat with cooking spray for easy removal)you plan to use to reheat it in, and then freeze it in that container. A couple of days later you can pop it out of the pot or dish and place it into a freezer bag as a custom-shaped hunk of dinner. When the day comes to use it, it is preformed in the shape to fit your baking dish and can slide right back in and into the oven.:tongue_smilie: (I am all about making life easier!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Mothersweets, if you are looking for maximum convenience, pour your second entree into the dish (coat with cooking spray for easy removal)you plan to use to reheat it in, and then freeze it in that container. A couple of days later you can pop it out of the pot or dish and place it into a freezer bag as a custom-shaped hunk of dinner. When the day comes to use it, it is preformed in the shape to fit your baking dish and can slide right back in and into the oven.:tongue_smilie: (I am all about making life easier!) You are so smart! I'm definitely going to do this. Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plucky Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 So exciting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Impish Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 :willy_nilly::willy_nilly::svengo::gnorsi: LA, LA, LA, LA, LA I can't hear you!!!! Faith :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I've already been wracking my brain for a month or more for gift ideas for my family this year. I can't think of anything. I am on a mission to minimize and simplify so I really don't want any more stuff coming in to the house. I am looking forward to cool weather, though. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Love it!! I'm ready for the Fall season and the different holidays to start. :) Me too. I keep buying little fall/Halloween things waiting for the first of September to decorate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delirium Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I love the season but seriously GACK! NOOOOOOO! I haven't started the bazillion craft gifts I need to :cry: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 :willy_nilly::willy_nilly::svengo::gnorsi: LA, LA, LA, LA, LA I can't hear you!!!! Faith Think I'll adopt this coping strategy! :lol: Me, too. Where's the wine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gisel_le Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I love Christmas! I have most relatives' gifts bought, and I just made our first purchase today for my children. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 :willy_nilly::willy_nilly::svengo::gnorsi: LA, LA, LA, LA, LA I can't hear you!!!! Faith :iagree: Ellie, do you just love to torment me?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 What really annoys me is if you want anything you have to buy it 9 months in advance. It's like clothing. It is freezing here and I have to go buy summer clothes. Or vice versa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I'm already getting email reminders from http://www.organizedchristmas.com. (Which I do recommend, even if--like me--you intend to be a low-key Christmas celebrator.) How do you get the email reminders? I started this last year and quit halfway through. Emails would give me a good kick in the pants to stay the course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I've been wondering for ages whether people who don't like Christmas like not liking it... Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dory Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I've been wondering for ages whether people who don't like Christmas like not liking it... Rosie I can't speak for others, but I know for me it's definitely not a hobby, me not liking Christmas. I dread it to the point that I feel physically sick the week before hand. Not exactly fun or enjoyable. In front of the kids though, I put on a happy face and make sure that they get to have good memories out of it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassy Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I can't speak for others, but I know for me it's definitely not a hobby, me not liking Christmas. I dread it to the point that I feel physically sick the week before hand. Not exactly fun or enjoyable. In front of the kids though, I put on a happy face and make sure that they get to have good memories out of it all. Me too :sad:. It would be wonderful to have a stress free Christmas that doesn't leave me feeling totally exhausted, totally broke and loathing some members of my extended family. Every year around the beginning of December, when I've already bought most of the presents, made the Christmas cake and Christmas pudding, and have the tree and decorations up, I begin to feel a hint of hope that maybe this year it will be fun after all. It never is, and every September I feel it looming over me again, a dark, threatening shadow :tongue_smilie:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 And outdoor advent? :bigear: Like made of wood or something? I hang this quilted advent I made with pockets indoors. We have a tradition of leaving each other notes in them. Or little trinkets. My Dad and I are drafting it up. I sent Mom home with the drawings. I want it about 4.5 feet tall, and with flames I can screw in for each Sunday. Plywood, and I'll paint it up so that it's a lawn ornament. All I have to do is ask my Dad if he can cut some wood for me and after that, he's a kid with candy. :D Then we're making St. Lucia and a starboy, and a large St. Nicholas :D (I collect the Jim Shore St. Nicks), so in that vein. I used to paint signs, so this is going to be fun. I'll point the outside lights on them, as they appear on their feast days. I want make an Advent calendar this year! Post picts of yours! Please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 (edited) Me too :sad:. It would be wonderful to have a stress free Christmas that doesn't leave me feeling totally exhausted, totally broke and loathing some members of my extended family. Every year around the beginning of December, when I've already bought most of the presents, made the Christmas cake and Christmas pudding, and have the tree and decorations up, I begin to feel a hint of hope that maybe this year it will be fun after all. It never is, and every September I feel it looming over me again, a dark, threatening shadow :tongue_smilie:. I USED to feel like that, too, but starting early has helped. And, Advent is a time of fasting and preparation. No carols are sung, no sweets are eaten, there are simple meals. The tree goes up on the 24th, we go to mass and then there is the feast of 7 fishes. After that, the Christ child goes into the creche, and Christmas is here! So, by the time Christmas actually comes? We cannot wait. The house has been smelling so good, and we've not been able to indulge! The carols are finally sung, the house is blazing. You can't have a feast, without a fast. When it's all feast, your get tired of it. When you've fasted, and been in a state of repentance? The feast is glorious. So, I guess Christmas *starts* for us when everyone else is getting over it. Now, if I were EO, it'd be great, because you could put off present shopping till after the 25th! :D Edited August 25, 2012 by justamouse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meggie Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I am so excited!!! I have put together a weekly schedule that let's me sew, work (so I can buy all those Christmas presents), make Christmas presents, and study for my own self education. If I stick to this plan, I should be good. But I realized after making it, that it didn't take into account the fact that CASTLE starts up in a month!!!! Eep! :willy_nilly: Where is Castle going to fit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cassy Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I USED to feel like that, too, but starting early has helped. And, Advent is a time of fasting and preparation. No carols are sung, no sweets are eaten, there are simple meals. The tree goes up on the 24th, we go to mass and then there is the feast of 7 fishes. After that, the Christ child goes into the creche, and Christmas is here! So, by the time Christmas actually comes? We cannot wait. The house has been smelling so good, and we've not been able to indulge! The carols are finally sung, the house is blazing. You can't have a feast, without a fast. When it's all feast, your get tired of it. When you've fasted, and been in a state of repentance? The feast is glorious. That sounds lovely :001_smile:! I'll definitely keep that image with me as the weeks go by. Why, I'm almost hopeful already, and it's not even September yet :001_smile:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jpoy85 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 4 months til hanukkah too! :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jpoy85 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I've been wondering for ages whether people who don't like Christmas like not liking it... Rosie I use to like it. Now we celebrate Hanukkah and I like it better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 I can't speak for others, but I know for me it's definitely not a hobby, me not liking Christmas. I dread it to the point that I feel physically sick the week before hand. Not exactly fun or enjoyable. In front of the kids though, I put on a happy face and make sure that they get to have good memories out of it all. Me too :sad:. It would be wonderful to have a stress free Christmas that doesn't leave me feeling totally exhausted, totally broke and loathing some members of my extended family. Every year around the beginning of December, when I've already bought most of the presents, made the Christmas cake and Christmas pudding, and have the tree and decorations up, I begin to feel a hint of hope that maybe this year it will be fun after all. It never is, and every September I feel it looming over me again, a dark, threatening shadow :tongue_smilie:. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: I hope you gals can find some way of pruning the crappy parts so there's some room for nice stuff. I wish I could help. :( Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewingmama Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 (edited) I've finished all my shopping already:tongue_smilie: My inlaws are coming from Canada this year and staying six weeks Since we've never had them stay more then a few days without issues arising the stress levels will be high I'm already planning to spend a lot of time working in the yard - my gardens will be beautiful this year :D Edited August 26, 2012 by sewingmama Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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