Anyone Preparing For Christmas 2009?

**many houseapes** · 12-20-2008, 08:40 PM

I know I might be jumping the gun, but I'm already starting to make gifts for next year's Christmas presents from the extra craft supplies that I have around here( making my dad an afghan now). Just wondering if anyone else is doing the same & what are your handmade gift ideas for next year?

**madhen** · 12-20-2008, 09:01 PM

Financially, I started a Christmas 2009 savings fund at the beginning of the month. I automatically deposit $25/week into it, so I should have over $1,000 by this time next year. It is in addition to my EF.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-20-2008, 09:22 PM

Yes I definitely will be. I'll be working on homemade gifts right after Christmas. I'll also be watching for craft items at yard sales and thrift stores to use to make these gifts.

**steelergal** · 12-21-2008, 01:35 PM

I am! I have been doing Mypoints since September and I am trying to save up points towards decent amount gift cards for next year! I will also be picking up a few craft items to make things for next years Christmas, don't know what we will make yet!

**Marie78** · 12-21-2008, 02:34 PM

My family has started thinking ahead to Christmas 2009. We have 4 Christmas's since both sets of parents are divorced. We buy for my mom's family, Dad's family, and Dh's Dad's family, and Dh's Mom's family. Gifts exchanged with Dh's side are reasonably priced items. My family tends to go over board, so the name draw idea has been proposed. However, not everyone is on board with this idea. I think the name draw or setting a limit of $40 or under for each person would make the holidays less stressful for all. Even if none of the family is interested in spending less next year, Dh and I are cutting our budget down by 1/3 or more for Christmas next year. I will be dropping part time at work after the baby is born and we won't have as much to spend on gifts.

**tervsforme** · 12-21-2008, 05:05 PM

I'm definitely going to do this. I need to use up my fabric stash. I plan on making some totes, purses, wall hangings and table runners. Maybe even a quilt or two.

**MommyBliss** · 12-21-2008, 05:08 PM

I am doing the same thing. I'm stocking up on supplies to make jewelry, some hand tied blankets, etc.

**brook** · 12-21-2008, 09:09 PM

yes, buying Christmas fabric on sale now.

**Hamada** · 12-22-2008, 02:08 PM

I plan on buying yarn for knitting while it goes on sale throughout the year. Then will knit scarfs or booties for x-mas presents.

On a side note, when I went in to AC Moore it looked as if they were taking down the x-mas items already. I thought I would take advantage of after season sales but it doesn't look like it this year.

QM · 12-22-2008, 02:33 PM

I'm not creative like all of you seem. I enjoy quilting, of course, but don't have the time these days. Plus, I don't think everyone wants a quilt for their Christmas gift...lol! Instead I've started a challenge to track the money/gift cards that I'm saving throughout the year. Hopefully this will make Christmas 2009 free or almost free.

**chevy_chick95** · 12-22-2008, 02:48 PM

oh yes... i have most gifts planned out all ready. I don't have my list with me but... i'm almost done planning 2009

**sueh** · 12-22-2008, 03:50 PM

I too have started to think ahead.
I will be picking up some craftsupplies and fabric while it's on clearance.

In January I will start to put $$ away in a Christmas account.

**Missourimom** · 12-22-2008, 04:41 PM

I wish. I'm just praying we have work next Christmas at this point. Sigh.

**brook** · 12-22-2008, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by Quiltin' Mama

I'm not creative like all of you seem. I enjoy quilting, of course, but don't have the time these days. Plus, I don't think everyone wants a quilt for their Christmas gift...lol! Instead I've started a challenge to track the money/gift cards that I'm saving throughout the year. Hopefully this will make Christmas 2009 free or almost free.

QM,

not creative? you quilt.. I can't think of any craft more creative then quilting!!!

look... you take perfectly good fabric, cut it up in little pieces then sew it back together and make it look awe some! creative?

do you realize how hard it is for me to blend fabric? It is something that has to be developed!

Now if you have made so many quilts that no one wants another... have you thought about making wearable art? putting your quilting techniques into jackets? how about a sweatshirt jacket?

maybe I need to start a thread... sewing? quilting? gosh it could go into both.

Wearing your quilt!