The Christmas 2010 Countdown Begins!!!

**AspiringToBeFrugal** · 06-23-2010, 02:39 PM

Ok folks! Christmas is just a couple days shy of being 6 months away!!! Are you starting your countdown?

I have already requested lists from my family members (although I realize I probably won't get them until September at the earliest!) and I'm starting to save jars, boxes and basket I find so that I'm not spending $$ at the last minute when I need something for a present! My store-bought salsa and spaghetti sauce jars are lined up on my kitchen counter, soon to be moved to my craft area. And I'm slowly getting things sorted/cleaned out so I know what I have in my stash to use for homemade gifts.

What are you doing as the countdown begins?!?

**TigerGirl1226** · 06-23-2010, 02:46 PM

Geez, I guess I need to get started on a list of some sort. Last year I got burned by buying some things to early. Clothes didn't fit and I had lost a receipt.

As a side note, what is your method for removing the labels from jars?

**Bournecrazy** · 06-23-2010, 05:41 PM

Ive started getting a few things that i have found on sale. I had a christmas 'day' last week i was making cards and doing a few sewing projects while having xmas music on. The weather was rubbish out and it was quite fun

After the wedding I am really getting into shopping, FDH is up for it, shopping early and by the time christmas comes around we can relax, not have to worry about money and just enjoy the holdays - which is something that we havent done properly in a few years.

**hotprincesscm** · 06-23-2010, 06:16 PM

I've been saving money, and had a list made right after xmas of 09 of things I would like to make for family members. But we will have to see..If nothing else I have a nice chunk of change saved up right now....which will make things easier if I do decide to buy everything.

**mndtrp** · 06-23-2010, 09:35 PM

I do my Christmas shopping online a few weeks before the holiday. I don't care what people want, I get them what I want them to have.

Of course, I only buy gifts for a very, very select few, so it's easy to get them something cool.

**jodihernandez** · 06-23-2010, 11:04 PM

I will be giving birth to baby number 2 in Mid september so I am planning now. But I know i will have to wait till christmas is near for the deals. I only will be buying for my son this year. Baby too small and I have been out of work since January and who knows if unemployment is going to be extended. Mine ends next month. Will probably do it online because I want to get US made only toys and that takes some dilligence. I may not have much money but what I have will be Spent in the states darn it!!!

jodi

**khaski** · 06-23-2010, 11:12 PM

I just re-organized my gift area- had to make sure we were in good shape for some upcoming birthdays, put away some things in the attic we are saving for Xmas for the kids.

But your post helps light the fire- we're half way there til Xmas, I gotta get it in gear! I have been concentrating on my daughter's bday coming up in a few weeks, so nothing really socked away for Xmas for her yet!

**mauimagic** · 06-23-2010, 11:42 PM

Great to see others joining the 'getting ready for Christmas' mode!! I always start the day after Christmas - working on stocking stuffers and HM gifts - as well as going for all the freebies I can for the stockings. It's fun doing Christmas year round!!

**pita1213** · 06-24-2010, 03:12 PM

I'm still plugging away at the crochet stuff I mentioned in the other thread. I need to look up the plans at organized christmas. Some of the plans there don't start until later in the year, but I need to look through them and decide which one I want to try out this year.

I think the hardest thing is going to be coming up with homemade gifts for ds. he'll be a freshman in high school so i can't just crochet him a stuffed toy.

**bumplett** · 06-24-2010, 05:28 PM

my first step towards xmas 2010 was reading this thread!!

**Maine Girl** · 06-24-2010, 06:15 PM

I also have various jars washed out and ready to be filled with chai tea and mocha mix. Now i need to start picking up the ingredients needed for the above. These gifts will be for friends and co-workers i have not decided on what i will buy for my family. I guess i need to work on that part of christmas.

**AmyBoz** · 06-24-2010, 07:45 PM

I'm thinking that this year we are going to buy each of the boys a real drum set but don't know what to get for dd yet. I think a lot of our holiday will depend upon whether or not we actually sell the house and move. But, I'm thinking about it!

**porembam** · 06-24-2010, 09:30 PM

This is so scary - I haven't thought of Christmas yet - I need to be in the mood - hopefully I won't miss any deals

**sueh** · 06-24-2010, 09:53 PM

I have already started my Christmas shopping!

I also have dd2 birthday right before Christmas as well.

I have been doing swagbucks and taking my points that I have earned and turn them into amazon gift cards. I already picked up 2 things for free! I have also have been checking out our local thrift store (Savers) for gifts. Picked up a few things there!

I am very excited. Last year I got a late start but bought most of the presents around October.

This year I am starting super early!

**mom2three** · 06-25-2010, 11:06 PM

I have started as well. I have gotten a few stocking stuffers, some books, and a Wii game for the family at Costco. I also have saved up enough Shopper's optimum points for$170 free stuff tomorrow. I will buy Wii fit for the big family gift as well as get some other things (they have some food and supplements we need). We have another baby due mid Oct and DH is going to Hawaii for work mid-December so I would like to be ready early.