Only 365 days ..........

**Believer+** · 12-25-2008, 04:59 PM

until we do this again!

Are you looking forward to it? Are you ready?
I didn't buy much of anything this year...........no money..........BUT I am going to hit the after Christmas sales to get some things to put back for next year.

I have never done that before............but since I'm working on my new goals for the new year, being ready for the holidays by buying gifts on sale all year is what I have planned.

How about you?

**homesteadmamma** · 12-25-2008, 05:24 PM

Glad you hear you're doing this. It'll make things so much easier.

**Sassyclass** · 12-25-2008, 06:38 PM

I'm glad it is over. I can wait until next year. I do look forward to paying off my debts, that will be Christmas enough for me. I don't like shopping unless it's grocery shopping so I won't be out looking for any bargains for next year, but I hope you have fun and find some great deals.

Cat

**Mom23boys** · 12-25-2008, 07:13 PM

I enjoyed our "simple" Christmas. We did not spend as much as we normally do. I did not buy for everyone like normal. I only bought presents for my children, DH, our parents, and the two oldest boy's g/fs. It sure made my life less stressful. I think for the first time in a long time I was able to sit back and enjoy the season.

Am I ready for next year? No. I do plan to hit the after Christmas sales. I am not sure I will buy much, but I have to be in town tomorrow anyway because DS#2 is doing some painting for a business in the next town over. After I drop him off, I will go check out a few stores. I just like to browse the aisles.

**sueh** · 12-25-2008, 07:54 PM

I am kind of glad it's over too! This year was very simplified and I cut back alot. The girls went over their dads house and they came home with a bunch of stuff. Ugh! My youngest did say that she wants to go through her stuff and give to others who don't have anything. This really touches my heart. I think that she is finally understanding.
Next year I will making quite a few gifts and staying within my budgeted amount.

**inneedofhope** · 12-25-2008, 08:41 PM

I'm ready to pack up the tree and move on. I don't buy this far ahead because it doesn't make sense for me. But, my family is having our party on Saturday, so i can take advantage of the sales for my neices and nephew.

**ladytoysdream** · 12-25-2008, 08:55 PM

I can wait

Christmas was very simple this year, and everyone cut back. Gifts were mostly food items giving and receiving. I made a lot of knitted and crocheted hats this year, and the family members got to pick the one they wanted out of the bag full that I brought with me. Kept things real simple, no wrapping, and each got the color they liked. Works for me

**justpeachy92** · 12-25-2008, 08:56 PM

I won't start buying gifts for Christmas 2009 before next fall, but I will hit the clearance sales to stock up on wrapping paper, cards, gift tags, etc. I did see a pancake skillet at walmart a couple of weeks ago, that made christmas shapped pancakes. I wanted it, but not enought to pay $20 for it, so I am hoping to find one on clearance.

**brook** · 12-25-2008, 10:39 PM

not sure how many more Christmas's I have left in me so I am already planning next years!

I picked up Christmas fabric this year to sew for next years gifts.

I think I will make Santa Hats to place on the back of chairs! or maybe snowmen, raindeer? LOL!

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...ODID=xprd73805

http://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B000V...earsBrand=core

http://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B001D...earsBrand=core

these will be sent to my family that I know will not wait until Christmas to open their presents! LOL! you know the UPS man shows up and they can't wait!

I think they are cute.

but yes, I am planning away!

**cab54** · 12-25-2008, 10:53 PM

You ARE kidding, right?

It is 10:45 pm and I finally just cleaned up the mess and have all the dishes done.

Let's just have a little quiet winter days and maybe some Spring and Summer before I have to think about it again.

I do need to buy some wrapping paper at the sales, though---I was doing the last couple of gifts with paper bags and stickers, LOL!

**reginaastralis** · 12-25-2008, 11:14 PM

I'll be hitting the sales tomorrow looking for my daughter's birthday gifts. She turns FOUR on 1/2. I am starting to dislike this time of year, it always rushes on by. I know if i am not planning things out by October, then the next thing I know, it's Juliette's birthday and everything has flown by. No fun in that, honestly.

I'll probably look for Christmas wrap and such tomorrow, but there is no way to buy any presents for next Christmas. I had no idea what to get her this year, so I certainly don't have a clue for next year. I am just hoping to find something cute she'll like for her birthday, I feel so badly that it's just the week after Christmas. Again, she doesn't really "need" anything, so who knows what I'll end up with.

**kittykatstrong** · 12-25-2008, 11:44 PM

I will be working a 14 hour day tomarrow and I wanted to do early to mabye hit up some of the sales, but I know it will be busy at work and I just think I will get tired. I dont need anything anyway, just wants so it might end up being a nospend day.

**joyofsix** · 12-26-2008, 07:28 AM

Well, we're not done yet. My family is coming tonight. I'm really not wanting it to be over so I have started thinking about next year. I'm going to try to get everyone on board with a 'free' Christmas or as close as I can talk them into. Maybe a $20 Christmas? I don't need any wrapping or decorating items. My kids definitely don't need more stuff. I may pick up discounted candy, gum or Christmas fabric if I see some but I'm not going out of my way. I'm really kind of jazzed about seeing what I can get free for next year if I look all this coming year.

Overall we had a great holiday. Everyone was happy with their simple gifts (mostly) and we had family time.

**FrugalMomof3** · 12-26-2008, 08:07 AM

I am ready! lol I usually do my shopping for Christmas in the spring/summer and I usually have everything done way before Christmas. Not looking forward to it though.

**JanieD** · 12-26-2008, 11:32 AM

I'm ready get a jump on next year! Christmas is one of my favorite holidays & I'm sad once it's over. I like to extend the season to avoid a huge let down. I tend to be last minute getting things done anyway. So, those things I didn't have time for this year, can get done very early for next Christmas since I've got Christmasy thoughts for several more weeks!

I'll do some shopping later next week when its not as crowded. I have my list of things to look for like ribbon, tags & seasonal type stuff. Plus, I find excellent deals on other things & buy with Christmas in mind, but can use them for birthdays too. I didn't find time for craft projects before Christmas, so I'd like to get those started in January. I really enjoy have plans after Christmas for next Christmas!