I really need to plan better for Christmas; it falls on the same day every year, yet I tend to be on this side of broke and am unable to do some serious Christmas shopping. Now I only have gifts I bought for my stepgranddaughters; I didn't get any of my major knitting done this year, I haven't a clue what my stepsons' interests are (so I'm at a loss as to what to give them for Christmas), I didn't really ask for anything for Christmas, I have to plan and build a gingerbread house, my (living) Christmas tree is crooked, -- AARRRGH! Any advice on how to plan and execute a perfect Christmas without having others f**k it up? I see these home shows and cooking shows in which these polished suburban ladies make everything look so easy-breezy. I just can't seem to pull it together this year. I don't think the car crash I had a few days ago has anything to do with my being scatterbrained -- I was scatterbrained long before that.
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Hoping for a Decent Christmas
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dear vicki
don't feel too bad, there are a lot of us in the same situation. i love the idea of christmas but i am never prepared financially. we should be very grateful that we are here and have our loved ones. all the hoopla and gift buying is not really necessary, having peace of mind and good will towards our fellow man is what it's all about. so, i hope you enjoy your christmas and have a happy, healthy new year. bobby -
Vicki, please don't compare yourself with what you see on television. The point of a lot of stuff you see on TV is to make you feel not-quite-good enough. Then they convince you that if you buy the right things, you'll feel better about yourself. What a load of BS!
Do your best, and enjoy being with your loved ones. That is much more what these holidays are about. I try to bake and make candy for my family; my nieces and nephews certainly appreciate it! (There's no way I could possibly afford to shop for something for each of them.)
Your stepson might appreciate a gift card of some sort; maybe a gift card to a bookstore?
Posted 4 years ago by anncetera2 #
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Hi, Vicki. I like what Bobby said in response to your comment. We have absorbed such an idealized idea of what "Christmas" should be that we lose sight of what is truly meaningful about this day. It is our friends and family (biological or one we create through love) and for Christians it is about the birth of our Saviour. If you have some time to do it, why don't you sit down and write a letter to each step-child telling him or her what you love about them and their father. That would be a gift of your self and an expression of your love for them--far better than a gift they don't need or want.
I'm not sure why you "have" to make a gingerbread house, but maybe it could be a family project. Let those who are with you on this holiday help design it and put it together.
Posted 4 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #
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Vicki, I agree with everyone above, and those home shows, while great to watch for ideas have the luxury of people working in the background doing all the stuff for them. Try and let the stress go, and just enjoy the family as it is and create your own traditions for your blended family.
Posted 4 years ago by AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew #
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Dear Vicki--you sound just like my mom used to sound--never enough money, time,ability..I finally talked her into picking out a Christmas tree ornament as a gift for each of her 11 grandchildren every year. Now that she is gone and these grands are becoming adults they cherish those ornaments. They remember her with love every year and it isn't about the money. Try and find a tradition to give them as a gift and don't forget that the most important gift is love. Merry Christmas sweetie!
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I understand where you are Vicki. I am hosting Christmas Eve at my home, and here I am.... at work this morning. I know I'll hear from my 7 year old grandson about the lack of gifts under the tree for him. Well... it's what I could do...and he's going to have to learn that sometimes there are lots and sometimes there are little. I am making the best holiday celebration I can with what I have today. I plan to enjoy having my family around me.... warts and all. :) Relax and enjoy the reason for the season. {{HUGS}}
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Shelley is right - Christmas ornaments are the perfect gift, even though little ones might not think so right now. My grandmother always made us a special gift at Christmas. When I married and left home I had all those years of precious memories to put on our first "married" Christmas tree. Every year when I get the ornaments out I am flooded with beautiful memories. There are wonderful ornaments that have the year on them or that you can have a name put on the ornament. But even better - make them! You don't have to be Martha Stewart to have a beautiful Christmas. You just have to have love in your heart and give a bit of that to everyone around you. Remember - Martha has tons of staff!
Posted 4 years ago by WillowandWindismom #
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