Life of Mine

Christmas

Yes, you read that right. I am talking about Christmas!  Every year I say that I am going to start shopping early and get things done as early as possible.  It has been a few years since I actually did that though.  This year, I have a pretty good head start. 

I started in mid September.  I have been buying a few items each week to try to spread things out and not spend too much at one time.  I have gotten Lincoln the most gifts because he is just the easiest to shop for right now. 

The older kids are getting harder to shop for and so I am waiting to see what deals I can find on Black Friday this year.  Jada wants a digital camera so I will probably get that on BF (yes, I am abbreviating because I am lazy!) Chuckie wants Bakugon, Pokemon and Legos.  If you don’t know what those first two things are….you don’t want to know! 

I’ve gotten Jada and Chuckie at least 3 things already and if I am spending more on bigger gifts, I am not going to buy a bunch of little things that just get forgotten and thrown away after a month.  I am planning on giving them gift cards this year as well.  They aren’t all that fun to open but the kids absolutely love gift cards so they will be thrilled. 

Chuck wants two things…a new necklace so he can wear his cross pendant and a laptop.  So….that will be something I will be watching out for on BF.  I hear that the sales won’t be big and outrageous like past years but I am really hoping to find good deals.  I have that day off from work and I plan on being out there early!! 

Last year, for Chuck’s side of the family, we did a kids only gift exchange and I am hoping to do that again this year.  I did already buy a gift for our niece because Chuck is her Godfather so I couldn’t pass that up!  Also, last year, my brother, sister and I did not buy for each other.  We only buy for the kids and my parents.  I am lucky in that my family is small and growing up we learned that family comes first and being together on the holidays truly is a gift. 

I have begun looking for the matching pajamas for the kids for the annual tradition of opening up the pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve.   Surprisingly, the kids like it and I think it is a great tradition, something they will always remember….and it is cute!

What is your Christmas shopping plan?  What are you hoping for this year?