stacyk9

WOW!! I'm going to have to print this one off. So much information!!

Hmm. Very interesting.

Go to this page http://forums.gottadeal.com/showthread.php?184317-Official-List-of-All-Black-Friday-2010-Ads-amp-Ad-Scans-Currently-Posted

My decorations go up the weekend before Thanksgiving. My parents come to my house for Thanksgiving and it's the only time they get to see my house decorated for Christmas. This year we're in a new house, so it will be fun trying to decide where everything should go.

Nook all the way! A friend of mine has the Kindle and I was less than impressed. I absolutely love my Nook and the friend who has the Kindle told me he wishes he would have gotten the Nook instead.

Thanks for the heads up!

6 am to 1 am?!?!? Wow. That seems a little extreme. Not sure I would really want to be out at 1 am shopping for toys, but I guess somebody would.

First off, I do want to send my condolences on the passing of your husband. I can only imagine how tough that must be. I think my answer is going to be a little different than everyone else's. Right now, I think your children need something familiar to fall back on. Their world, along with yours, has changed dramatically. They have gone through a lot of grief I'm sure and to have something as heartwarming and comfortable as Christmas might be something they need, especially for your youngest. It doesn't have to be as grand as it was before. Just do a scaled-back version. Maybe your oldest son could step in and take over some of the traditions that your husband did? All in all, don't forget that you need some time as well. If it is just too hard for you to face, then you have to do what is right for your family. I have had two children who have passed away and I know how heartwrenching the holidays can be, but something I have done through the years since then is send Christmas gifts to St. Jude's Hospital in their memory and I always buy them new ornaments every year for the tree. Even though they're not here anymore, they are still part of our holiday. If your husband had a favorite charity, you could donate to it every year. Stacy

I put aside $100.00 every month and this is my gift money for the whole year (i.e. birthdays, anniversaries, etc.). Usually by October I've got somewhere in the neighborhood of $700-$800 saved up for Christmas presents. I've made a table in Word of everyone I have to buy for, what gifts I want to buy for them, how much I plan to spend and how much I've actually spent. I carry this with me everywhere I go so I don't forget!! Husband gets $100, son gets $200 (toys are expensive!!!), parents get $50 each and everyone else gets $20 each. I always count the sale price, not the original price because it's ACTUALLY what I spent and since I'm working with cash, it goes farther that way because when it's gone, it's gone.

WOO HOO!!! The first ad!!!! NOW I'm getting excited! Stacy

Just added my mailing info., too! WOO HOO!!!

Definitely can't wait to get this year's big book! My son took his when he went to visit Santa last year and he showed him all the things he wanted. It was so cute! :)

A decent portable media player for my son to watch his movies on. Getting tired of lugging around all of his DVDs everywhere we go!!

We have a large family gathering, so you may not need so much food, but we usually do a ham, a couple vegetables, shrimp, veggie tray, fruit tray, cookies and pies. We try to get most of it already pre-made. Less stress that way!

The Grinch vs Miracle on 34th Street- Original Version The Santa Clause vs White Christmas Christmas Vacation vs Santa Claus- The Movie It's a Wonderful Life vs Elf

Kids will change their minds 100 times before Christmas actually gets here. I just tell my son that he can ask for whatever he wants, but that Santa can't possibly fit everything in his sleigh, so he will only get some of what he asks for and he seems to be okay with that.

Put yourself in their position. If you and your family were suddenly put in a financial strain and could only buy presents for the children and parents, wouldn't you want everyone in the family to respect your wishes? I'm sure it was hard for your SIL to even ask. I should know, because that's my situation this year. I had to ask my DH's sister and my brother if we could skip the gift exchange this year and just buy for the children. Turns out, they were also thinking the same thing, but were to embarrassed to ask first!! Also, I would not give them anything because it would only make them feel worse. Everyone is feeling the crunch this year and, yes, it is fun to exchange gifts on Christmas, but frankly it's not a requirement! If they are okay with not exchanging gifts, then that is their decision and should be respected.

I am planning this game for our office party this year, except everyone is bringing their favorite cookie recipe.

WOW! That is absolutely beautiful!! I have a tree that has both white and multi lights with different functions (doesn't turn) and I absolutely love it. I say break it out of that box and enjoy it now!!

I am so sorry to hear you're having a bad time. The holidays can be hard. Have you thought about doing something in memory of your Mom during this time of the year? I have had two daughters who passed away due to a genetic disorder and every year I send gifts to St. Jude Hospital in their memory. I also buy them a new ornament for the tree and they have their own stockings. It doesn't take away all the pain, but it makes me feel like are part of the present and not the past. I hope that makes sense. All in all, please hang in there. It is tough and there's no denying that. And I hope your brother gets to come home in time for Christmas. He is an honorable man to be doing what he's doing!

My big splurge would either be Nook from Barnes & Noble or the new frappuccino maker from Mr. Coffee.

"Halleluia! Holy sh*t! Where's the Tylenol?"

Started shopping? I'm almost done! I freak out if I'm not 95% done by Thanksgiving. I hate shopping in crowds, except on BF. That is the only day of the year I will subject myself to the craziness! I like to have everything done so I can just sit back and enjoy the holiday season peacefully.

I've got my DVR and DVD recorder set for this one as well. And don't be embarrassed. I'm looking forward to it as well!!!

11/10 7/6cSnow 9/8cSnow 2 Brain Freeze 11/11 7/6cSanta, Jr. 9/8cSnowglobe 11/12 7:30/6:30cThe Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 11/13 8/7cAnnie 11/14 6/5cNanny McPhee 8/7cCharlie and the Chocolate Factory 10:30/9:30cThe Wedding Singer 11/15 8/7cMeet the Robinsons 11/16 6/5cEloise at Christmastime 8/7cA Dennis the Menace Christmas 11/17 6/5cRichie Rich's Christmas Wish 8/7cRichie Rich 11/18 7/6cGotta Catch Santa Claus 8/7cLilo & Stitch 11/19 7/6cChristmas Caper 9/8cA Carol Christmas 11/20 7/6cSanta Who? 9/8cI Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus 11/21 6/5cThe Christmas Wish 8/7cOnce Upon a Christmas 10/9cTwice Upon A Christmas 11/22 6/5cSanta Baby 8/7cHoliday in Handcuffs 10/9cSnowglobe 11/23 7/6cA Holiday to Remember 9/8cUnlikely Angel 11/24 7/6cHolly and Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure 8/7cHercules 11/25 7/6cSons of Mistletoe 9/8cThe Christmas List 11/26 6/5cI Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus 8/7cMiracle on 34th Street 11/27 7/6cTarzan 9/8cAladdin 11/28 7/6cA Boy Named Charlie Brown 9/8cSnoopy Come Home 11/10cThe Wedding Planner 11/29 6/5cHome Alone 4 8/7cThe Dog Who Saved Christmas - A New ABC Family Original Movie 11/30 7/6cThe Dog Who Saved Christmas - A New ABC Family Original Movie 9/8cNaughty or Nice