angied64084

I'm heading in @ 11 or so...get my 12:01 goodies and check out shortly after. I'm not after any big electronic items though. Plan to grab an energy drink so food if necessary and move along to target for their 4 am doorbusters. Headed to kohls after that, then home depot, then jcp. If I have any $$ left after that, I'll head to micheals to get some scrap booking goodies for myself. So pumped for black Friday this year!

I try to get a couple hours....people would not want to be around me if I didn't get a little sleep...

Coloring Kits-- you can get 2-3 color books at any local dollar store, a box of crayons, a box of markers, a handful of stickers....put it all in a little sand bucket or gift bag. Toss in a matchbox car or candy bar, you can have a nice rounded gift for about $7...

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I am forbidden to put any Christmas decorations out before BF. Once in the house from BF shopping and bags stowed, my DS and I bust it all out and get it done in the remainder of the day. My scrooge, I mean DH, watches. It all comes down the day after Christmas. I love laying underneath the tree with my son looking at the lights....it's the most content feeling in the world.

I've price matched a lot of things of BF...I generally get to my 24 hour store 1-2 hours before 5am and grab what I need and drop it off in the cart with my FIL who patiently waits in womens clothing for all of us to shop.

What's the worst you have ever received or witnessed someone receiving? The worst I have ever witnessed is my son getting regifted a goody bag from his own birthday party in his Christmas stocking from his Nana. My mom really got the look that day, along with a "seriously Mom?". DS didn't mind though. It was good humor.

I'm about 30% done. But my idea list is pretty much complete, so now I'm just waiting for the ads to see what I can pick up on BF!

1) It was then, looking at her carts of BF goodies, that Sally realized that all of her years playing Tetris were going to finally pay off. 2)I can' f**ing believe she talked me into this s**t. I don't care what she says, I'm not caring that d*** pink bag around this mall all day. My face itches and I need a shave....grumble grumble...where's my coffee.... 3) And visions danced throught their heads, TVs for $199, DVD's for $4.99...oh the sights they would see, the deals, the carts, in the crowds they soon would be....

He doesn't like me spending money on him, but my son and I usually pick out something small-ish and it's from the DS. Probably a wii hunting game this year...

My DS(5) has consitantly asked for Bakugans (two please! HOW CUTE:)), and a bike. He asked for a REAL 4-wheeler and I had to tell him that Santa can't haul those on his sleigh...and he let it go...dodged that one this year. He also does random "I want that!" during commercials, but nothing else has really stuck. He is nuts about those Nerf guns but I've been saying for a long time, so maybe I'll pick one of those up too. Other than that, he'll probably get some movies and wii games.

I'd like a nintendo ds for myself but honestly would not be bothered if I didn't get a thing. I got my big wants through out the entire year this year (some out of necessity), washer/dryer, dvd camcorder and a wii.

The smokers will hate me, but smoking in line. I know you are outside and have your rights, but it's still my right to complain about it. I hate the smell! I also detest line cutting of any sort and people who are grumpy/crappy with others and specifically with the cashiers. It's BF, its going to be busy, it's going to be crowded, you are going to spend most of your time in the store waiting to be checked out....

I always meet my MIL and SILs at the store, so I really enjoy the drive into town, the anticipation increasing as you get closer and see more cars/people. I always have fun talking to people in line and have met some fun people. Also, I have an old acquantance (sp?) that the only time we actually see each other is on BF. She usually finds me at Kohls or Target and we visit in line, share pictures of the kids and review our purchases so far in the day. It's neat.

This year will be my ninth year. I can't wait!

I make at least 3 batches a year and we always run out of it.....People Puppy Chow. 1 box rice chex 1 bag semi sweet or milk chocolate chocolate chips (whichever you prefer) 1 cup peanut butter, smooth 1 small bag powdered sugar Using your biggest non-stick pot, melt the choc. chips and pb. Once melted slowly turn the rice chex into the mixture until all of the cereal is coated. In a separtate container (you can use a paper bag, an old ice cream bucket, but I prefer my big lock n lock container), line the bottom with powdered sugar, place about 1/2 of the cereal mixture on top of the powdered sugar and then add about another cup of powdered sugar to the top. Shake shake shake. Add the rest of your cereal mixture and some more powdered sugar. Shake shake shake. Pour out onto covered surface to cool. Store in air tight container or baggie. My son really loves making this recipe, it's fun and it's easy!

You get it! However, I suppose I should really stick to my guns and record all the receipts. I may end up increasing the budget to accomodate my purchases!

I was talking to my sister last night, and we determined everything bought before BF really shouldn't be included in the holiday budget....

We do a family get together every year. We usually designate a cuisine theme (ie, mexican, italian, traditional, etc) and the host provideds the main dish...usually the meat. Guest then let the host know what they are bringing so host can designate dishes to those who ask. This year, it's appetizers! Anyway we all collect white elephant stuff year round. It will vary from fart machines (can't wait to see who gets this one this year), color books for the kids, etc. We have had the same pair of lacy red panties in the white elephant for about 8 years now. We don't do traditional white elephant rules though...we play Christmas Bingo, Christmas Triva and who ever shouts out the correct answer, gets the prize. You don't like the prize, you can steal from anyone else. It's fun and we of course do easy questions for the kids, etc. Last year was full of "steals" over Christmas Story themed stuff. I HIGHLY recommend getting a triva game as it gets everyone involved! Hope you enjoy your gathering as much as we do!

Do you keep track of how much $$ you spend on Christmas? I *thought* I had a good grasp on what I spent last year, but sat down last year and added up my receipts. So in trying to sticking to a budget this year, I am keeping an excel spreadsheet. How do you keep track of what you bought/what you spend?

We take it down day after Christmas after I get back from buying paper and cards for the next year. The DH scrooge gets that look if it stays up any longer.

I always have a general idea of what I want, but it can definitely be influenced heavily by the BF ads. Like I know DS wants bakugans and a bike from Santa....and that's all he has asked for. So I'm waiting to see the ads to decided what will be the mom/dad present.

I spend probably about 20-35 on my son's stocking. Small toys (cars, etc), candy(m&m's/reese especially), batteries ('cause Santa remembers that stuff you know), and ALWAYS a new toothbrush and toothpaste. My sis and I take turns filling our parents with their favorite goodies...usually spend about $30 combined on those. Dollar Tree is wonderful for stocking stuffers!

Kansas City, MO!

Not necessarily a funny store, but here goes anyway. I wanted a DVD player from Walmart several years ago (it was $20 or something) for my parents. They cut the pallet and I got shuffled back in the crowd and ended up not getting one. I was reporting back to my sister (this was the ONLY BF she ever shopped with me) with the disappointment and told her they were all gone and we would have to figure something else out. The lady parked next to her had 3 of the DVD players, gave us one of hers. Just pulled it out of her basket and said Merry Christmas. It was nice!