ohitsunshine

I think Target seems to be the most popular for clearance cards! I love the choices they have there.

I bought paper yesterday and will be wrapping today. I have 3 boxes from Dell right in my closet and I cannot believe they haven't found them yet...I have to organize the closet into "Hidden Present" mode and get wrapping!

Do they have the Christmas stamps out yet?

Thank you- You did a great job updating, but not bragging! I didn't know if that would be possible, but I guess it is. I think I am going to try to do this. Thank you!

I hear you there! I like to shop with my husband because we are there for the same things and he keeps me company. If I did not have him, then I would want to go alone I think.

The french toast sounds delicious! I may try that this year!

I came to say my one tradition is BK breakfast on my way home!! I look forward to it every year! I also drop my Christmas cards in the mail on my out to go shopping and then we put the tree up that night.

Haha So it isnt just me? I cant wait to see this years design!

Being a GM of a restaurant I have been there as well. It stinks. I like the idea posted before- have the kids come to the hospital- they can start a new tradition of spreading cheer.

We did stockings growing up, but they were filled mostly with candy and then little things- nail polish, earrings, etc. This year all 3 of our kids are getting laptops, so we were thinking of tricking them. We were going to have them open all the presents and then start a scavenger hunt off a note they find in their stocking!

Rated and commented!

I would have to say the year that Target sold the video rockers for like $15- I was alone that year and had to carry the video chair and all the other items I wanted around the store and my arm felt like it was going to fall off...other than that most years have been fairly decent. I do think that having a laid back this is for fun kind of attitude helps to keep you out of bad situations. I go in knowing I really want everything and will run and jump for it, but I also like to be positive and know its not the end of the world if I have to pay full price for it later.

Oh one thing we started that my mother in law had always done- the kids get new pajamas on Christmas Eve- they are wrapped so they get to open them and we usually attach a stuffed animal. They absolutely love getting their new pjs to wear to bed that night. (I even wash them before wrapping because the thought of wearing brand new pjs with the itchy starch like preserves just kills me inside)

No theme here- every year since I was born and same for the kids- my parents and grandparents bought us a Hallmark ornament that went with what interested us at the time. So my tree is filled with all of our memories, including ninja turtles, princesses, Marilyn Monroe, stars and moons, cartoon characters...its a hodge podge for sure. But I usually use white lights instead of colored so it looks classic and then I drape ribbon from under the angel and it seems to tie it together a bit.

There was a lengthy discussion on disboards about them! This was the first time I had ever heard of them- but it sounds really cute. The people there were experts so I won't even try to remember half of the info I read- I would go there and take a peek.

anticipation of the new ads coming out love gottadeal

So last night my husband had to work til 2 am for inventory- so I sat up and addressed all the cards and signed them all!

What I have found, is the money spent on ink is usually more than just uploading them to Walmart and having them printed there. And I send out usually 75 or so pics- shutterfly had a sign up special where you get 50 4x6's free with free shipping too. But I do love to do our own pic each year because it allows you to be more creative- and I think we once got the dogs to sit still too!

Haha- too funny! And I always find my cards at Target, but I fight the day after crowds to get them- even by midday that day all the cute ones are gone! And I love to get those $8 ones with all the extra crap that you have to put the protector sheet in just to ship.... Yesterday we went out to a park and took our card picture- it came out beautifully! So labels, done...pic, done. Now to decide about a letter..

Am I the only one who doesn't recall what happened last year with some going overboard according to Brad? I remember a lot of ticked off people, but I didn't follow that closely I guess. And I was so looking forward to Wal-Mart's ad- with 3 young kids they usually have the most of all the stores so I am forced to go there!

I know right! I walked in and was immediately in heaven....Christmas AND 50% off....come on!

As soon as I have the ads for the stores I am interested in- I start compiling!

Last year was my first, and this website was really helpful... http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/thanksgiving/thanksgiving.html

I could see a 10 year old and up, but other than that there is no way I would. I always look around at parents with kids and have to wonder...who drags their children out for shopping to freeze in line, possibly get trampled and really just overkill on the senses for the poor things. I always feel so bad! Stay at home and keep them cozy and safe!

This past weekend I used my newly learned Photoshop skills and created a pic to use for our return mailing labels. I have just as much fun deciding what to do for those each year. One year I did the tongue stuck to the pole scene from Christmas Story, another we used the Peanuts tree. This year I went with a surfing Santa pic. So I really am thinking about doing a letter to include- can you guys give some ideas on how to make it not bragging? I feel like if I say anything about how the kids are doing it will come off that way!