JazzMama

We do this for Cailyn's presents - they're always wrapped in Disney Princess Christmas paper. For everyone else, I think I'm just getting craft paper and using raffia to tie the packages up. I got some scrapbook paper on sale to use as gift tags.

We leave homemade cookies and an empty glass (Santa gets his milk from the fridge so it's cold). Then, we put a plastic bowl of oats and carrots outside (since the reindeer stay outside).

We just got our first cat in May (she's about 7 months old now). I know to avoid tinsel, poinsettias, etc, so that won't be an issue. However, my tree is typically covered with alot of glass ornaments (about 7', artificial, prelit). Bella already won't stay off the top of the refrigerator, window sills, etc, so I think we may have a problem come Christmas. Do I avoid putting up the glass ornaments or are there any tricks to keeping her from climbing up the tree? Also, I know to avoid tinsel, poinsettias, etc, so we won't have that problem.

We eat after

Here are some sites I have bookmarked for ideas for my own home. I like that with all of these ideas you just work with what you already have: Evergreen Centerpiece http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/Evergreencenterpiece.jpg http://interiordec.about.com/cs/holidaydecorating/l/blcmaspr001.htm Christmas centerpiece of ornaments in a pedestal bowl http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/Ornamentsinpedestalbowl.jpg http://interiordec.about.com/od/cmasctpcproj/a/a_cmasornbowl.htm Winter Wonderland centerpiece You could always replace silver with gold/red or even change it to a holly/ivy instead of snowflakes http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/Snowflakecenterpiece.jpg For a table that captures the breathtaking sparkle of a first snow, choose silver textiles trimmed with shimmering snowflakes and sconces draped in light-catching beads. Accent the place settings with ornaments, crystal, shimmering bead garlands or organza ribbon - whatever inspires you. Tassled runners do wonders for adding upscale elegance to otherwise unremarkable settings; try them draped over chairs as well for a very dressed up effect. Christmas figurine centerpiece http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/Figurinecenterpiece.jpg Winter centerpiece http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/secrease731/Wintercenterpiece.jpg Outside it may be frightful but inside your reception room, the snow is oh so delightful! Trimmed with hints of wintry weather, these pretty and pristine pieces embellish every setting with charm. Like holiday garlands, silver strands wrap themselves around these snow-white spiral candles and accentuate their beauty. Grouping the candles in collections of different sizes and shapes, as opposed to using all the same, will add visual interest. Placing the group on a mirror platform helps increase the perceived size of the centerpiece as its reflection is captured. The caviar pearl bead garland lends the soft, frothy, 'snowy' effect that absolutely caps off this look to total perfection. Just another example of how a very simple-to-assemble design can be absolutely stunning when the right pieces and combinations are used.

Thanks - I've got an e-mail into Customer Service about mine being so late.

Just checked order status and it's showing that it won't be shipped until Dec 11-13?? Has anyone else checked?

We keep ours in our master bedroom closet (kinda hidden by luggage). Our daughter knows she is not allowed in our bedroom by herself, so she's never tried to snoop (she's 5 so that may change in the next few years )

I'll have to keep an eye on this one. At my Target they were still only 50% off for the system and additional storybooks.

Our Christmas parade is the first Thursday in December Winter Wonderland (an indoor Christmas display with free Santa photos) starts the first week and continues till right before Christmas Nutcracker is Dec 15-17 and there's usually a breakfast with some of the characters on Saturday at a downtown restaurant where your child can get autographs and pose for pictures Christmas Classic movie night - held at the Forum (where alot of plays, concerts are held) for $5/ticket with free popcorn each Friday (and I think some Saturdays?) in December Singing Christmas tree at a local church is performed the 2nd weekend in December I know there's bound to be more, but that's the ones we usually try to make each year.

It depends - we usually range between $300-450 for our 5-yr old daughter, but we've already bought the "My Twinn" doll and that alone was $150, so we may go above that this year.

My 5-yr old loves any Christmas music, but as far as her Kids' Christmas CDs, she listens to: "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" - it tells the story and then has (3) of the songs from the original movie (not the remake with Jim Carrey) "A Charlie Brown Christmas" "Home Alone" soundtrack Then, we have a CD that is a mix of alot of Christmas movies (Rudolph, Frosty, Little Drummer Boy, etc) that she keeps in her room year-round

No - we have the large bulbs in red/white, so we have them going around the four columns on the front porch and along the roofline. Then, there are red/white icicle lights on the roof peak. The boxwoods are alternated in red/white lights to get a candy cane effect. There are four lighted candy cane stakes in the flower bed between the boxwoods. The only other main lawn decoration is our inflatable snowman.

I'm going to have to agree on this one! My daughter doesn't really make an actual list, she just runs into the room to say "Come see what I want on my TV"

I try to - I usually catch about 70% of it while trying to finish up last-minute side dishes/desserts and just trying to get ready to visit relatives.

Yes - Halloween goes up the first weekend of fall till Nov 1st. Then, we put out the fall decorations. We usually have a few bales of hay and the big woven pots of mums with 2 scarecrows in the yard. On the porch is a wagon that has planted mums and fake pumpkins beside it. Indoors, we always have our cornucopia in the kitchen and lots of fall candleholders (leaves, acorns, etc), harvest leaves/berries garland, and scarecrows on the entertainment center in the living room.

Halloween - Java Patchouli from Pier 1 Thanksgiving - Autumn Leaves from Yankee Christmas - Christmas Wreath from Yankee OR Pier 1 usually has a maroon candle that smells so good, but I can't think of the scent to save my life

2 movies for $6.03 ... Thank you!

A local radio station start 24/7 Christmas music on Thanksgiving night, so I guess then

1st week of December

So far, we have: (2) Leapster games (3) Barbies My Little Pony playset My Little Pony jewelry box Pocahontas doll (5) Story Reader books (2) dress-up "gowns" Shrek board game (2) Cabbage Patch outfits with accessories Easy-Bake oven with (2) "meals"

Fans at my store are now 75% off - got a really nice programmable window twin fan for $9.98 (great for spring/fall nights)!

Thanks! I was looking for something like this for DH's Christmas present. Also, picked up a book and DVD set to get free shipping (i.e. >$25)

I usually eat a granola bar in the car on the way there so I'm not completely famished when I start shopping. It just depends on how tired I am after as to if I stop at a drive-through or just head home.