leefamily23

Mini-vent.....why ask for gift idea's and then get your own thing anyhow??? I have an almost 15 yr old son. I know teen's are hard to buy for. BUT....both my and MIL did it this year. First, we're having a way scaled back Christmas at our house. My son get's a lot of gifts from family, so no big deal. My mom ask's- what should I get him? I know her budget is $120-125 per grandkid. So, I told her there is a pair of sneakers he really, really wants. Okay, she listened on that part, and it left her w/ $50.00. He's getting an Xbox 360 and a few games, but I know there's other things he'd like for it. So, I told her a GC for Gamestop. Yesterday, she tell's me--- I got him a Timberland sweatshirt from Macy's. Why, Why, Why...... First, he's only into "skater" clothing. She know's this. It's never gonna get worn. If she bought it on her "credit" debit card. We'll only be able to get store credit upon returning it and I guarantee there is nothing there he'll wear. So, I don't understand this. Then my MIL. She asks. We know her budget. So we told her to get him a body wash/body spray set by Axe and an Itunes gift card. She got him a fleece throw blanket. This is what she's gotten him every year for the last 5-6 yrs from the flea market. Every year they go out at our garage sale. So, my question being.... why ask and then buy something that obviously didn't have any thought to the receiver anyhow?

We've explained this to my son (he'll be 15 in a few weeks). He's an only child, so at home it doesn't matter. BUT...my mom has a "large" budget for the grandkid's, since there's only 3 of them. We exchange gifts altogether. This year, he's getting 2 from my mom. The 5 & 3 yr old are getting about 12 each. Same thing from us to the neice/nephew. They're getting 6 gifts each. While my son is getting 2 from my sister. But we spent the same amount. So, I think once they can understand they need to be told.

I'd bring it up. First I'd be mad and hurt- I know my husband would too. We usually give each other a short list. Pretty much 1/2 the gifts are from the short list, the other 1/2 are usually suprises. I couldn't imagine negating all his idea's.

I seen them all over yesterday when I was out and about. I seen them at Walmart, Target (who had it for Xbox 360 too), Best Buy, and Game Stop.

Congrat's. I know it's a tough situation. My son will be 15 next month. I had a "talk" w/ him too last night. The amount of gifts he's getting this year is 1/3 of normal. He understands, though he is getting the things he really wanted. It's just they are so expensive and we had to cut back this year.

Do you think you can use it on Webkinz???

That's a great deal. Unfortunately, my cc card is at home. But if it's still available when I get home- I'm going to get it. I've been looking for the home charger for my son.

Hmmm..might make worth a trip in the next day or so. Great gift for co-workers and such.

My DH will wait- but there's usually a twinkle in his eye when he see's the first few under the tree. I only put a few to each of us under the tree until Christmas Eve. 2 reason's-- #1 I want the amount, sizes, ect to be a suprise. #2-- I have this huge anxiety/paranoia that someone will break into our home right before Christmas and steal all the gifts-- so I hide the really good one's in some really odd places. As for me-- I've gotten better. I used to be really bad w/ wanting to know. Actually we've been together 10 yrs. Up until just 3-4 yrs ago we used to exchange- go buy more-- exchange-- go buy more-- and do this until we were broke. The year it changed was the year we weren't going to exchange. We had no extra money after our son and family gifts. Then on 12/23 we received a nice, unexpected check. So we went hog wild shopping all day. Since it was so close we waited until Christmas morning. It was really nice to have gifts that day, so we've waited the last few years.

I cannot believe it. Usually by now I'm 90-95% done w/ my shopping w/ all I've bought wrapped. I usually have my Christmas cards sent, and I'm thinking of making Christmas cookies. This year--I've got maybe on the high side 20% of my shopping done. I've got 1/2 of that wrapped. We didn't put up outdoor lights or decorations (no time), we didn't do Christmas cards yet and I doubt we will. Oh, and baking.....yeah right. To be fair though--- in November I moved on the 9th, my grandmother passed away unexpectedly on the 10th. So, here I was waist high in boxes and I was useless. Then we had all my inlaws over for Thanksgiving. There I was on Thanksgiving eve baking desserts and still unpacking at midnight. So--I've had an unusually rough November, so there was no pre-prepping done this year. I'm thinking the next 15 day's are just going to fly because I have so much to do. We have my immediate inlaw family Christmas dinner & gift exchange on the 21st and my immediate families same thing on the 22nd--- so really- our holiday begins then.

We will definetly get the bonus, that's a given. It's been told to us, pretty much everyday for the last month. I wasn't counting on the bonus....it was the state check that was supposed to be here a month ago that I was counting on. BUT....leave it to the government to not get it here. So, I when I began to look over my finance's- that check was included, and not being able to depend on them I was freaking. Knowing I only had 1paycheck left plus the bonus. So, I was trying to figure out if it was going to make it or not.

Well I think I got it all straightened out. I didn't ask, and don't intend to. Just doesn't seem right. Anyhow, I believe if the state check doesn't come (and I still have 2 weeks)- then I guess my MIL will wait on her rent until it does come or until our payperiod right after the holiday. Whichever is first. This makes up the exact difference of what I need (the check from the state is for double what I needed). So, I guess thank god she's the landlord and doesn't mind. The good news is #1-- I really think the check from the state will be here anyday. They've had the paperwork for about 10 days w/ the change of address and the guy implied it should be anyday, so we'll keep our fingers crossed. #2-- and I'm not counting on this- but I'll hope--- I really believe our Christmas bonuses will be in the $500-1000 range. That is the impression I'm getting. Ironically, I just sat down at lunch and budgeted everything w/o the bonus check and w/o the state check-- shuffeling the rent off our paycheck today is what freed up just enough to get what we need.

Last year a group of kids went through a decapitated all the white wire, lighted deer in the front yards. It was really sad.

I'm not going to ask.....It just seems inappropriate. Hard to just plan- because bottom line- it won't cut it. The thing is I'm trying to figure out what I will for sure have so I know what needs to be cut out. But If I think I'll have $800.00 total left to spend and only have $400.00 .....ahhhh it's just hard. We have no credit cards-- and if the stupid state check would get here that we've been playing around w/ it would all be fine. Ya know what get's me......if I owed the state money I'd have to pay penalty and interest for each day I was late. They get the check from the employer- have held it for 30 day's and now the got an extra 30 day's off of it from all the address changing rig-a-ma-roll!! Makes me mad because this is why I'm stressing. Unfortunately, the check is a nice chunk of change- should of been here....and could still come-- but what if it doesn't then I'm up a a creek.

The thing is-- the boss is actually 1 of the 4 people. The other girl started 2 weeks before me. The other one-- she'd be perfect because she started last year the same time as I did this year- but she's not talking. The thing is- they are very generous. They had a meeting last week w/ their accountant and attorney to figure out bonuses. Basically- figuring out how much they should give to help improve their taxes due situation. Kind of amusing. My grandmother passed away a few weeks ago- and they sent me a $100.00 donation check for that because she didn't have a charity specified (I put it towards flowers). I got elected to do the gift basket shopping online for the "associates" they come in contact w/. They are each getting $100.00 gift. This includes some people like security officers and cafeteria workers that they see often. So--- I tried dropping some hints- but they went unnoticed. I'll have to see if I cannot hint harder to the other employee. I don't know I can just come right out and ask.

For starters I know we'll get a Christmas Bonus. This will be my first holiday at this job- though I've been here most of the year. Our boss (there's only 4 employee's) has told us we'll be getting them next week-- though she didn't say what day. I know that the bonus check's are coming w/ the payroll checks next Tuesday- what I don't know is if she'll give them to us that day or if she'll hold them to the end of the week. That much she hasn't said. Doesn't really matter, because as long as it's before Christmas it's fine. The thing is she keeps saying the "partners" who own our practice are "very generous". Well that could be taken most anyway. I mean I've gotten Christmas bonuses as low as $50.00 and as high as $1000.00. I was grateful for each, but everyone's interpretation of generous is different. So, for my holiday budget I was counting on a check from the state (my husband had a claim w/ the Department of Labor for a former employer that got settled). Anyhow, we got notice in October of the check and the amount we'd receive. We were told in middle of October it would take up to 30 day's to get the check. Well, in those same 30 day's we moved. They sent the check 11/14- to our old address. They don't forward those checks. So, now 10 day's ago they located the check and it's back in the state's possesion. We filled out some paperwork the same day- and they said they'd send it to our new address. Well, I'm still waiting and I can never get the guy at the Labor Department to call us back. I'm really starting to freak because w/o that check--- I don't have gifts. Everyday I pray to let this be the day it come's and each day it passes w/o the check. So, I'm really starting to stress a lot about if it will actually come before the holiday or not. So, I'm trying to find a round about way of just asking what the bonuses will be for. My boss is really easy going for the most part- but I don't want to come off as rude and ungrateful. I'm the only one w/ kids in the office-- they're all older w/ no kids at all (ever). If I found out it was at least $500.00 I'd be set w/ the money I have coming in from my last payroll check. I'm thinking it will be that amount, but you never know and it's really coming down to the wire. So, did anyone ever ask the amount ahead of time. I can kind of drop some subtle hints today to see if she offers up, but man I could really use some of this stress off my shoulders, and just by knowing it will at least help me set up a back-up plan in case that check doesn't get here.

Now that it's getting closer- anyone have more set plans? I've enjoyed this thread too- it's neat seeing what others do. My immediate family (my parents, sister and her family, and my family) always have our gathering the Saturday before Christmas. We see each other throughout the holiday's but this let's us get together w/ our parents and our kids for some more 1-on-1 time. We do our gift exchange, usually play board games, and have a ton of food. On Christmas Eve, this year I'm going to work, so I can have off the day after Christmas. I'll work until 2pm- come home take a nap until about 5pm. We'll go out to dinner or order pizza and wings- not sure which yet. Then we'll be going to my aunt & uncles on my dad's side around 7pm. We've done this ever since I was a baby (I'm in my 30's now- so long standing tradition). My whole family on that side goes there- 50+ of us. This year will be extra hard/special to all be there because my grandmother on that side passed away 3 weeks ago unexpectedly. Anyhow all the kids under 18 do a gift exchange. We usually stay until about 10pm- if the weather is holding out we go to midnight mass, if not we go home. We make DS go to bed, and my husband and I usually put out the presents. We open all our gifts Christmas morning- and it usually takes all morning (we go way overboard most years). Then it's a big breakfast my husband always makes and phone calls to our neice & nephew and parents. Then my son leaves for his dad's around 12-1pm until later that night- and my husband and I usually watch the Disney parade. When that is over we go to his grandfather's house- where his whole family gathers for lasanga and roast beef and play's board games. We also have a gift exchange there.

Mine stopped right around 10yrs old. He was questioning real hard around 7 yrs old. Until usually a week before Christmas Santa would peak in his window (my dad in a suit) and leave a candy cane outside his window w/ a personalized note. Then at 9 yrs old- he wanted the PS2 sooooo bad--- and we told him absolutely not- we couldn't afford it, ect, ect ,ect. Well he got it that Christmas and he too did the "there is no way mom bought this for me so there must be santa". I told him the following year (he was 1 month shy of 11) because he was starting to have problems at school w/ it. I was 5 when I caught my parents red handed w/ the gifts. So I found out early- they didn't even try to make up a story.

I'm glad to know- so thank you. I have a handful of games I do still have to buy- and any sale is better than no sale. :)

I'd check w/ the school too- I know our's take's a list for each school level and tries to get help. Thing is it might be too late for help. Most organization's have their lists set by this time. So, if they cannot help I'd check w/ maybe your own, a close friend, or family members office. I know that my mom works in an office of 5- they all put in $30 and buy a few gifts for a local family that "someone might know needs help". I know quite a few people that do this. I know the 4 physician's I work for would donate alittle bit (maybe 200-300) if I told them of kids I knew that truly would get nothing else for xmas. Good luck- everyone deserves something.

I have a 14 yr old boy (he'll be 15 in January) so I feel your pain. I never knew boy's were so moody as teen's. Mine too is very lazy in school and gets terrible grades- and it will truly be a suprise if he graduates. He has no ambition too. Flipside-- he is a very sweet, affectionate kid 95% of the time. He also helps around the house a lot w/o any trouble almost all the time. However, he's pretty much failing or on the verge of failing everything.....so this question has been raised in our house too. He's getting quite a few outfits (all Zumiez's & Pac Sun). But to be honest he needed these things as money was really tight at the start of school and he got very little--and he grew so much he didn't fit in anything from last fall/winter. He's getting a new winter coat & sneakers- once again a necessity. Though the brand's are not. He wants the clothing, shoe's and coat. But he's also asked for the Xbox 360, a camcorder, and a new skateboard and grind rail (which he means not Walmart board for $10- but the $150+ sets from online). We budgeted for these things and I've already bought the camcorder. I've gotten 12 games for the Xbox 360- and I have the money now (just got paid) to get the Xbox. So- my husband and I have debated-- does he deserve these things????? My husband say's- Christmas only comes once a year- and everyone deserves a big Christmas. He feels he's a good kid for the most part, just w/ bad grades. He say's we give him a big Christmas and Birthday- but he gets nothing else until those grades are up. Good luck- it's a tough one-- because I can guarantee-- if the other kids get stuff and he doesn't. Even at 15-- he will hold it against you for a long, long time. They are still kids inside and it will hurt.

We usually put ours up over the long Thanksgiving weekend. We were a week late this year. We never take it down before Jan 1st. We usually take them down somewhere between Jan. 1st and the first weekend that follows that. ***My inlaws in 2005 put up their tree and decorations in early December. The tree came down in April 2007-- I swear!!! Over 1 yr w/ the tree up. Now the garland and decorations have been up for 2 years straight w/o coming down. The reasoning--- they are both too lazy to take them down. My MIL said she didn't want the decorations up that year because it's too much work. My FIL still put them up- but he's the type that will make the mess but not clean it up. So, she left them up. It was actually really tacky.

My BIL works for our local Walmart in electronics. He say's that his Walmart in particular is keeping them in back- and only putting a few out every few day's. It's essentially a ploy to get people to keep coming back. Same thing w/ the Wii (at his store). He said last week they got 10 in, and they put 2 out a day. Maybe ask around to the employee's.

It used to be one of my favorite things to do. I'd go all out- ribbons, bow's, coordinating tag's and paper. Seems like I'm too buys anymore to really get into it. It's turned into a chore- which is sad.

I have to say- didn't do it for the deals. More for tradition. My sister and I go every year together. We spend the whole day fighting the crowds, shopping, and eating lunch foods at 7am. Even w/o the deal's it was still worth it- because it's our "one day" and we always have a blast.