Black Friday 2024 Countdown & Anticipation Thread

[okannie]

I have started with the Christmas shopping. Took my Penney's 50% coupon and got the college granddaughter some PJ's from the women's tall section. Saw a good deal on a portable fire pit for my son so it is on the way. Went to Ross and Burlington and picked up toys for younger grands so done with them unless I see something extra. Waiting on discounts on some gift cards. Never know what I might pick up from the sales. 

 

[cllehto]

On 10/16/2024 at 2:09 PM, okannie said:

I have started with the Christmas shopping. Took my Penney's 50% coupon and got the college granddaughter some PJ's from the women's tall section. Saw a good deal on a portable fire pit for my son so it is on the way. Went to Ross and Burlington and picked up toys for younger grands so done with them unless I see something extra. Waiting on discounts on some gift cards. Never know what I might pick up from the sales. 

 

Now it's time to get yourself something nice.

[mrsPookie]

On 10/2/2024 at 2:11 PM, rwking75 said:

Anyone else who has teenagers that do NOT have any big ticket items on their wish list this year? My kid has had some very fortunate Xmas in recent years and all of his big ticket items have been checked off already. While this is good for the wallet, it's bad for the Xmas tree...

Wow! I can honestly say I have never had that problem. My teens are now all in their 20's, but if you are looking for a big ticket item, how about a 3-D printer?

[mrsPookie]

My goal is to be finished shopping before Dec.1st. I then have the rest of the month to wrap, and plan.

We do a 5 days of Christmas thing, because we have so many family/friends we want to get together with.

I come up with meal plans, games or crafts, something exciting besides the presents.

It's loads of fun. 

I can't do most of my shopping until I know what is going to be on sale.

 

[okannie]

On 10/26/2024 at 4:19 PM, mrsPookie said:

My goal is to be finished shopping before Dec.1st. I then have the rest of the month to wrap, and plan.

We do a 5 days of Christmas thing, because we have so many family/friends we want to get together with.

I come up with meal plans, games or crafts, something exciting besides the presents.

It's loads of fun. 

I can't do most of my shopping until I know what is going to be on sale.

 

I am looking for stuff for the family game as well but waiting on sales to find some goodies. Your get together sound like a lot of fun. 

[cllehto]

I've already found some deals on toys for the grandchildren. I'm hoping for more good deals on toys and on stuff for the adult children. Then of course there's stuff i want. lol

[BFGirl]

29 days!  I'm getting my spreadsheet prepped today. 

[playacet]

Hey Family!! Just dropping by to say HI!!! My top item this year is new crockpot and of course some stuff from Old Navy

[cllehto]

My list gets longer every time I see ads. LOL

[setlok73]

Maybe its just me but as I get older my list gets shorter.  I hate that I'm losing my Christmas spirit now that the kids all have their own families spread all over the country

[len_mullen]

47 minutes ago, setlok73 said:

Maybe its just me but as I get older my list gets shorter.  I hate that I'm losing my Christmas spirit now that the kids all have their own families spread all over the country

 

If your Christmas Spirit is measured by shopping, I suggest you spread your shopping over the entire fourth quarter.  Shopping doesn't mean buying.  Walk around malls, visit small cities, and check out stores you have never been in before.  You might find some great gifts even if they are not 'deals'.  Take a friend, stop somewhere for happy hour, and get dinner.  Maybe see a Christmas movie.

 

Do some other stuff.  My youngest and I plan to visit Plimouth Plantation or Sturbridge Village this month and will tour Strawberry Banks some snowy day in December.  We'll shop and dine and enjoy the season.  You should too. 

 

My wife used to play her favorite Christmas movies while she decorated the tree and house.  Christmas Eve, once the kids were asleep, was a party for two.  I miss that.  When my namesake was in grade school, he started to become skeptical about Santa.  That Christmas Eve, as we were putting the gifts under the tree, the missus stumbled and dropped an armful of gifts right over his bedroom.  She waited quietly until she was sure he was asleep and sneaked downstairs with the gifts.  The next morning our son was up bright and early completely reassured that Santa was real as he heard the sleigh land on the roof.  Best Christmas ever.

 

Merry Christmas!!

Edited Monday at 10:35 PM by len_mullen
spelling gets tougher after two glasses of wine

[setlok73]

20 hours ago, len_mullen said:

 

If your Christmas Spirit is measured by shopping, I suggest you spread your shopping over the entire fourth quarter.  Shopping doesn't mean buying.  Walk around malls, visit small cities, and check out stores you have never been in before.  You might find some great gifts even if they are not 'deals'.  Take a friend, stop somewhere for happy hour, and get dinner.  Maybe see a Christmas movie.

 

Do some other stuff.  My youngest and I plan to visit Plimouth Plantation or Sturbridge Village this month and will tour Strawberry Banks some snowy day in December.  We'll shop and dine and enjoy the season.  You should too. 

 

My wife used to play her favorite Christmas movies while she decorated the tree and house.  Christmas Eve, once the kids were asleep, was a party for two.  I miss that.  When my namesake was in grade school, he started to become skeptical about Santa.  That Christmas Eve, as we were putting the gifts under the tree, the missus stumbled and dropped an armful of gifts right over his bedroom.  She waited quietly until she was sure he was asleep and sneaked downstairs with the gifts.  The next morning our son was up bright and early completely reassured that Santa was real as he heard the sleigh land on the roof.  Best Christmas ever.

 

Merry Christmas!!

No the shopping was never what did it.  I used to love Christmas music and caught myself at the store thinking how much I hate "The 12 Days of Christmas" (it was playing).  I don't remember being like this before.  I have zero interest putting up the tree or decorations just to have to take them all down again.  Even little things like buying wrapping paper seems like its pointless.  I'm not depressed at all and don't have SAD just no Christmas spirit.  

 

That said, watching Christmas Vacation and Die Hard (YES ITS A CHRISTMAS MOVIE  ) are always going to be a tradition.

 

But maybe it will pass if we get snow.  Its been unseasonably warm and we have yet to see even a flake (northern mn).

 

Thank you for the suggestions.  I wish you and yours the happiest of holidays and the Merriest of Christmas's

[cllehto]

17 hours ago, setlok73 said:

No the shopping was never what did it.  I used to love Christmas music and caught myself at the store thinking how much I hate "The 12 Days of Christmas" (it was playing).  I don't remember being like this before.  I have zero interest putting up the tree or decorations just to have to take them all down again.  Even little things like buying wrapping paper seems like its pointless.  I'm not depressed at all and don't have SAD just no Christmas spirit.  

 

That said, watching Christmas Vacation and Die Hard (YES ITS A CHRISTMAS MOVIE  ) are always going to be a tradition.

 

But maybe it will pass if we get snow.  Its been unseasonably warm and we have yet to see even a flake (northern mn).

 

Thank you for the suggestions.  I wish you and yours the happiest of holidays and the Merriest of Christmas's

I've found that it's easier to decorate less but still cheerful by getting a few potted Christmas cactus, poinsettias, and a small potted Christmas tree. It's still feels like Christmas but isn't as overwhelming as decorating and undecorating multiple small decorations. Just take the plants outside if you live in a warm area or in a sunny room .