Well, not really, of course, but it made a good title.
Today, I'm having a down day. I'm female, we're allowed to have them with no reason. Or with reason. Or both.
So I took the kids to the mall and stood it line to buy pictures with Santa. Cha-ching!$$
Then I took them to the new taqueria that opened down the street. That is now one of my favorite places to eat. Let me tell ya. We got two juices, an horchata, a quesadilla, a pupusa, and a tamale, with chips and salsa before the food arrived--and it cost half as much as pictures with Santa. Cha-ching! $
And it got me all excited about Christmas shopping. We have a budget, and it's pretty stingy budget, but I just love the wandering the mall, the stores, looking for the perfect item. I don't make a list. I ask what people want, but most say, "Nothing."
Uh-huh.
So I wander. And I get all giddy inside, because I know when I see it, I'll recognize it. That's it! The perfect item for Dad/Hubby/son/fill in the blank. I'm so excited to let the kids stay with Grandpa while Grandma and I make a date of Christmas shopping. Seriously, it doesn't get any better than that!
I realized that last year I didn't do any shopping until Christmas Eve, thanks to my erratic work schedule. And then I only hit Walmart. It wasn't nearly so exciting. And the year before, I did most of my shopping online. That was before I realized that buying in the community helps people I know keep their jobs, and now I try really hard not to buy things online. But sometimes, it just can't be helped.
Then my mother-in-law called me last night and asked what I want for Christmas. Of course there are things I want. But it suddenly felt so selfish and snotty to list those things. So I said, "I'll get back to you."
Maybe I'll get some ideas when I wander the mall with my mom.
8 comments:
I did some of my shopping online. I just asked my boss for Monday afternoon off. I'm going to leave work and hit the places on my list and hopefully knock out the rest of my part of the shopping. The part my boyfriend has to help me with -- his mom and daughter -- I'm sure we'll be doing the week of Christmas!
When I lived near my family (I have 6 sibblings all with a family now), I used to go to walmart, buy baskets, popcorn, movies, juice boxes, sodas, a bottle of wine, and all kinds of googies times 6. I would make a gift basket for each. The theme of the basket was a movie day. I figure, after Christmas dinner each family could seat and watch the movie while enjoying the goodies of the basket. Incredibly, I would only spend $150-$200 bucks!! Now, I just sent stingy gift cards inside a Christmas card. it was fun making those baskets. I can't afford to buy a gift for each one of my nieces and nephews. I have 8 and three of those are picky teenagers!
how fun!!! I hate gift cards, but they are slightly better than cash. I like gifts. If someone gave me cash,I'd spent it on utilities or something practical. At least a gift card forces me to spend money at a certain place!
I had my last minute WalMart moment the night before Thanksgiving, when I realized that by brother-in-law's birthday gift had never arrived (the item was no longer available). Last minute shopping in WalMart is no fun. He got some chocolate and the promise of a better Christmas gift.
I have done some online shopping but do prefer to get out to the local stores to not only help them out but to also feel that Christmas Spirit. I absolutely try to avoid last minute shopping. My husband loves it and spends Christmas Eve buying all his gifts he needs to get. I freak out if its not done before then. :)
I love the movie basket idea! Those sound fun...and cheap for those of us on a budget. Hmmm... *whirring mind*
Anymore, I usually ask for books or a gift card for a book store. Seriously, I want of nothing else. lol...
But, yes, I love shopping. I'm one of the crazies that goes out on Black Friday. However, the past couple of years, I've had no one to go with me, so it hasn't been as fun. :)
RAlene, all the things I can think of are books!!! Lots and lots of books!
I also want a grow lamp for my poor indoor plants...they die every winter, I cant' get them enough sunlight.
I love Christmas shopping too. There's just something about spending money that makes me happy! lol. I love buying things I know my kids will die over. I'm on a budget too. Hate that! But it's better than sweating after Christmas is over!
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