Friday, December 17, 2010

Christmas shopping tips..



I really do not like shopping during the holidays!!

I'm not Scrooge nor the Grinch..
Living in one of the most beautiful places on earth has it's drawbacks..

as many flock to the mountains for snow related activities..



I dread driving in snow and icy conditions..

or dealing with crowded malls and stores..

unruly children are the worst..

next to frazzled moms dealing with both the kids and all of the above..
Christmas shopping on the high street
At this time of year, I'm sitting inside, sipping hot yumminess,

 listening to beautiful Christmas music as I wrap presents



watching through the windows the gently falling snow..

Felines are asleep, on the keyboard, under my desk and behind me in the chair..
My gifts are simple..throughout the year,
I purchase items attuned to each individual's preferences..
While also preparing a Memory book of Photos for each family..

some gifts are photos individually framed..

have also started a new book of Birthdays,complete with cards..
for the young ladies.. a purse filled with perfume, jewelry etc..
for the smallest girlies..Barbies..
Special Edition Pink Box Christmas Holiday Barbie Dolls


and playdough with new Crayons, Markers and coloring books.

Sports related Tees/sweats/caps are welcomed by the fellas of all ages..

Shop By League
this year, we cashed in our rewards points from Amex for GIFT CARDS!

each family gets a card for family dinner at their favorite restaurant!!

For those out of towners,
 we chose GASOLINE  cards and plain Visa cards to spend as they choose.

When many are charging their credit card to the max ..
creating more debt, stress and headaches for 2011..
we have eliminated  two of the three by planning ahead:
setting a budget ..
mailing cards and packages early..

and remembering the  reason for the season!!

Enjoy all  the magic of the holiday season!!

5 comments:

  1. Excellent plan, well thought out and executed. Memory books are wonderful gifts and treasured for a lifetime. I don't get into the whole shopping thing, make it or bake, that's my motto for Christmas, except for a few special items already wrapped and ready to go. Relaxing, that's my idea of a holiday.

    Sounds as though you're enjoying the holidays and that's the way it should be. I have no doubt your Christmas will be filled with friends, family and love. Enjoy every minute! (Then get on out here to the beach, the weather is lovely again.)

    Holiday Hugs and a Very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  2. Oh my! You packed a lot into this post! Great! I like your ideas! That last one is what I'm trying to stay focused on!

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  3. It sounds like you've got your priorities straight, Loui, and are ready to relax and enjoy the fun and meaningful part of the holidays.

    Best wishes to you and your family for a Happy Christmas, and all the best in the coming year.

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  4. I love your ideas for gifts! I am going to try to remember these for next year!

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  5. My holiday shopping tip is to shop online. I cannot stand the crowds and the chaos.

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welcome to my world of salty sunkissed breezes..
where time is not measured..
linger leisurely..
sift sugary white sand between your toes..
Make and take those wonderful memories..
leaving behind..only your footprints...