Saturday, December 19, 2015

5 days until Christmas

How did get to be less than a week before Christmas?  We are no where near ready.

Gifts this year are sparce.  Each kid is basically getting one large gift that is from grandparents, uncle, and us.  They are each getting a lap top.  Santa is bringing headphones and a mouse.   And we got them each books, and one other small thing.  And that is it.  While our kids are not materialistic, they have never seen this little under the tree.  It will be interesting to see the reaction.

My mother in law decided against gifts this year and opted to give cash to be used at our discretion for whatever we want, as long as there is something from her for the kids under the tree.  We decided to save the rest toward a few days at the beach next summer.

My parents are basically tacking their names on the lap top.  They still haven't gotten the kids a birthday gift from August.  They said, as of yesterday, that they will give us X dollars toward the lap top....but we will see if the money ever materializes.  The whole Hanukkah/Christmas issue is getting in the way with them.  Whatever.  If we don't put their name on the gift, it will cause more issues.

I had a few other ideas for the kids, but we have more or less run out of time.  I may try and do something on Monday.  But if not....they will have next to nothing under the tree.

I really wanted this Christmas to be extra nice, to make up for last year.  But we can't pull it off.  We are still unpacking and dealing with move stuff.  I can't do it all.  Even dinner this year will be smaller than in the past.

I know this year is really more about being together.  But it is very hard to embrace this at the moment.  This isn't home yet.  We are not really settled yet.  Half the traditions we do haven't happened.

It just isn't there yet, but the calendar won't wait.  I am spending the weekend trying to clean up all the loose stuff....trying to get to the point where we can look around and not cringe.

We just aren't there yet.

14 comments:

  1. What????? Next to nothing????? They are each getting a laptop!! They should be delighted. 'Nuff said.

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    1. They won't be overly excited about it. We got it mostly because of school and fighting over use of family computer.

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    2. Well, to be honest, I detest getting electronics for gifts....they are a need, not a want, and so impersonal. One year, DH got me a laptop. I was heartbroken, and returned it. Very unflattering bit about me but there it is. I would rather be given something personal, no matter how small. So would my kids. The laptop year, a friend who was downsizing, gave me some Christmas crystal candle holders I always admired. I was so touched.
      How about you get them each a special ornament to commemorate the move? Or new bed sheets for their rooms? (Stuff of that ilk?) Just tell the twins that Monday, they are left to their own devices, and nust allow you to go out and about!

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  2. It will come together, Merry Christmas.

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  3. That is plenty. Our kids get three gifts each plus what's in their stockings. And a laptop is an expensive gift. Don't sweat it mama.

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    1. We usually get them 3-4 things, but then get several things from Nannie, and 2 things from my parents, and a few things from Uncle. In total...they will have 3-4......vs what they usually get.


      Lap top wasn't overly expensive. Yes, more expensive as an individual item than what they usually get. But since it was a joint gift, each person actually spent less.

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  4. I am living for the day where I can buy a token gift and send a check. How lazy is that? Have a Merry Christmas!

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  5. I'm sorry, I'm a little confused. Are they getting one laptop to share or a laptop for each child?

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  6. First off, I think everyone's choice in gift buying/spending - especially for Christmas and birthdays! - is personal and can't be compared across the board.
    We have had some major financial setbacks (right before Thanksgiving my husband was laid off) and have had to cut the presents under the tree for our kids as well. So I understand your agnst = especially since you had a MOVE in there too!
    Try not to stress out about it and focus on the fact that your family is back together again. The klds are more likely to remember that this year rather than what's under the tree.
    P.S. I'm hoping MY kids remember the great holiday season we had with a less stressed father than what's under the tree here!

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    1. I am so sorry about the lay-off. But you sound like it may have been for the good for Dad!

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    2. thank you! Absolutely and it's something that the kids recognize!!!

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  7. We moved the first week of December also. Our lives are in partially unpacked boxes and also nothing is ready for xmas. My kids are much younger than yours. They are 3,2 and 9 months. I work 2 jobs so my time to accomplish things is limited and DH tries but I usually spend more time fixing it than it would have taken to just do it myself. I finally decided the house has to go on hold till after xmas. I went out shopping and made sure my kids would have the couple things they asked for when they saw santa. Now the only thing left is to bake cookies for them to frost for Santa which my 3 year says is "extra impotant"I will probably be baking at midnight tonite but it is important to him so I will do my best to make it happen. We do the best we can as parents all the time and that is what your kids will remember when they look back as adults. Have a Merry Xmas and enjoy your children at the end of the day that is what will make you smile.

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    1. Isn't the partially unpacked boxes just delightful??? NOT!

      You are totally smart to put a moratorium on unpacking and just enjoy the holiday. I did that one day and put up some decorations, just to make it feel better. We also bake for Santa...we do it Christmas Eve morning (just sugar cookies) and we decorate them as a family after dinner. The kids each pick one for Santa. We make "reindeer dust" to attract the reindeer (crushed cheerios, oatmeal, and some colored sugar or glitter). And yes..at 13 they both still think these are important things to do. We all get new jammies for Christmas Eve, and we watch a holiday movie together (The last few years it has been A Christmas Story). All of that will still happen.

      You enjoy your holiday and kiddos as well!

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