Monday, November 26, 2012

Holiday Shopping

Now that we are officially past Black Friday.....people are in full swing for their holiday shopping.  Some of you shop all year long, and are sitting pretty right now.  Some of you will wait until a few days before the holiday, and do a marathon shopping.

Starting last year, I opened an ING account to save for our holiday shopping.   Each paycheck we have an auto debit to the account, and have it set up that by mid November, our account is funded.  Then I have a spreadsheet that lists ALL the costs of the season, with a budget number.  I have it set up so I can see what I have left in each person's allotment, so I know where I stand.  So far, it is working well.


I have ordered alot of items, and am waiting for their arrival.  I love getting boxes and packages!  I have gotten a few "have shipped" notices, so by the end of the week, I will have some wrapping to do.

Bossy's "gifts" are done....just need a few stocking stuffers.  Sassy is almost done.  I ordered something for her, then a catalog came and she loved other stuff.  So I will exchange what I got her.  Then she just needs 1 more thing, and stocking.  Technically, I have used their budget up...however, some other items came in under budget, so it gives me a little leeway.  Not ideal, but I am finding as they get older....their items are becoming pricier!  Next year will probably either need a larger budget, or less gifts (we did something you want, need, wear, read, and Santa).

Work is causing an issue.  As our company has grown so much this year, the number of staff has increased....alot!  Last year, I bought gifts for 3 women and Bossman.  This year, there are 10 women (and Boss).  We are trying to figure out the best way to handle it.  Some people have indicated that it is getting to expensive to buy for everyone (which I totally get).  I suggested picking names from a hat.   That didn't go over well.  I might just get dollar store mugs and decorate them, and put some candy or cocoa in it.  I am trying to keep it to Under $5 a gift, as some of my other ideas have not worked out.

G-man and I do exchange gifts, but in all honesty...I don't really want anything for ME.  I want house stuff, which unfortunately is not in the budget.  I would be perfectly happy with a small, token gift under the tree to open, and the rest going toward house projects (the deck, furniture, painting....).  G-man isn't thrilled with that.  He is really being a pain about it.  I get that HE wants stuff.....but I don't.  A few years ago, we started making a specific list of what we wanted/needed (to get around the problem of getting items that weren't quite right for one reason or another).  I have been avoiding making my list.....

The thorn in my side is regarding my parents.  I have basically cut off contact with them.  I don't want to send them anything.  It isn't appreciated or even liked.  Heck, we spent $1200 flying to see them....and Mom sat in her bedroom for 4 days.  I am leaning toward the kids making them something (which they have done before, and again....not good enough), and a note saying that due to our trip, we are cutting back.  No apology....that trip financially was not in the budget, and it is going to take awhile to pay it off. 

Lastly....decorations.  I do have a budget for decor.  I know I am going to do it....I might as well own it.  I would rather budget for it, than spend it and feel bad.  I bought a few things, but they didn't work out, so they have to go back.  I have to look at the bottom number, but I am pretty sure that my decor budget is gone at this point.  We were able to buy 2 new potted trees for the outside, some new lights, a tree for our kitchen (his name is Jacques....after Jacques Pepin) which will have homemade ornaments, and a few other little things here and there. 

So there you have it.....our shopping.  Hope you all (if you choose to participate in the shopping frenzy) are doing well too!

14 comments:

  1. Here are my two suggestions for your parents. 1-do nothing. you said you were done, and have cut them off, then cut them off.
    2-mail them a christmas card and wish them well this season. maybe even have the kids draw a picture to add to the envalope.
    Obviously I don't know all the dynamics, but I don't think I would do any more than that.
    Now, will you come decorate my house? :) I am so not in the mood to drag it all out.
    Maybe if I listen to enough Christmas music, I will find the desire?? :)

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    1. I will probably at least send a card. This family stuff is so hard....

      As for your decorating...if you aren't in the mood...then don't. You will resent it. We had a year that neither of us was in the mood. The tree got lights and bows, and that was it. Hang a wreath on the door, and call it a day. It really is ok. :)

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  2. For work, can you suggest a White Elephant or "Dirty Santa" gift exchange? Everyone buys one gift, everyone goes home with one gift.

    I agree with Jadell. If you have cut off your parents, then cut them off. I have a friend who hasn't spoken to her mother since before I met her, which is over 15 years now. She had to do it for her own sanity.

    The BF & I had agreed that going to a concert would be our Christmas gift, but now he wants something to open on Christmas Day. Good thing I still have a little money in my budget, and some Christmas money from my parents...

    Happy Holidays to you & your family.

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  3. Hmmmm, we don't exchange gifts at my office, but if you feel like you really need to do something, can you make muffins or a mini loaf of banana/zucchini bread for everyone? Cookies?

    I would have the kids make a craft to the parents, & call it a day.

    My husband & I agreed to set aside money throughout the year for more frequent lunch dates, rather than buying each other gifts. I love it, because we don't have to have a sitter for lunch dates, & it's so nice to reconnect & catch up during the week without little chatterboxes interrupting. ;-)

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    1. No baking. We have 2 gluten-free people...one on a diet to lose weight....and one who does Paleo Diet.

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  4. Is G-Man's being a pain because he wants to receive gifts or because he wants to give them? Maybe you could think of something for a part of the house you use more than anyone else, like the office or your bedroom. That way it would be for the house but also for you. As for your parents, if your kids want to make them something, that's fine. Otherwise, don't explain or comment, just send the card. I second the suggestion for work that everyone brings one gift and goes home with one gift, if not drawing names, maybe a grab bag.

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    1. I have no idea why he is being a pain. I am "guessing" it is because he wants to get gifts, and he would feel bad if I bought him stuff, and we put my "gift money" into the account for the other house stuff we would like to do.

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  5. For work, maybe just have a Holiday potluck lunch at work. Gets everyone together, it's fun, no one feels guilty about costs/quality of gifts. People can make food or buy it, if cooking isn't their thing.

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    1. Nope....all of these people do field work. We have discussed potluck in years past, but that would mean people would have to have food in their cars for hours in the morning. Plus, we don't have a fridge to store it. And one small microwave for reheating. People would have to come to the office early (which may not even be in the direction of their clients). So pot luck is out.

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  6. I guess I'm not the only one in the parents' boat. I'd say send them a card with best wishes. Nothing personal. Have the kids sign it and that's that. Onto the next challenge!

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  7. I guess I am still having a hard time believing all of your spending. You don't even have a decent couch to sit on and yet, you are spending money on things like trees and decorations. You shouldn't be spending money at all on co-workers. That's ridiculous. Who needs another mug with junk in it! That is a waste of your precious money and will probably be thrown away within a week! I'm sorry, but I find your priorities skewed. Buy gifts for your children, tell your husband to suck it up, use the decor you already have, send your parents a card and a nice holiday picture of the kids and put the rest in savings! Dang! It's not that complicated!

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    1. Why...what would I do without your sage advice...

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    2. Wow! I think you are being a bit harsh on Mysti. Personally I think she has done a great job in being responsible for the holidays by saving up through the year. Sounds to me like she is trying to have a great Christmas but is being stressed by the little stuff---like most people with a big heart. I am sure that in the end she will figure it out without the "advice" that you are giving her. From the outside your suggestions may look good to you, but it is her life your grinchy suggestions just won't work.

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  8. Mysti--I feel for you. Family relationships are hard. I cut off my mom's side of the family a few years ago and it still is a thorn in my side with the guilt that they are family, etc. I have found somewhat of a solution in that I send a card to my mom's sister and that is it. My grandma died a few years ago and I went to the funeral as a way of saying goodbye to that side of the family. I still send the card to my aunt because I grew up believing that you respect your elders whether you like them or not. Send your parents a card and then enjoy the holidays with your kids and G-man. As for the gifts for G-man, I am in the same boat with my hubby. Not sure yet what I will do. As for the co-workers gift, could you take the money you were going to spend on stuff and make a charity donation and then give them a card saying this is their gift. Just another suggestion. Do what you think is best for you!

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