tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post2831021572129009324..comments2023-09-02T07:09:34.264-04:00Comments on Digging Out From Our Mess: Holiday ShoppingMystihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496508600320205581noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-13465401897035035152012-11-27T10:06:24.875-05:002012-11-27T10:06:24.875-05:00Mysti--I feel for you. Family relationships are ha...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! Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02245921501363936089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-51124949082423108452012-11-27T10:01:01.771-05:002012-11-27T10:01:01.771-05:00Wow! I think you are being a bit harsh on Mysti. P...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. Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02245921501363936089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-2497226246577675692012-11-26T22:27:52.928-05:002012-11-26T22:27:52.928-05:00Why...what would I do without your sage advice...Why...what would I do without your sage advice...Mystihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17496508600320205581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-46389951816643447812012-11-26T21:36:09.623-05:002012-11-26T21:36:09.623-05:00I guess I am still having a hard time believing al...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!Angiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00776331446504960637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-38414590982556624232012-11-26T16:58:47.022-05:002012-11-26T16:58:47.022-05:00No baking. We have 2 gluten-free people...one on ...No baking. We have 2 gluten-free people...one on a diet to lose weight....and one who does Paleo Diet. Mystihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17496508600320205581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-20271208532945976132012-11-26T16:57:07.154-05:002012-11-26T16:57:07.154-05:00Nope....all of these people do field work. We hav...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.Mystihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17496508600320205581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-48465646788343224072012-11-26T16:54:55.455-05:002012-11-26T16:54:55.455-05:00I have no idea why he is being a pain. I am "...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.Mystihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17496508600320205581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-90704995331561995532012-11-26T15:13:09.852-05:002012-11-26T15:13:09.852-05:00I guess I'm not the only one in the parents...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! Taniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11075300256482920618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-39459751123568259912012-11-26T14:53:20.627-05:002012-11-26T14:53:20.627-05:00For work, maybe just have a Holiday potluck lunch ...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.maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10385007421759239647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-62950180339624041872012-11-26T12:12:20.523-05:002012-11-26T12:12:20.523-05:00Is G-Man's being a pain because he wants to re...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.Annehueserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10933138074579131499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-11510151154739758702012-11-26T12:09:03.427-05:002012-11-26T12:09:03.427-05:00Hmmmm, we don't exchange gifts at my office, b...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? <br /><br />I would have the kids make a craft to the parents, & call it a day. <br /><br />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. ;-) Hawaii Plannerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04760426766801381563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-29858149538903641022012-11-26T11:18:12.528-05:002012-11-26T11:18:12.528-05:00For work, can you suggest a White Elephant or &quo...For work, can you suggest a White Elephant or "Dirty Santa" gift exchange? Everyone buys one gift, everyone goes home with one gift. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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...<br /><br />Happy Holidays to you & your family.jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13065964843746001688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-89246753728240521002012-11-26T10:55:24.254-05:002012-11-26T10:55:24.254-05:00I will probably at least send a card. This family...I will probably at least send a card. This family stuff is so hard....<br /><br />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. :)Mystihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17496508600320205581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8465887551310827456.post-71669385803863282012012-11-26T10:17:35.928-05:002012-11-26T10:17:35.928-05:00Here are my two suggestions for your parents. 1-do...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.<br />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. <br />Obviously I don't know all the dynamics, but I don't think I would do any more than that.<br />Now, will you come decorate my house? :) I am so not in the mood to drag it all out. <br />Maybe if I listen to enough Christmas music, I will find the desire?? :)jadellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02056675217243161231noreply@blogger.com