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The Christmas/Holiday Shopping Procrastinator Club

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YadaYadaYada

YadaYadaYada

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Usually we have all our shopping done by now but as of this morning we still have several people to shop for, including our two kids :eek-2: DH is having major trouble at work and has been actively looking for a new job so Christmas got put on the back burner.

So we are trying to figure out how to get it all done by essentially tomorrow morning fingers crossed! I remember growing up my aunt used to shop on Christmas Eve every year, we all thought she was crazy but it seemed to work for her:

Anyone else in this club? If so is it just a matter of getting to the store because you know what you need to get, or are you at a loss for gifts for the people remaining?
 
We were always the family that Christmas shopped all year long and usually had everything done by October or at the latest Thanksgiving (stocking stuffers and such). Not to mention the house is usually decorated the day after Thanksgiving. Due to a health problem this year I'm still shopping and baking for Christmas, and minimal decorations went up.
 
Wait! What? Christmas? Is that soon? :eek2:

That would be a 'yes, please' to club membership.

Other stuff has made it hard to get in the Christmas spirit this year, but will be kicking into high gear before my DD and Son-in-Law (SIN?) arrive on Saturday.

One of the things making it hard this year is the fact that my boyfriend's son, who I've known since he was 10, is on his first deployment overseas with the military. Concern about him makes it hard to get in gear. Health issues with loved ones is also a factor. But some stuff is out of our control, and I will have both of my children and my son-in-law here.
 
Decorate? I have to Decorate!!? Oh gee!

FM
 
SurfFL said:
We were always the family that Christmas shopped all year long and usually had everything done by October or at the latest Thanksgiving (stocking stuffers and such). Not to mention the house is usually decorated the day after Thanksgiving. Due to a health problem this year I'm still shopping and baking for Christmas, and minimal decorations went up.
Click to expand...

Sending wishes for improved health.
 
I still have to get gifts for my nieces and nephews (5) but I won’t be seeing them until after Christmas so I have some time.
I might not even be seeing them until after the New Years either so we will see.
I did decorate for Christmas but not as much as I usually do. I put up the trees but not the garlands and stuff. My son asked me last night where the “grass” on the stairs was but I told him we weren’t doing it this year.
 
SurfFL, sending you healing thoughts! The fact that you had something of that nature going on and still managed to get some decorating done speaks of strength. Wishing you health and happiness in the new year.

December-fire, I'm so sorry that your boyfriend's son is on deployment at the holidays, it must be hard not having everyone there at this time of year. I hope that you will have a wonderful holiday in spite of that.

Finley's, your sentiments about decorating echo mine about shopping for presents :lol:

An aside I just spoke to a former neighbor who moved recently because they lost their house to foreclosure. Her husband told her there is no money for Christmas dinner or to get her a present. Really puts things into perspective you know?
 
I am usually well prepared. This year, not prepared at all. I haven't even started wrapping which is a back breaking exercise for me. Also, we actually DID cut down on shopping/spending. We had to, which isn't the happiest feeling, but whatever, it's the thought that counts. Everyone has been sick, so baking fell by the wayside. Decorating was done, but decluttering is not. No idea what we're having for Christmas eve, day, or new years meals. This upsets my husband more than me. I don't care, but it makes him unhappy. Bah humbug indeed. I can't believe it'll all be over in a few days. I really dropped the ball this year!
 
I absolutely hate shopping, so I picked up things here and there online this year, and will buy gift cards Xmas eve probably. I honestly hate the obligation to give presents. I also hate receiving a bunch of crap I don’t want or need. My parents are super into making a big deal out of presents and that’s great for the granddaughters but I seriously wish my mother would stop buying every little thing she thinks I need. I do not have room for it, and I’d rather just enjoy being with family instead of having to do all the hullabaloo of presents. Bah humbug! :lol:
Yes, we have had the discussion of traveling instead of buying presents for each other. It never works out because by July my mother starts talking about how excited she is for Xmas and wait til I open what she got me. Every freakin year. I am an ungrateful grinch, aren’t I.
 
My aunt died unexpectedly on december 5, and she had outlived her husband and her child and had no grandchildren, so we nieces had to get together and plan her funeral, which took a week. Dh's birthday was also around then, so needless to say, i have no ornaments on my tree (her funeral was in new orleans so required travel) and no presents under it, though I do have a few to wrap.

I mainly have to get DH something, my daughter a few things and all my nieces and nephews. I'm giving my mom cash because that is what she needs.
 
First time in 39 years we will be alone this Christmas, so an easy one for us. DS and his g/f have already had their gifts (we saw them in Oct) We’re not bothering with gifts for each other, food shopping all done. I haven’t bothered putting up the tree, but put a few Christmassy things out.

We’ll be taking our girl out for a walk on Christmas Day, then we’ll be home eating and perhaps having a little drink.

I hope those going through tough times manage to enjoy the day, and hope the new year brings better things for you all.
 
I'm sitting here stalking Amazon tracking as the delivery driver keeps coming close, but not close enough, to my house. We aren't doing much and it's all last minute for sure!
 
Oh I am so in this boat!!! I'm normally much more prepared, but this year, yeah no. With finishing my master's Christmas has been on the back burner. I made a to do list, and yeah, its long. Haven't shopped for my 3 kids yet...we'll be doing that Saturday...am hoping to finish sewing stuff tomorrow....
 
Shopping this year has been meh...my two teens did not give me any good ideas (they said clothes but its almost impossible to buy for them because
they are so picky). I bought them some clothes but I'll probably end up taking most of it back after they open their gifts because its not the
right shade of blue or the shorts need to be an inch longer.... I've already told them that we can go shopping after xmas and they can pick out
their own clothes.

My older son on the other hand got some nice clothes. He works at a job he has to dress for so I was able to buy him dress clothes as well as
every day clothes. He is not that picky and looks good in almost anything. I think he will be pleased. He also said that he and his GF dont
have any spices and everything they cook is so bland (why dont they buy some you ask???) so I bought them several jars of common spices for
stocking stuffers=)2. She ran out of he Clinque foundation so I bought her some make up. Those two are fun and easy to shop for!

Nothing special for me or my DH...I just got a new phone (cracked my last one but it was getting old so it was time)...

So, I guess I'm done but I dont feel like I was that successful if that makes sense!
 
Lyra, you didn't let the ball drop at all and it is the thought that counts with gifts over the amount, although I know with kids this can be a tough concept. As far as decluttering in our house we celebrate Boxing Day the day after Christmas and clean out all our kids toys to donate and make more room for the new stuff. Something to consider.

Monarch, not ungrateful, practical! Yes my MIL buys my kids tons of presents some of them they can't even use (chemical laden body wash they have reactions to). It's just too much all around. Maybe we should start a new tradition exchange of wine instead of presents for the adults, that way it's practical and you get to try something new. Really what do most adults need anyway you know? It just becomes a wash when you buy someone a $20 gift and they give you a gift card of the same amount. Silly really.

Whitewave, so sorry to hear about your aunt! It's been a tough year for so many, illness, death, job loss, it's just a bad year I think for a lot of people.

Austina, you have the best plan by far, a nice relaxing day and a walk with the dog, sounds lovely.

Rhea, I hope your packages made it to you safely! I know you practically have to stalk them wth those darn package thieves. It's ridiculous.

Cozystiches, congrats on finishing up your master's, that is a great accomplishment! Honestly I hear you about the kids, we would be shopping Saturday but my SIL is coming to visit in the morning so we have to get it done before then.

Tyty, the teens are so hard, it's like you want to get them something but their ideas are so different from ours lol! I'm glad at least your son and his gf are fun to shop for, it should be fun right? As far as feeling successful, I'm with you, some years are better than others. Kids are hard especially as they get older and their expectations mature, my three year old is so easy but my ten year old...not so much.
 
@monarch64 , good point about not having room for "stuff". That was kind of the theme this year, in my head. I specifically didn't ask for anything, as I have something I want to buy next year. My kids are grown and they have no room for anything that doesn't serve a good purpose. They picked out 3 items of clothing each. Our tradition is to give everyone new pajamas and either a movie or board game for Christmas Eve. Besides that, I just got them stocking stuffers they asked for, some fine chocolates, and 2 gift cards they specified. It sounds like a lot, but it's really not.
 
Lyra, thank you for mentioning pajamas because we get the kids pajamas to wear Christmas Eve and I totally forgot this year until I saw your comment!
 
I am considered by family and friends a “professional shopper” (ha ha) and all my Christmas shopping is done by October. I even have a supply of “spare gifts” for that awkward moment when someone unexpected turns up with a gift for us /me. In fact, friends and family cocerce me into doing their shopping as well.
And my gifts are often clever sleuthing, my daughter bemoaned the fact that she never found to purchase a particular LEGO set which obviously is now not in shops - but of course I tracked one down. It’s under the tree and I’m so excited to be giving it to her. In fact, that’s what I love best about giving presents. I love the search, the comparison, the bargain hunting and the joy when my gift hits the spot.
 
I still need to buy something for my brother's fiancé! I asked him what she would like and he basically shrugged! Ugh! So, I'm still over here wracking my brain! If anyone has suggestions, she's 33 and into Crossfit and outdoorsy activities!
 
Bron, you sound a lot like my husband with the thrill of the hunt and satisfaction of getting that perfect gift. It's such a good idea to have a gift stash too. I'm glad you found that unicorn for your daughter, she will be so excited!
 
I have half of my grocery list missing and there will be carnage at the shops but I haven't addressed this yet! I do however have a giant ham in the fridge! We shall cope somehow!

I am done with all the presents though! Which is weird since I am terrible with presents normally!
 
Mellow, I couldn't find my list either so I just went and did the best I could. It was so crazy, could hardly move down the aisles!! Ham sound delish! :lickout:
 
Finally, going to start cleaning the house!
Now, where is the vacuum kept. ;)2
 
Finished! Or at least I believe I am. I had a mini-breakdown but there's a tree up with a light dusting of decorations. I've been to the grocery. There's at least 1 gift for everyone I'll see on Christmas day. Poke me with a fork, I'm done, no matter what anyone else says.
 
I haven't done the wrapping. I'm exhausted this week. It was an off week healthwise. It'll all come together somehow or other. It always does.

I have a conundrum. Not looking for an answer, just wanting to vent. I bought DH something very sentimental in memory of his late father. I know he's missing him so much this year. I want to put a note with it, but don't know what to say. I'm thinking on it. That's definitely part of my procrastination this year. It's his second Christmas without his dad, but his family is doing worse off emotionally this year. I get it, I've been through it too. /vent
 
December Fire, I think my husband could have wrote that post :lol-2:

Rhea, glad you got everything done, now you can sit back and really enjoy and maybe indulge in some yummy seasonal treats.

Lyra, I'm sure he will love it, sending good vibes your way to help you find the right words for your special gift to him.
 
Thanks @StephanieLynn . I actually got motivated and got it all done. Whew.
 
LadyMCh said:
I still need to buy something for my brother's fiancé! I asked him what she would like and he basically shrugged! Ugh! So, I'm still over here wracking my brain! If anyone has suggestions, she's 33 and into Crossfit and outdoorsy activities!
Click to expand...
Gift cards to Athleta or Lululemon, shaker bottles, workout gloves, and maybe some Paleo snacks (many crossfitters are in to Paleo eating). Hth!
 
Despite weather-related delays, my wonderful daughter and son-in-law and one of their cats arrived safely! :appl:

Today, the sun is shining, yesterday's delivery of fresh snow is sparkling, and Christmas is tomorrow! :dance:

Whatever doesn't get done between now and then is not a big deal. Its a time to focus on what matters in life, not about trying to ensure every gift, every food item, every decoration is 'perfect'.

Merry Christmas to all of you and your families! =)2
 
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