Thread: Everyday Chatting and Waffling - DECEMBER Let's get to know each other more!

[FormbyGirl]

I am a few days late getting this started....

It is hard to believe December is upon us and only a few weeks left for Christmas. How are we all doing with decorations, trees and presents?

And if you don't celebrate Christmas, but celebrate something else, tell us all about that and the decorations and fun events that surround it.

And if you don't celebrate, then tell us what you are up to in your life! We are interested. It is the gathering of friends and the sharing of experiences that make this such a special place.

 

[AJsRandom]

I've got all the decorations up, including the lights, the tree, the mini houses, the stockings, and the poinsettias. I've got a few of the presents, but need to wrap them and send them out. I need to order others. I am way behind this year.

 

[FormbyGirl]

I've got all the decorations up, including the lights, the tree, the mini houses, the stockings, and the poinsettias. I've got a few of the presents, but need to wrap them and send them out. I need to order others. I am way behind this year.

I live behind! I make family calendars every year and I got those ready to print. I just have to bind them now. I also do single page office ones that are about 1/2 done. Our gifts this year are those of Time, Talent or Treasure. Spend time with someone, make something for someone or find something you own that they would LOVE. Last year, I gave my husband two shelves of my bookcase, watching a TV show with him that I don't enjoy and listening to one of his theories with FASCINATION for 15 minutes. It was the best Christmas ever. We liked it so much, we are doing it again.

This is the family calendar from last year The pages are 5x7, and they cost .59c each at Costco. But it still makes a pretty inexpensive gift across the whole family. It is less than $8 for a really useful gift.

 

[FormbyGirl]

We are all decorated for Christmas, though

 

[msbrad]

Happy December.
Im behind everything, as usual. G’kiddo’s spent the night the day after thanksgiving and we put up the tree.
ive been sewing like mercy, trying to complete a comforter set for my granddaughter ( getting her big girl bed).
plus other sewing gifts.
Still need more scrapping to catch up.
m

 

[Heidi1472]

We are all decorated for Christmas, though

I'm slightly jealous! I put up the wreath on the front door and put Thanksgiving decorations away today. Yep, behind is my middle name these days.

 

[3BluEyedBabies]

We have two trees up and decorated; one in the living room and one in the playroom with all the kids' ornaments! The outside of the house is all decorated {had to fix some lights that blew out yesterday}, and most of the inside is done. I want to add a few more things to my kitchen. We are hosting Christmas Eve at our house this year, and it's probably not nice to say {but I feel y'all might know what I'm talking about here!}, but knowing *certain* family who will be coming over, I always have to keep in mind that they are known for breaking things from their lack of appropriate behavior, and so I have to plan accordingly!!

I went shopping with my mom yesterday, which was a lot of fun. I personally didn't have the funds to buy anything this week, so I was along for moral support {HA HA!} and to help give suggestions. She has 8 grand kids to buy for so till she was done we had two full carts, plus she bought a 5 foot artificial tree! We went for a quick lunch and just had a lot of fun chatting and being together. Of course, now I'm going to have to help put up that tree and most likely she'll rope me into helping her clean her house in preparation for the holidays!! Did I mention she just bought a German Shepard puppy?? He's been a bit of a handful so far, so I hope he doesn't destroy her new tree!

My husband and I still have quite a bit of shopping to do; hopefully we can get a bunch done this weekend...anyone want to babysit my three kids for me?!

And of course, I guess I need to start baking cookies since everyone in my house keeps asking when we are going to start. And all I really want to do is scrap!!

 

[FormbyGirl]

I'm slightly jealous! I put up the wreath on the front door and put Thanksgiving decorations away today. Yep, behind is my middle name these days.

They (they being everyone who knows me well!) actually call me "Last Minute Lynnie!" I get the decorations up early, but I stay up all Christmas night getting the gifts wrapped.

We have two trees up and decorated; one in the living room and one in the playroom with all the kids' ornaments! ...And of course, I guess I need to start baking cookies since everyone in my house keeps asking when we are going to start. And all I really want to do is scrap!!

Sounds like you have quite a lot going on here. How lovely to help your mum that much - she sounds like a delightful handful herself I know what you mean about in appropriate behaviour. We have had such a lot broken by kids with no boundaries. I always tell myself that they are just things, but that should be saved for accidents, not sheer carelessness. Cookies? YUM! I really understand the need to just SCRAP. Fortunately, I make scrapping part of Christmas gifts, so I get my fix in... I would offer to babysit, but you might live close and then take me up on it, haha!

 

[Cherrylej]

Hello December! I cant believe that 11 months has already passed us. But since it's Christmas decoration month, I did some decorating with our Christmas tree. Took photos of my daughter as she hangs the first decor on the tree, and asked (pestered actually hehe) my husband to hang the lights outside. He told me this weekend because we were busy at church too.

 

[BoomersGirl]

Tree has been up since before Thanksgiving. Yard and house decorated. About 90% of presents bought and are wrapped as they arrive.

 

[FormbyGirl]

Hello December! I cant believe that 11 months has already passed us. But since it's Christmas decoration month, I did some decorating with our Christmas tree. Took photos of my daughter as she hangs the first decor on the tree, and asked (pestered actually) my husband to hang the lights outside. He told me this weekend because we were busy at church too.

It takes so much time and effort to decorate, but it is so worth it!

Tree has been up since before Thanksgiving. Yard and house decorated. About 90% of presents bought and are wrapped as they arrive.

Lori, you are way too organized! Ah, but at least you have time to design! THAT is a good thing!

 

[lilholmes6]

I said I was going to get my decorations up this week, but I honestly don't know if I will. I have got almost all of my shopping done, but none of it wrapped yet. Maybe I'll shoot for this weekend to get the decorations up...

 

[Heidi1472]

Tree has been up since before Thanksgiving. Yard and house decorated. About 90% of presents bought and are wrapped as they arrive.

Wow! I am in awe! Want to come and help me for a few days? :36_1_11:

 

[Alta2014]

Lynn I think every family has a family member that we have to prepare for when they visit... LOL

Lynnie your busy as usual, I love the calendars. That's a great idea...

We have everything pretty well done here, decorating done, cookies that can be made ahead of time are done, just a few presents yet to take care of...

Feeling much better, finally feeling more like myself, it seems the older I get the longer it takes me to fight off sickness... When I was younger I hardly ever got sick, now it seems like every month something is happening, never has sinus issues now I do all the time... crazy

Well i need to get some scrapping done been slacking the last couple weeks, I haven't done 1 challenge yet this month.... So you all stay warm and dry, and I will be back soon....

 

[FormbyGirl]

I said I was going to get my decorations up this week, but I honestly don't know if I will. I have got almost all of my shopping done, but none of it wrapped yet. Maybe I'll shoot for this weekend to get the decorations up...

Impressive having anything done so early in December, haha. They really do call me Last Minute Lynnie. I do my decorations right after Thanksgiving, but only because my husband is a slave driver (and does most of the work!) I just fix what he does. Then he fixes my stuff. It is symbiotic.

Wow! I am in awe! Want to come and help me for a few days?

Maybe we can all take turns.

Lynn I think every family has a family member that we have to prepare for when they visit... LOL

Lynnie your busy as usual, I love the calendars. That's a great idea...

We have everything pretty well done here, decorating done, cookies that can be made ahead of time are done, just a few presents yet to take care of...

Feeling much better, finally feeling more like myself, it seems the older I get the longer it takes me to fight off sickness... When I was younger I hardly ever got sick, now it seems like every month something is happening, never has sinus issues now I do all the time... crazy

Well i need to get some scrapping done been slacking the last couple weeks, I haven't done 1 challenge yet this month.... So you all stay warm and dry, and I will be back soon....

I want to scrap my heart out! I will get a half day due to the presidential day of mourning, but I really need to get working on Christmas. SO glad you are feeling a little better, though.

 

[Alta2014]

Hello Everyone! Hope your all warm and dry where ever you are... It cloudy and cold here, but warm and toasty in the house... Dog are happier they got to run outside today for a bit... I have been slacking on my challenges this month, I need to get on that... I haven't been happy with the layouts I have made... redoing some... but will figure it out... LOL I guess I'm in one of those slumps... Well you all take care and I'll be back soon... :hi

 

[lilholmes6]

Hello Everyone! Hope your all warm and dry where ever you are... It cloudy and cold here, but warm and toasty in the house... Dog are happier they got to run outside today for a bit... I have been slacking on my challenges this month, I need to get on that... I haven't been happy with the layouts I have made... redoing some... but will figure it out... LOL I guess I'm in one of those slumps... Well you all take care and I'll be back soon... :hi

Morning Alta! I've been going great guns on my challenges, but haven't gotten anything else done, LOL! I'm allowing myself a little while today to work and then I'm putting up Christmas decorations while my hubby is home for the weekend. I did a LO of my mom this morning and it mad me sad so I've got to get out of this room and do something else anyway. I'll be back and in a happier mood after the decorations are put up. Have a great day everyone!

 

[FormbyGirl]

I actually don't do challenges - I get so busy that it is beyond my capabilities to sort out challenges and remember to do them and get them in, record them, put them in a thread and actually keep track for the cumulative prizes. I try to be so good with most things, but that is beyond me Isn't that funny!

I have all decorations up, I have Christmas cards designed, printed, cut, folded and envelopes addressed and stamped. Now I am working on writing them. I like to write personal messages to everyone, like a little letter, so it is pretty time consuming.

I am also working on crafting Christmas presents. The last few years we have done gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure for Christmas. They have been wonderful gifts that are low cost and perfect - a picnic, two shelves on a bookcase, watching a show, going to church with someone, etc., a home wine and paint night.... I have never enjoyed opening gifts as much.

Anyone have any innovative ideas I can steal?

 

[AJsRandom]

I guess everyone is wrapped up in the hustle and bustle that prevails this time of year! What's everyone doing? Got all your plans and gifts finalized?

 

[Heidi1472]

At our house we do something called ThanksChristmas. I am not a fan of cooking so making Thanksgiving dinner and then having to do it again for Christmas is not a very merry idea at all. I also don't like to make my married kids choose between home and in laws so we pick a date somewhere between Thanksgiving and Christmas and have our family party. It was yesterday. It was fun! It was everything it was supposed to be. So now, it is relaxation time. Only 3 more days of school for my last kiddo. Husband has the rest of the year off. Shopping is mostly done. We are broke but happy.

What out of the ordinary do you do for the holidays?

 

[FormbyGirl]

At our house we do something called ThanksChristmas. I am not a fan of cooking so making Thanksgiving dinner and then having to do it again for Christmas is not a very merry idea at all. I also don't like to make my married kids choose between home and in laws so we pick a date somewhere between Thanksgiving and Christmas and have our family party. It was yesterday. It was fun! It was everything it was supposed to be. So now, it is relaxation time. Only 3 more days of school for my last kiddo. Husband has the rest of the year off. Shopping is mostly done. We are broke but happy.

What out of the ordinary do you do for the holidays?

What a GREAT tradition.

I am busy as an elf making presents and all kinds of stuff I have made calendars, candy wrappers, shirts, Christmas cards, videos and a million other things this year. I am going to nap when this is over

 

[beckie]

Love reading about everyone's traditions!

This year I was gone on international travel the two weeks right after Thanksgiving, and that's when I usually get my Christmas on. I was feeling pretty bad until we finally got our tree up last weekend. I decided to keep it pretty simple though, not a lot of other decorations around the house because that's just more stuff to put away later! lol. We have been listening to Christmas music when we are cooking or cleaning the house, and we've had "hot chocolate and movies" nights too!

It will really feel like Christmas when my parents get here in two days. My parents have been with us for every single Christmas since my oldest was born (she's 14). They're both 76, so I am savoring every moment we get with my parents and my kids together!

 

[lilholmes6]

I finally have all my decorations up. The house looks so christmasy! I’ve been playing Christmas music everyday. I still need to wrap my presents, but that’s about it. The kids that are coming will be here Christmas Eve. They’re only staying one day, but at least they’ll be here for that long. I’m going to make a big dinner for Christmas Day. I can’t wait!

 

[Sams Scraps]

Hi All Long time no post
Its just gone 12.40am here & I am waiting for photoshop to close, takes forever since I reloaded all my styles & extras
I have got Christmas lights up in the window but they have since fallen in behind the couch
Don't finish work until friday but then its 2 weeks holiday for me & the family
Hope you all have a great day, I am off to get a little bit of sleep

I am a few days late getting this started....

It is hard to believe December is upon us and only a few weeks left for Christmas. How are we all doing with decorations, trees and presents?

And if you don't celebrate Christmas, but celebrate something else, tell us all about that and the decorations and fun events that surround it.

And if you don't celebrate, then tell us what you are up to in your life! We are interested. It is the gathering of friends and the sharing of experiences that make this such a special place.

 

[FormbyGirl]

Love reading about everyone's traditions!

This year I was gone on international travel the two weeks right after Thanksgiving, and that's when I usually get my Christmas on. I was feeling pretty bad until we finally got our tree up last weekend. I decided to keep it pretty simple though, not a lot of other decorations around the house because that's just more stuff to put away later! lol. We have been listening to Christmas music when we are cooking or cleaning the house, and we've had "hot chocolate and movies" nights too!

It will really feel like Christmas when my parents get here in two days. My parents have been with us for every single Christmas since my oldest was born (she's 14). They're both 76, so I am savoring every moment we get with my parents and my kids together!

My mother has been with us every year since the kids were born, too. She is 90 now and a treasure. She is my real angel on the Christmas tree. I am blessed, she has lived with us since the children were born and is so amazing. Simple is good. Sometimes I crave simple, then realize I am an addict.... there is no such thing as too many lights.

I finally have all my decorations up. The house looks so christmasy! I’ve been playing Christmas music everyday. I still need to wrap my presents, but that’s about it. The kids that are coming will be here Christmas Eve. They’re only staying one day, but at least they’ll be here for that long. I’m going to make a big dinner for Christmas Day. I can’t wait!

I am playing a lot of Christmas music, watching Christmas movies and making presents. I am having such a good time.

Hi All Long time no post
Its just gone 12.40am here & I am waiting for photoshop to close, takes forever since I reloaded all my styles & extras
I have got Christmas lights up in the window but they have since fallen in behind the couch
Don't finish work until friday but then its 2 weeks holiday for me & the family
Hope you all have a great day, I am off to get a little bit of sleep

Nice to see you. Maybe behind the couch needed a little light and happiness. Maybe it felt neglected.

 

[Sams Scraps]

Ha Ha well they are staying there for now - all the sticky tab clips I put up fell off.
The heat the past week has been quite warm so they decided not to stick anymore - fixing them will be a job for the weekend, along with cleaning the house ready for christmas day
Have to slip out tonight & get the Christmas shopping done for the kids, I am so behind, I don't have anythig for them & I need to sort out the food for Christmas day too. As it is predicted to be quite warm we are just having cold meats & salad & swimming in the pool
Hope you are all having a wonderful day



Nice to see you. Maybe behind the couch needed a little light and happiness. Maybe it felt neglected.[/QUOTE]

 

[FormbyGirl]

Sam, you must live south of the equator! How hot is it? I can't imagine living somewhere where it is hot at Christmas. In Hawaii, though, they have Christmas carols like "Here comes Santa in his red canoe!"

You sounds as though you are very efficient at getting last minute stuff done for Christmas. I am working hard getting all my last minute stuff done too!

 

[Pachimac]

Shopping for the "latest greatest" in toys sucks!! LOL

Our daughter is into the game Fortnite and I can't find the action figures she wants anywhere in stock. I have to order them and they will arrive AFTER Christmas. Oh well. I guess it's clothes for her.

 

[lilholmes6]

My mother had a stroke this weekend. She lives with us, but I think it is time to look at nursing homes. I have been so excited this season and now I feel as though I'm swimming in darkness I want Christmas to be a happy event. We aren't making any decisions until after Christmas, but in the meantime Mom is a 24/7 job and I still have tons to do before the kids get here. I have convinced my brother to come so that's good. I don't mind helping my mom at all. I feel it's my privilege, but right now I feel so very overwhelmed. For those of you that pray, could you say a little prayer for me please? I don't want to put my mom in a nursing home, but I know I can't give her the care she needs now. Okay, I'm done rambling. sorry ladies...

 

[Alta2014]

My mother had a stroke this weekend. She lives with us, but I think it is time to look at nursing homes. I have been so excited this season and now I feel as though I'm swimming in darkness I want Christmas to be a happy event. We aren't making any decisions until after Christmas, but in the meantime Mom is a 24/7 job and I still have tons to do before the kids get here. I have convinced my brother to come so that's good. I don't mind helping my mom at all. I feel it's my privilege, but right now I feel so very overwhelmed. For those of you that pray, could you say a little prayer for me please? I don't want to put my mom in a nursing home, but I know I can't give her the care she needs now. Okay, I'm done rambling. sorry ladies...

So sorry your dealing with all this at Christmas time, I have worked in nursing homes for years, and it is so hard on the families, it's a hard job to take care of someone 24/7, so I totally understand. My mother lived with my sister up until the time she past, but I had 12 brothers and sisters and we all help to give each other breaks, but most families don't have that, and it's very hard when it's one or 2 doing it all... I will be praying for you and your family, and hope everything works out for the best for everyone. Just make sure you take care of yourself also, it takes a lot out of you when your trying to do it all... HUGS and May you and your family have a blessed Christmas...