Christmas is Upon Us!

Christmas is getting so close. I can hardly believe that the month seems like it's flying by! It is already the 7th and this weekend is FULL of parties and activities, and next week we make the trek up to Michigan for our Christmas celebration. I am quickly starting and finishing projects that I thought I had weeks to finish. But, really, no time at all.

So, as we get close to christmas, let me just say that it is the 7th, and I am DONE Christmas shopping. And almost done wrapping. My kids gifts were bought before the month had even started. For the past couple of years, my husband has been on me to "tone it down" with the gifts. Each year I have the best of intentions, and instead of sticking to a gift limit, I keep to a budget, which with lower prices each year, I find a way to get them TONS of stuff within our budget. So, this year, we decided to stick to a gift limit for our kids. We decided initially that we would give 3 gifts from Santa, and 1 from us. Then it was lowered to 2 gifts from Santa and one from us, and now it has turned into 3 gifts from us (plus a stocking with candies and a couple small trinket toys). Nothing "officially" from Santa except a stocking of small things.

Our kids have so much and get SO much from other people (you'd think our family was gigantic with the amount of things they come home with), and it really isn't neccessary for them to have stuff just to have stuff. And to be perfectly honest, I really wasn't impressed with the toy offering and sales out there this year. There wasn't a list of toys our kids wanted and I just didn't feel like I needed to spend tons of money to get them everything I thought they might like. I am so excited for Christmas this year... for our kids to open the 2 gifts we are taking with us (1 large gift will be left home due to space in the car) and give them time to open them and play with them. It will be so nice.

I recently have seen several people post on FB the 4 gift guideline... 1 gift they want, 1 gift they need, 1 gift they wear and 1 gift they read. I think that is a great rule of thumb. And I think ours follow that guideline... sort of like "name that tune"... I can follow that guideline in 3 gifts! :) HAHA!

Have you noticed a significant difference in the way you give gifts in the last year or two?