The Madness is Over…
Thursday, December 27, 2007 7:51Christmas is over and while we were far from the $100 holiday, we are still debt-free and able to pay our bills come Jan. 1. So, I am happy about that. It was a difficult shopping year. I really had a hard time buying things, especially toys, because I know how they end up. My test for toys this year was to not buy anything that I knew I’d be sweeping off the floor in July and throwing away! That’s difficult with a three-year-old, because there is just so much that I know he’d get a momentary thrill out of. While I did buy him some cheap, plastic crap - it was crap I knew he’d love - race cars and in particular, anything with Lightning McQueen. He’s in love with that movie and race cars in general. Also, rocket ships - so he received several versions of flying vehicles.
For the big guys though, the presents were tiny, but expensive. It really bums me out to spend $350 at a place like Best Buy and only get a tiny little bag out of the deal. I feel like I should have had bags and bags of stuff - but an iPod Nano and a Sony Netcam are little items. Fortunately, the boys just loved them! And the teens just wanted the cash to blow as they see fit. So, that’s what I did. Christmas is, after all, for making a few wishes come true!
My wish was to get out of it with my sanity intact and no stress about keeping the lights on. Mission accomplished (well, the lights will stay on, anyway…:-)
Stephanie in AR says:
December 27th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
I’d like to suggest Geotracks train set for the little one. We started buying the different sets almost 5 years ago and the old stuff still looks great. Only two sections have broken–they are not always picked up as well I’d like. The different sets run in price from $5.00 up to $40 for a starter. Of course all the different settings (ocean, mine, forrest) fit together. Some engines are battery operated but do not eat them the way other toys can. All in all it is not too bad for something durable that hands-down too.
CLM says:
December 28th, 2007 at 5:21 am
I only bought my 3 children and two grandchildren (ages 13 - 23 years) one gift each this year. It made a tremendous difference in how I felt about Christmas, I felt more stress free and I gave them all gifts they wanted or could use. They were very happy with the gifts, although I totally understand how you felt about the Nano, I felt the same way, little package, big price!
CLM says:
December 28th, 2007 at 5:22 am
Oops, I meant my children are 13-23, my grandchildren are 3 and 1.