During Christmas, the average person has a checklist of everything they need to buy as far as gifts for family, friends, significant others. They probably also have a list of what they are going to cook, a list of friends and family they are inviting over to eat, etc. Well, I am not of those people. Here’s why:
Making a list and checking it twice?
No, not exactly. I have decided I am keeping my list of gifts short this year. How short? I only want one thing ….a new cell phone. Mine has seen better days, i.e., baby saliva and toddler handling. It has been thrown a number of times and now has a cracked screen. I am giving my husband a gift card so he can buy what he wants. No more putting the effort in of going to stores or online shopping only to find out he is returning what I bought him.
Buying for Family and Friends
Throughout the years, I have gone to Bath and Body Works and bought little hand sanitizers and lotions thinking that friends and family would enjoy smelling good. While they do, let’s face it. I am also one of those that receive a present with all of these soaps and lotions and half the time it stays in my closet for two years. I end up recycling the gift and giving it to someone else. Sorry to those of you that have bought me these. Instead, I have decided on giving out homemade treats to my friends and gift cards to my family. People like to eat and enjoy shopping for what they like.
Have Christmas Dinner at My House
I live in an apartment on the second floor, which means I am sandwiched in between a downstairs neighbor that feels the need to text or hit the broom on the ceiling every time my kids make a sound, and the neighbors above us, who sound like they practice WWE all day. Having people over at my house would end up being more stressful than anything and I could only fit a handful of people with their kids.
Going over to that One Negative Friend’s House
We all have that one friend in life, who likes to spread negativity, who finds the negative in everything, and who reminds us of “Sadness” from Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” movie. For some, the holidays can be a painful reminder of lost loved ones or spouses in the military that are away. The last thing you need is to go to Debbie Downer’s house so she can rub in how awful life is and how she has the worst life ever. Enjoy the holidays with people that bring positivity into your life and that can make you laugh. Laughing is good for the soul.
Becoming “Betty Crocker”
I have been consumed by trying to make all of these wonderful treats I find on Pinterest or from going to 5 different cookie exchanges. You feel excited and proud to be making everything from scratch, and in reality, 7 hours later you have made a dozen cookies. Now you are all stressed out because you have 12 more batches to go. Let’s face it, the Pillsbury Doughboy can do the job just as good as the made from scratch recipes, so go to the supermarket, buy that ready-made cookie dough, and just have fun to cut and decorate them with your kids.
Getting Professional Christmas Pictures
Last week, I spent about three days contacting different local photographers to see how much it would cost to take family pictures. The average photo session was about $100.We don’t have that kind of money to spend on pictures, so I decided to have some friends take our pictures. Many photographers are looking to build their portfolio. We are still giving them some money to help out, and it saves us money also.
Going to the Beauty Salon
No, not doing it. Yes, it is great to get dolled up for Christmas, getting your nails and hair done. I, for one, refuse to do it. It usually costs $50 for a cut, blow dry and flat iron. If I get a manicure, it’s another $25 dollars. A pedicure adds another $25 and now I am up to $100 for one night. Amazon has wonderful flat irons and I can do this myself. Not only that, I will never again have to spend the money to go to the salon to flat iron my hair.
Buying Toys for my Kids
I have spent hundreds of dollars on toys over the past holidays for my kids. One of my sons is almost five, and the other is 18 months old. I bought my kids some awesome presents last year. I bought my oldest the most. He played with them for one day and then never played with them again. He was having more fun with the confetti in the boxes than anything. I am saving those toys for my 18-month-old. Remember I told you I recycle presents. This year my oldest just wants boots. You heard me. A pair of $20 boots, and wants to go to Disney. Hopefully, Santa brings us passes for Disney!
Wrapping Gifts
In the past, I have spent an average of 10 hours wrapping Christmas gifts. I would get all excited making sure the ribbons were just right, cutting the sides to make sure when I taped the presents everything would look perfect, only to realize that my kids do not care about how much time I have spent wrapping their gift, or that the ribbons are color matched with the wrapping paper. They just want to hear the tear of the paper and then play with it after instead of playing with their gift. The Dollar Tree has wonderful tissue paper and gift bags to put presents in.
Watching My Diet
Every year I prep myself thinking, ok I have to watch my carbs, make sure I do not have too much sugar, etc. Counting carbs, fats, sugars can be stressful. It’s the holidays! There have been some good food I have missed out on because I am counting calories. It’s once a year. Let’s face it. You can always go to the YMCA or LA Fitness. I mean that is what we have the New Years for right? New Year’s resolutions!
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