We are going to the nature center and park in 20 minutes and I should be packing lunches, but I don’t want to. So in 10 minutes I will be stressed and running like a mad woman to get it done, but that’s just the way I roll. 
I am making a lot of crafty items for Christmas this year. An extremely tight budget and general loathing of toys “made in China” has me avoiding shopping in regular stores. The kids will only get a couple of purchased items from us (shock for some of you, I know!) and the rest will be made by me, or given to them from family. That’s plenty I think. I want this Christmas to really be about family time, and the things we do together more than a materialistic binge fest of gifts. Really, when you grow up, is it all the toys that you really remember, or the family activities and traditions? For me, it’s the memories that really count. I got some cool gifts as a kid, but the memories are far better.
Not that the kids are losing out by any means. The kids are getting an Apple computer that Lonnie bought for himself about a year ago (used from work) and then decided he didn’t like it. We got the Apple monitor free from Freecycle and we decided to hold onto it for the kids. They already have one computer, but they fight over who gets to use it a lot, so it will go as a family gift.
Super-boy is getting a membership to Gamefly for three months. He can get all kinds of cool games for his Gamecube to try out. Once the three month “gift” is up, he can earn the subscription by doing his chores. If he fails to do them, we will discontinue his membership.
I think I am going to get Diva a magazine subscription, and they are all getting a toy or two from Target that they want. Monkey will get a couple more since she is a little on the short end of the stick at the moment. Then I am making Diva and Super-boy scarves. Harry Potter style for Super-boy with Ravenclaw colors (his choice), and a snowflake scarf for Diva. They actually both asked for scarves. Weirdos! Monkey is getting one of my purses since she is always stealing Diva’s and causing a fight. I am also going to make each one of them a Japanese style amigurumi animal. A bunny for Diva, a lion for Super-boy and a panda for Monkey.
That’s it! Other than some candy and what-not for stocking stuffers. We can pull off the whole thing for about $50 per kid. 
I just ordered all my yarn online from JoAnn.com and the kids have no idea. Now I just have to be a busy crocheting elf every night. 
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: budget, Chirstmas, Diva, gifts, Monkey, Super-boy
You’re amazing! Christmas should be about family and the birth of Christ not getting tons of toys and gifts. I hate the fact that every year people buy more stuff than they can afford then stress and struggle to pay for everything.
When I have more time, I think I’m going to practice my crocheting, knitting and embroidery skills. Then I’ll make a lot of gifts instead. But it’s been a long time since I’ve done anything like that and you know I don’t have extra time right now to practice. *sigh*
Wonder if it would be tacky to tell people that I need two textbooks. I found one for $50 and the other for $100. Probably wouldn’t get anyone to buy them anyways.
May you guys have a Merry Christmas!!!!
Good for you for getting ahold of the whole gift thing. I am attempting to make several gifts this year also. I’ve even got a couple finished! It does take more time to make gifts, but it’s so much more rewarding. Have fun!
That is awesome. I love the Harry Potter style scarf. That is awesome. You will have to take pictures of them and post. I am sure many would purchase one. I know I would definitely think about it.