Getting Ready for the Holidays
@DeborahDiane (40144)
Laguna Woods, California
November 7, 2019 5:29pm CST
Can it really be less than 50 days until Christmas and the other winter holidays? This time of year is always so busy!
I have bought my Christmas cards and am working on a holiday letter to include. I always like to update my friends about what is going on with our children and grandchildren, as well as my husband's health.
I have bought about 2/3 of the gifts which I will have to mail to out-of-town family. However, I haven't bought anything, yet, for my husband and family and friends who live close by.
I am busy planning our Thanksgiving dinner, which I love having at our home.
One of our out-of-town daughters is coming for a visit the weekend before Thanksgiving, and we are looking forward to getting some time alone with her. It is so hard to visit with just one of our daughters at a time, since our family is so large.
We also have several parties and other special events coming up over the next few weeks, including spending several days in Los Angeles.
So much to do; so little time.
How are all of you doing getting ready for the holidays? Are you feeling prepared, or overwhelmed?
33 people like this
33 responses
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@just4him - Your painted rocks sound wonderful! I am glad that your family members appreciate them.
4 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@just4him - Ha ha! There is always one member of the family who has to be different! Someday, he will wish he had one of your rocks.
4 people like this
@just4him (310766)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
8 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane Most of them do. My older son told me not to give him any rocks.
Thank you.
4 people like this
@sallypup (58675)
• Centralia, Washington
8 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane I hear you. I am one of eight kids but haven't bought for extended anybody in a long time. I do mail out my Christmas Tales but mostly to friends now. That bill balloons to over 100.00 easy, cause of mailing and copy fees etc. etc. (Christmas Tales are real short stories not a Family Brag sheet.)
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@sallypup - I think that the tradition of giving gifts to everyone in the family, as well as some friends, has become overwhelming for a lot of people. I love the idea of Christmas Tales. What a sweet way to share the holidays with your loved ones.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@sallypup - It is one of the disadvantages of having a large family. We have around 20 people we need to purchase gifts for ... daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, a granddaughter's fiance, etc. It does get to be overwhelming!
2 people like this
@much2say (54095)
• Los Angeles, California
8 Nov 19
Boy, this year has flown by too quickly - already almost Christmas! I am not in Christmas mode quite yet - we have lot going on in November besides Thanksgiving - I'll probably think about Christmas when December hits. I think we will be out your way at least a couple times before the year ends as my mother in law is now there. I'm trying to make things simpler and less stressful this year . . . hope it will turn out that way!
5 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@much2say - I hope you have a great visit to California, and that you succeed in making the holidays less stressful. That is something we should all have as our goal!
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (97726)
• Marion, Ohio
8 Nov 19
I am not in a hurry yet. I have Adelines done, hers is the most important.
5 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@wolfgirl569 - Yes, we all have at least one person whose gift is the most person. I have done those, too! It is a big relief.
2 people like this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
8 Nov 19
the holidays here 're most oft very subdued. we no longer do the giftin' thingy 's a family whole. folks're too hard to please, others've such limited incomes we cancelled such out. our gift to each other bein' the time spent together. 'n food...lets not ferget the food. will be interestin' come turkey day 's 'tis been 14 years since we've 'd crawler/near walkin' young'un. Christmas'll jest be 5, 'nless the hubs decides to get drunk 'n stay home. which happens more oft than not.
5 people like this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
12 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane yes ma'am, sadly i know lots 'f 'em, too. this'un treats me like a queen when'n public, speaks highly 'f me to any who'll listen. totally diff'rent monkey 'hind closed doors. i believe that'd be what 'tis thrown me off??
thanks fer the info. i did a search'n we've jest one. they meet'n thursdays't noon, so'n days i can drive such'd be doable. well, once the hubs gets his shoulder fixed'n gets back to work... will see what i can find'n regards to 'nline support.
2 people like this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
13 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane bless yer heart, i bet they're most helpful fer certain. perhaps i can get 'nvolved myself soon.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@crazyhorseladycx - I think the idea of cancelling gift giving is a good one. It is one reason I like Thanksgiving a little better than Christmas ... it is simply pure family time, without a lot of stress in advance. I'm glad you have family around to enjoy, whether your husband participates or not. I've been in Alanon for 38 years. We have a lot of that kind of thing in our family!
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@MALUSE - Good for you! The longer you can postpone it, the more fun you will have when you do start to do your shopping and partying!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@rakski - Yes, I have noticed an increase in traffic at the malls, too. Soon, it will be crazy, which is why I like to get my shopping finished early.
2 people like this
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
7 Nov 19
Christmas is really coming early this year. There are lots of Christmas trees around here.
4 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@Alexandoy - I am seeing lots of Christmas decorations around here, too. There is a lot to do to get ready!
2 people like this
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
9 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane everyone may be too excited for the occasion.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@sol_cee - Yes, it is definitely the season. I hope you enjoy it!
2 people like this
@noni1959 (9922)
• United States
8 Nov 19
I've finished half of my gift shopping and have my cards but want to get through Thanksgiving first. We keep it simple with a Christmas breakfast and have fun opening stockings first which we all stuff with fun stuff. The funnier the better.
4 people like this
@noni1959 (9922)
• United States
9 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane One year we did a breakfast with bringing a "gift" no longer wanted. It had to be silly. We had toilet seat photo frames, silly rainbow clown wig with fuzzy socks, and so many other funny and questionable things like why in the world did they have them in the first place.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
10 Nov 19
@noni1959 - Ha ha! We used to have a plaque that looked like a mounted fish, but when you moved your hand in front of it, it would start singing "Down By the River." We had it for 20+ years before we finally passed it on at one of those gag gift parties. I almost miss it! 
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@noni1959 - I love the idea of having funny gifts in the stockings. That is a great way to make happy Christmas memories!
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@JudyEv - That is nice that you do not have to buy more cards this year. That certainly makes it easier to get started on the holidays. Hope you and Vince have a wonderful holiday season!
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
10 Nov 19
@JudyEv - Yes, Christmas is approaching way to fast. This time of year can get stressful. I try to do what I can to do things early, so I am less stressed.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (328703)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane Thanks for the good wishes. Christmas is fast approaching now.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@HazySue - If it is just the two of you, I don't blame you for going out to eat. We did that one year, then had trouble finding a restaurant that was open on Christmas Day. Finally, we found a hotel that had an open restaurant. Enjoy having all the family to your place for Thanksgiving!
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
10 Nov 19
@HazySue - You are very wise to have reservations. I'm sure it will be very festive and you will have a great time!
2 people like this
@HazySue (39264)
• Gouverneur, New York
10 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane We made reservations. We learned our lesson the first time we tried to go out on Christmas Day.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
8 Nov 19
I have done nothing. I am not sure I will this year. Tony is very sick and on chemo.
4 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@andriaperry - I am sooo sorry to hear that Tony is on chemo. That does make it hard to celebrate. We forget too often that not everyone is in the mood to have fun and celebrate during the holidays, and we should respect that and shower them with all the love and understanding possible. Sending you hugs!
1 person likes this
@oahuwriter (26778)
• United States
8 Nov 19
I am ready for the season celebrations! You got a handle on it and got your holiday jump started, which is good.
4 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@oahuwriter - I'm glad you are ready for the season celebrations, too! Yes, I always start early, so I can enjoy myself during the holidays. I don't like to get stressed.
2 people like this
@oahuwriter (26778)
• United States
12 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane
Started my spring cleaning early too, so I won't have to hurry in Dec. to get things done. I was searching for fresh mistletoe and fresh small Christmas wreaths with Christmas berries too, but too early only gave me t-shirts to view.
The local ones are very expensive, so I like to window shop for them. I don't find fresh mistletoe anywhere on island ever. I kept my mistletoe I got last year too just in case I don't find them this year.
The local ones are very expensive, so I like to window shop for them. I don't find fresh mistletoe anywhere on island ever. I kept my mistletoe I got last year too just in case I don't find them this year.2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
14 Nov 19
@oahuwriter - I know it is hard to find fresh mistletoe. I hope you are lucky again this year. Enjoy your holiday decorating! Have a very Merry Christmas.
2 people like this
@Lolaze (5093)
• St. Louis, Missouri
8 Nov 19
I have one persons gift ready, but they are the priority since they leave the country mid December to go back to their home country for Christmas. Beyond that, haven’t started. All I have planned is Thanksgiving and that is because I’m going to a high school football game for a little bit then going to meet family at a dance restaurant.
2 people like this
@Lolaze (5093)
• St. Louis, Missouri
8 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane In the 30’s today. Next week the lows are going to hit 18 
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@Lolaze - I know the holidays can be a challenge! Glad you have your Thanksgiving planned. A lot of my family live in St. Louis, where I was born. I hope the weather hasn't been too cold.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@Lolaze - Yikes! That will be really hard for my 91 year old father! I hope he stays inside next week.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (462771)
• Switzerland
9 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane Thank you Deborah, I know we will be fine.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
10 Nov 19
@LadyDuck - Good! My husband and I love our own relaxing and peaceful days together, too. That is how we usually spend our New Year's Eve. While our family comes to see us on Thanksgiving and Christmas, they do their own things on New Year's, and we enjoy just curling up with our own snacks, watching New Year's celebrations around the world on television. Very simple!
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@LadyDuck - That sounds like a lovely and peaceful Christmas. I am sending you my best wishes for a relaxing and special day together!
2 people like this
@moffittjc (119118)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 Nov 19
I'm looking forward to the holiday season this year. Last year, our weather between Thanksgiving and Christmas was very stormy and hot, and as a result I never had a chance to go out and buy a real Christmas tree until the last minute. It just didn't seem very festive. I want to make up for it this year. I am ready now to buy a Christmas tree and put it up (I know...too early!). I will be patient and wait until closer to Thanksgiving. Besides, the trees haven't started showing up in the lots yet! haha
2 people like this
@moffittjc (119118)
• Gainesville, Florida
14 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane The kids and I were just talking about taking advantage of this cold snap we are having. It's always more fun decorating for the holidays when the weather is cool, because it really gets you in the spirit for the holidays. I'm not sure when our Christmas tree lots will start selling trees, but I will keep an eye out and buy one as soon as they are available. Then we can let the decorating begin!
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
14 Nov 19
@moffittjc - Have fun! I am sure that you and your kids will have a fun time decorating. You are right. It feels more like the holidays when it is cool. When we were young, my husband and I were in Mexico one year for Christmas. It was hot. The local people were decorating everything, but it just did not feel like Christmas for my husband and me.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
12 Nov 19
@moffittjc - I always put up our little artificial tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. However, one of our daughters is visiting the weekend before Thanksgiving, so I am thinking about putting it up just before she comes. It looks like Florida is going to get a blast of cold air this week. You may really feel like decorating for the holidays when this front goes through!
2 people like this
@CRK109 (14558)
• United States
8 Nov 19
I am definitely feeling overwhelmed! When my check comes in next week, I need to finish my shopping and get wrapping paper. And then I will begin sending out cards. I am slowly moving out the Halloween decorations (leaving pumpkin decorations for Thanksgiving) and adding in Christmas things little by little. I bought a little Charlie Brown tree from Target the other day and it's on top of my air conditioner. I need to find some little ornaments for it!
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@CRK109 - I am beginning to be fond of little Christmas trees. I also have a small one that I set on a table in a front window. I just leave it decorated the year around, and store it in a plastic trash bag during the year. It sure makes it easy to pull out the tree, plug it in, and feel ready for Christmas!
2 people like this
@CRK109 (14558)
• United States
8 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane Yes! They can be wonderful! I really love this little tree. I just have to wait and see if my cat will want to try eating it or not! lol
2 people like this
@amitkokiladitya (171932)
• Agra, India
8 Nov 19
Festival is in the air..so enjoy
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
8 Nov 19
@amitkokiladitya - I love festivals! I think most people do! 
2 people like this
@amitkokiladitya (171932)
• Agra, India
9 Nov 19
@DeborahDiane yes...we all provided we don't have lack of funds to take care of them
2 people like this
@Spontaneo (14701)
• United States
18 Nov 19
I obtain about 2 presents a week, so as not to be left empty-handed come the week before Christmas!
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40144)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Nov 19
@Spontaneo - That is a good plan! I like spreading things out, too, so I am not rushing around at the last minute!
2 people like this
