that means I leave for Florida in 27 days; we've ignored xmas for the last 3 years. Flying our adult kids and their partners and one grandchild is everyone's gift. Our 4 year old grandchild is returning to his mom on the 23rd.

good luck to all of you with your preparations and cooking and shopping, lol....

Mitch, I want to be you when I grow up ;)

We stopped gift giving years and years ago. We decorate the house as it gives us pleasure and the kids love to see the old train set around the tree. We give to our local food bank and also to the "clothe a child" project. We sponsor several families for a gift box.

Our goal is to have time with each other and share lovely meals that we prepare together. Sitting in front of the fire and talking and laughing...some tears too ...that is all we desire. c

Well, I just ordered my first gift for DD1. That will give you an idea of where I am on this...and I have three more darlin's to go AND DH! Sheesh, I JUST put out my Thanksgiving decor in my DR two minutes ago!

I've done all my shopping, not that there's that much. I pre-ordered all of my son's games and they are starting to arrive. I think both of my kids got new phones - I am not in charge of phones around here.

We are flying in my younger daughters boyfriend for 17 days at Christmas. 17 wonderful days of him frying bacon in my kitchen without a splatter guard. 17 long days.

My oldest daughter gets nothing because she's a brat and an adult.

Wow - i am SO in the Christmas spirit this year!

DH booked a trip for us to Williamsburg VA the 1st wk. of Dec. so that I can see all of the Colonial Christmas Decorations. Other than that we will be shuttered in the time share there by the fireplace doing nothing.

That said becaus I will be away I am actually beginning to decorate NOW! Department 56 gets pulled out tonight.

As for gifts - seeing as the economy is so bad right now and the kids are young enough we are going to begin paring down the material gifts and begin celebrating by giving more gifts that lend themselves to more family time together and that can spark creativity together. They get enough toys from the grandparents - they did need a gazillion more from us on Christmas day!

I'm heading down to Florida with Mitch. Mitch, what is that address again? :)

We follow along the same as Trailrunner. My side of the family doesn't do gifts. It's all adults, no children, and to us, it's not about the gifts. My husband and I are doing some shoeboxes for the Operation Shoebox program and we always get an *angel* or two (children in need) from our church tree to buy for. I enjoy the decorating (which will take place right after Thanksgiving), the cooking and spending time with family and friends. As our gift list is very short, I am almost finished.

tina

Oops! I meant they DO NOT need a gazillion more toys from us!

I used to send homemade candy and jellies everywhere..but the cost of shipping has eliminated that. Kid and GKs are clear across the country and I see them once a year a best, so have no idea what they want/need. GKs will get gift cards, adults will get a Christmas card and lots of good wishes. Budget restraints aside, I simply have no idea what they want or need.

I WILL do something, just have no idea what..and it's a little late to start a queen-size afghan or quilt.

I just started shopping today. My kids don't want much as that is a good thing. I few CD's, makeup, books. Nothing expensive. I have two grandchildren that are out of state this year so I will send money or buy some stuff online and have it sent there. My DD and her DH I will send money. I don't really buy my DH much. A few DVD's, some junk food, etc. because he gets what he needs anytime.