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Post by sammichcat on Dec 11, 2017 14:27:33 GMT -6
![](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/76/bf/48/76bf48ef15961800ba60df490cdd24d5.gif) Come talk all things Christmas here. Are there any perfect gifts you're super excited about giving? Is there anything you really want? What are some traditions in your family? Any favorite Christmas movies or books?
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Speedy
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Post by Speedy on Dec 11, 2017 14:40:17 GMT -6
The gifts I'm super excited about giving are the announcements to my family! I'm not sure if we're going to have much else in the way of gifts this year because our car breaking down kind of screwed things up, but maybe we'll do some shopping after Christmas and do our personal gift exchange in early January or something.
One tradition I'm REALLY excited to start passing down is that we always read "The Night Before Christmas" and the story of Christ's birth out of Luke on Christmas eve, after we open our special Christmas eve jammies =) I make H do this with me now already, but I'm excited to share it with our child.
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robot
Ruby
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Post by robot on Dec 11, 2017 16:14:54 GMT -6
Can we make this a general holiday thread? 🙂 We celebrate Hanukkah in our house and it starts tomorrow! I’m so excited for this to be the year DD really gets it a little. She told me today that her favorite part is the presents 😂 She’s getting the Melissa & Doug birthday cake tomorrow and I think she will love it. She’s been giving me imaginary cake from her play kitchen a lot.
I have a few gifts I’m super excited about. I got my SIL who is obsessed with Harry Potter two Alex & Ani HP bracelets and I think she will be so excited. And an anti-Trump shirt that my dad will laugh at and love. We got my MIL’s husband who loves to cook and is a big foodie a 25 year old barrel aged balsamic vinegar set that I hope will be a big hit too.
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tinyjoys
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Post by tinyjoys on Dec 11, 2017 16:19:53 GMT -6
robot, I know that you are going to visit family later in the week, so will you start the 8 nights over or just continue once you're all together?
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robot
Ruby
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Post by robot on Dec 11, 2017 16:26:46 GMT -6
robot, I know that you are going to visit family later in the week, so will you start the 8 nights over or just continue once you're all together? We’ll just finish them together. We’ll do a couple nights here at home, miss one night completely because we’ll be traveling (I think DD is too young to notice), and then finish nights 4-8 at my parent’s. My parents always did a little treasure hunt for us with small stocking type gifts on the first night and we will do this in our house on the first night but this year since DD is too little to care we will just do it one night there.
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tinyjoys
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Post by tinyjoys on Dec 11, 2017 16:36:12 GMT -6
As far as excited to give: I got H a recliner he's been begging for for the living room. We've had it for about a month now and I actually love it a whole lot, so it was kind of a gift to both of us. And my mom saw an infomercial for Veggie Bullet and she's been talking about it a lot, but it's not something she'd ever in a million years buy herself, so my sister & I split it when I caught an awesome deal from Amazon. I'm also really excited to give my big kid the telescope he's been asking for for months. There's been a bath tray on my wishlist for many years, but we haven't had a tub worth taking a bath in. We redid the kids bathroom over the summer with a deeper tub, so H got it for me this year. He gave it to me early, though, as I went to take a bath last week. For traditions, we do an elf on the shelf. His name is Christopher. Mostly he just moves around the house, but sometimes we set up little scenes with him (if you look up #tinyjoysChristmas on Instagram, you can see some). Sometimes he brings little gifts, like candy cane treats, cups for cocoa, a movie for family movie night, etc. Right now, he's sitting in the tree watching it snow with a book. We do new jammies on Christmas Eve, but since we go to my grandma's and celebrate with my mom's side, we don't do the full "Christmas Eve box". We have a few events we like to do during this season, like the drive through lights display and weather permitting, the zoo lights, but nothing too crazy. I do A LOT of baking, like upwards of 15 types of cookies/treats. I'm downsizing to a couple of cheesecakes, 5 types of cookies, and a chocolate truffle tart. Prior to having kids, we did the movies on Christmas Day and once #3 is 3-4, we'd like to pick that up again. Love Actually, Elf, and Christmas Vacation are at the top of my Christmas movies list.
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Post by numbears on Dec 11, 2017 17:02:31 GMT -6
Are there any perfect gifts you're super excited about giving? I think DS is going to love everything he got. He's getting everything on his list plus some, but one surprise thing: When DH came back from Japan, he brought him this little dog plush that he loved and lost that same night at the tree lighting ceremony. He was devastated. I found it online and ordered a replacement. Oh and we're giving my cousin's kids a PS4 and GC for games. I really think they're going to be surprised. I can't wait for them to see it.
Is there anything you really want? New boots, a spa day, artwork, Persona charms, and possibly a Cricut so I can make silly onesies and shirts for the kids. And I'm putting Lush bathbombs in my own stocking.
What are some traditions in your family? Tree lighting ceremony in town, Christmas parades, driving to look at lights, Christmas light display in the park, seeing a sensory friendly Santa, bonfires on the river, making ornaments, Christmas Eve box, and Chinese buffet for Christmas lunch or dinner.
Any favorite Christmas movies or books? DS has a lot of favorite Christmas books, but we always read The Cajun Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve. I love so many Christmas movies. A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, and Elf are probably my top.
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budders
Amethyst
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Post by budders on Dec 11, 2017 17:57:40 GMT -6
Can we make this a general holiday thread? 🙂 We celebrate Hanukkah in our house and it starts tomorrow! I’m so excited for this to be the year DD really gets it a little. She told me today that her favorite part is the presents 😂 She’s getting the Melissa & Doug birthday cake tomorrow and I think she will love it. She’s been giving me imaginary cake from her play kitchen a lot. I have a few gifts I’m super excited about. I got my SIL who is obsessed with Harry Potter two Aden & Ani HP bracelets and I think she will be so excited. And an anti-Trump shirt that my dad will laugh at and love. We got my MIL’s husband who loves to cook and is a big foodie a 25 year old barrel aged balsamic vinegar set that I hope will be a big hit too. I want all of those gifts, especially the balsamic vinegar. Yum!
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Post by fancynewbeesly on Dec 11, 2017 18:47:40 GMT -6
We do Hanukkah and Christmas in our house.
Of course this year I am just not feeling it. I mean DD's stuff is all wrapped and ready to go...but I realized I don't think we have Hanukkah candles.
We are hosting a Hanukkah party this Sunday and am just completely unprepared for it. Our house is a disaster and DH won't be home until LATE three nights this week. I have SO much to do for it and of course DD has a fever-so not as much stuff is getting done.
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budders
Amethyst
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Post by budders on Dec 11, 2017 19:18:01 GMT -6
We do Hanukkah and Christmas in our house. Of course this year I am just not feeling it. I mean DD's stuff is all wrapped and ready to go...but I realized I don't think we have Hanukkah candles. We are hosting a Hanukkah party this Sunday and am just completely unprepared for it. Our house is a disaster and DH won't be home until LATE three nights this week. I have SO much to do for it and of course DD has a fever-so not as much stuff is getting done. I’m sorry she’s feeling sick. Is that a good sign for the virus the doctors suspected? Have you had your follow up yet? I’ve been thinking of you all.
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Post by fancynewbeesly on Dec 11, 2017 19:23:13 GMT -6
budders, We got her blood work drawn today. It is hard to tell; because her immune system was compromised--so she is just more susceptible to everything going around her. We won't know until tomorrow what our next step will be. Maybe Wednesday at the latest.
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Post by oreobitsy on Dec 11, 2017 19:58:34 GMT -6
fancynewbeesly I've been thinking of you, fingers crossed for your results.
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Post by oreobitsy on Dec 11, 2017 20:01:17 GMT -6
We usually travel for Christmas to our family and this year we're going after. I have all presents done and just have to figure out our immediate family's Christmas meal.
The hard part with being done present-wise is not buying more gifts as I see things that look fun or perfect for people.
Now we just need some snow but that seems really unlikely with our forecast.
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budders
Amethyst
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Post by budders on Dec 11, 2017 20:55:12 GMT -6
budders , We got her blood work drawn today. It is hard to tell; because her immune system was compromised--so she is just more susceptible to everything going around her. We won't know until tomorrow what our next step will be. Maybe Wednesday at the latest. FX for you guys and sending good vibes for great news.
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jessila
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Post by jessila on Dec 12, 2017 11:47:43 GMT -6
Are there any perfect gifts you're super excited about giving? I bought O a car tower in August to be his Santa gift and I know he'll love it. I got my FIL a large print Bible which he had asked for but got it engraved with his name. Oh, and we got my BIL underwear so that will be...special. My sister & I got her GF all the pasta making attachments for her mixer so I foresee a bunch of homemade pasta in my future! I gave H his smart watch in October because I knew he would just talk about it non-stop until Christmas.
Is there anything you really want? A Hot Shot blow dryer by Chi and I know my mom got it for me. H got me(us?) a Braava (mopping Roomba) in October since he already had his present; it does a much better job than I ever would because I hate mopping with a passion. I also requested almost all new bakeware. I've had mine since college and never invested in nice stuff. I do a lot of baking and just need new stuff.
What are some traditions in your family? Driving around to look at Christmas lights is one of my favorite things and I've been making our routes home a couple minutes longer every time we're out and O loves it. We used to do new Christmas pjs on Christmas Eve but I've kind of bumped that to Black Friday so we can be super festive at home. I go to a women's cookie exchange through my church and love getting to spend time eating good food and talking, it's tonight! I also do Black Friday shopping with the women in my family then Christmas shopping with my women-in-law where my MIL takes us shopping for all our presents. It might be my favorite tradition since it's the only time all year we get to spend together without children surrounding us. MIL gives us cash that we have to spend that day at our favorite indoor outlet mall, we always eat at Cheesecake Factory then get our Cheesecake to-go so we can snack on it, and are gone for over 12 hours. It's great!
Any favorite Christmas movies or books? I always listen to the Harry Potter series from Halloween through Christmas during my commute; my first few years of teaching I spent 15+ hours in the car a week so it was just the right amount of time. Twas the Night Before Christmas has always been one of my favorites. Elf, Muppet Christmas Carol, Saving Santa, White Christmas, Snowglobe (Hallmark), Christmas Story, and probably a few more movies. One of our shelves in our entertainment center is dedicated to just Christmas movies.
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tinyjoys
Ruby
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Post by tinyjoys on Dec 12, 2017 12:05:00 GMT -6
As far as excited to give: I got H a recliner he's been begging for for the living room. We've had it for about a month now and I actually love it a whole lot, so it was kind of a gift to both of us. And my mom saw an infomercial for Veggie Bullet and she's been talking about it a lot, but it's not something she'd ever in a million years buy herself, so my sister & I split it when I caught an awesome deal from Amazon. I'm also really excited to give my big kid the telescope he's been asking for for months. There's been a bath tray on my wishlist for many years, but we haven't had a tub worth taking a bath in. We redid the kids bathroom over the summer with a deeper tub, so H got it for me this year. He gave it to me early, though, as I went to take a bath last week. For traditions, we do an elf on the shelf. His name is Christopher. Mostly he just moves around the house, but sometimes we set up little scenes with him (if you look up #tinyjoysChristmas on Instagram, you can see some). Sometimes he brings little gifts, like candy cane treats, cups for cocoa, a movie for family movie night, etc. Right now, he's sitting in the tree watching it snow with a book. We do new jammies on Christmas Eve, but since we go to my grandma's and celebrate with my mom's side, we don't do the full "Christmas Eve box". We have a few events we like to do during this season, like the drive through lights display and weather permitting, the zoo lights, but nothing too crazy. I do A LOT of baking, like upwards of 15 types of cookies/treats. I'm downsizing to a couple of cheesecakes, 5 types of cookies, and a chocolate truffle tart. Prior to having kids, we did the movies on Christmas Day and once #3 is 3-4, we'd like to pick that up again. Love Actually, Elf, and Christmas Vacation are at the top of my Christmas movies list. Quoting myself & spoiling my original post. I forgot about one of my favorite traditions until I glanced through my Instagram posts earlier today. Whatever day we put up our tree, we do Chinese for dinner around the coffee table while watching a Christmas movie. Usually, we do take out and get pints of things, but this year I did some Trader Joe's frozen things. They were okay, but we're going back to take out next year.
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Post by mrsweasley on Dec 12, 2017 12:16:10 GMT -6
I still need to set up our tree 🙈 We're trying to make Christmas a little simpler this year, last year ended up lasting all damn day (involving 2 naps for DD because she kept losing it). They kids have way too much stuff anyway. DS (13) is getting harder and harder to shop for. MH and I decided we needed a new TV on Black Fri, so that is our gift to each other this year. MH's birthday is a few days after Christmas and MIL is being a pill because we told them they could come down on the 28th-ish and stay for a couple days (last year they stayed a whole week and I almost murdered her) because she wants to come on Christmas as my parents are leaving. Yea, no. Now that she knows I'm PG, she decided she wants to come on the 29th and leave the 30th. Whatever crazy My brain is dead and I'm having a hard and thinking of traditions. Hiding the pickle ornament is the only thing I can think of right now ![:P](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/tongue.png)
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lily
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Post by lily on Dec 14, 2017 16:49:00 GMT -6
Gifts excited to give- I got my niece a craft kit to sew little stuffed animals. There’s an owl in it she’s going to go bananas for.
Anything you really want- Not really. Being sick every day is really draining; I just want to feel better.
Traditions- DS does an advent calendar. We do Christmas Eve lunch and presents with my ILs then go to mass. Christmas morning presents at home, then to my mom’s for French toast & presents.
Fav Christmas movies/books- While You Were Sleeping and Love, Actually. And there’s a terribly cheesy Christmas sailor moon fanfic I’ve read every year since I was a teen.
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tinyjoys
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Post by tinyjoys on Dec 14, 2017 17:24:59 GMT -6
Now that we’ve finished Christmas shopping, outside of batteries & a couple gift cards I need to pick up next week, I’m really excited to give two gifts. Our nephew is exactly a month younger than our daughter. She’s been super into our Ikea art easel the last couple weeks, so I got him one, too, and a bunch of art supplies. I can’t wait to give it to him on Sunday. And, my 8 year old goddaughter had a sleepover here last week & saw my tea sets & cup collection. She said she’d really like a real tea set, not just her play one. We’d been stumped on what to get her. Between Home Goods, Ikea & going through my cups, she now has a real tea set & tea, plus shortbread cookies, and a storage container for them. ![](https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171214/a4665eeae17e58cdfc0856ee726fc5fd.jpg)
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Post by numbears on Dec 15, 2017 14:00:03 GMT -6
Fav Christmas movies/books- While You Were Sleeping and Love, Actually. And there’s a terribly cheesy Christmas sailor moon fanfic I’ve read every year since I was a teen. I'm so glad you posted this. I can't believe I forgot to add While You Were Sleeping to my Christmas movies list! It's one of my all time favorites. I just watched it last night on Netflix. And I love Sailor Moon Christmas things. <3
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Speedy
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Post by Speedy on Dec 17, 2017 8:55:41 GMT -6
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lily
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Post by lily on Dec 17, 2017 13:41:41 GMT -6
Any favorite Christmas movies or books?DS has a lot of favorite Christmas books, but we always read The Cajun Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve. Saw this at a Christmas light display and thought of you!
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Post by numbears on Dec 18, 2017 2:13:10 GMT -6
lily, my goal in life is to have lights like those!
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