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Post by cakediva on Nov 5, 2019 13:37:35 GMT
Is anybody in the opposite camp?
We've never had to choose between family gatherings - the year my brother and I both got engaged (yes same Christmas) my mother decided she would always do Boxing Day. So we always do dinner with DH's family on Christmas Day, and my family on Boxing Day. Christmas Eve is us on our own. But family is all close, within 30 minutes drive time.
We never had a lot of money when the kids were little so we did the bare minimum.
But now that two are out and we have a little more fun money, I find myself wanting to go all out for all the holidays lol.
Just decor wise though. We cleaned out our basment "storage" area - our laundry room is 3 steps down from the rest of the main floor, so in the basement it is a lower ceiling and has been a catch all for throwing crap. So we cleaned it out and DH is going to build shelves all around the area for storing totes of decor and other stuff.
So I want to start buying fall decor, and Halloween decor. And really go through my Christmas decor and pitch what I don't want and pick up a few things to make it all nice. That's the part I really enjoy.
Anybody else?
ETA - I should say, that as part of my cake business I spend December baking Christmas cookies for others (like all of you who don't want to but still want cookies lol). It's a 10 dozen package with 6 types of cookies in it. So my family doesn't get much in the way of baking other than leftover cookies because I'm ready to be in a padded room by the time cookies are done. But the money is great so I keep doing it!
ETA 2 - I went supply shopping today and went into Michaels and Homesense (like your HomeGoods) - I need a second mortgage so I can buy all the things. LOL I did come home with a 50% off, flocked pencil tree from Michaels. That now makes my large full tree that goes in the front window, the new flocked will go in the family tv room and hold all my Hallmark Father Christmas collection that is in memory of my Dad. And then the all green pencil tree will find a new home on the landing on our stairs to upstairs. 3 trees - lord help me I'm turning into my mother!
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Post by FuzzyMutt on Nov 5, 2019 14:40:34 GMT
I'm so happy for you! Enjoy all the things and your beautiful home!
I live far from family. I also rent (after owning the previous 12 years), so I relish putting up the Christmas tree and doing the decorating that I do. Love every second of it!
That said, my decorations have been pared down considerably, and anything new I question how easily transferable to new home a decoration (anything really) is and do I really really want it because if I buy it, I have to store it then move it (at least once.)
My family hasn't visited in years, and my son is older and doesn't seem to care. I know he does to some degree, and even if it were just me, I'd still do a beautiful tree, garlands, Christmas carols, baking and lots of yummy meals. I often take my baked goods and meals to work so others help me eat them.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,674 
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Nov 5, 2019 14:47:24 GMT
My DH has decided to take on his dad's train set up. It fills a small room. We are excited to have it but need to figure out how it will fit and still have space to host Christmas day.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 6, 2024 11:17:36 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2019 15:24:16 GMT
Because I am the mom of 2 special need, medically complex kids, what I do depends on what is going on.
Last year I baked 2 pies, 4 cookies, made cranberry sauce and a side dish for Christmas Eve.
This year I am baking 4 cookies and 1 pie.
We always decorate together, dh is a big help as is dd.
I also host Christmas Day dinner for my parents.
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Post by deshacrafts on Nov 5, 2019 15:26:38 GMT
I am purging through my holiday decor, but that being said, I have a ton of Christmas stuff and love putting it up every year. We don't celebrate Christmas at my house anymore, we go to my DD's as she has children. But I love seeing all my holiday things and don't plan to stop putting them up for a long time. I usually put up 2 trees, one for all the German Glass ornaments I've collected over the years and one for handmade and special ornaments. I have quite a bit of Fall/Halloween stuff and it's the same with that as well. We don't have a large family, so I still buy for my kids and their spouses as well as the grandkids. I love the holidays at this time of year!
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bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,623
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Post by bethany102399 on Nov 5, 2019 15:48:30 GMT
We decorate, though honestly it's for the kids. I bought the Lego Gingerbread house this year which led me down the rabbit hole of Lego Holiday village sets. I now have 3 sets ready for assembly once the death star is completed. I've been holding off on putting them together as I want at least one of them to be a distraction for me on Christmas day. I'm also wondering where in the heck they're going to go as George (the dog) has a long reach and long ago learned legos are tasty. No Christmas train around the tree for us, or at least not for any length of time. AS we do have a little money this year, I've been adding a bit to our decor. My issue is that what I like (Target climbing santa , blow up lawn decor etc) DH (and I'm sure many of the peas) think is tacky. So it's a subtle balance for us. I did break down and buy a vintage holiday tablecloth. ![liek this one]() |
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Post by lostwithout2peas on Nov 5, 2019 16:07:05 GMT
The past few years have been a real miss with my baking due to work and being sick right during the weeks leading up to Christmas. And I had been really lagging and feeling burnt out and not appreciated for many, many years. I usually go all out baking at least 8 different things if not more. Last year was the 1st year I was able to do it all and that was because I had some unexpected time off.
So this year I am looking forward and planning on doing a massive amount of baking. I'm planning on starting at the beginning of December and freezing stuff cause I won't have the time off like I did last year. I had forgotten how happy it makes my family and friends and I am looking forward to it not dreading all the hard work that goes into it!
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Post by jassy on Nov 5, 2019 18:24:49 GMT
ME!! We lived in a cozy shoe box for 23 years (3br, 1 bath 1200 sq ft 1929 bungalow). Our sons are both in college, and we just moved into our "forever home" a 3br 2bath 1900sq ft ranch; not huge by any measure, but we have S P A C E to host now. I have a dining room! And a family room with a woodburning fireplace that looks like it's out of a storybook! and I AM SO EXCITED about this holiday season! We are hosting Christmas Eve for my side of the family for the first time ever, and also have a New Year's Day get together for both sides of our family. I really am trying to contain myself form going crazy with the decor, but I have some spaces to fill  And did I mention I'm excited. LOL. My dining room furniture should be here before Thanksgiving |
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Post by tc on Nov 5, 2019 20:54:13 GMT
Last year because of my husband's medical issues and the behavior issues we were having with our son at the time, I did the bare minimum. I put up a tree and threw a dozen ornaments on it. I bought one of those kits from Target that had the prebaked sugar cookies with some frosting and sprinkles...put those on a cookie tray for my son and let him decorate and that's all we did for baking. I declined just about every invitation for "holiday events". I cut our yearly holiday advent calendar tradition because I couldn't handle one more thing to do every day leading up until Christmas.
I'm not sure it's going to be much different this year. However, we're celebrating with my side of the family over Thanksgiving. (23 days to go until I have to be at least half ready) Therefore, in theory I should have "half" less things to take care of during December. I'm going to attempt to make a Days of December mini scrapbook and capture an image for each day. I figure that will replace our advent calendar and be a longer lasting holiday memory keepsake. Maybe the tree will get 2 dozen ornaments this year. And the cookies from Target will do nicely.
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Nov 5, 2019 22:58:36 GMT
I think it's awesome you are going all out with your decor! Awesome that your husband is making you storage for it all as that's always an issue for my decor stuff LOL.
HS is such an awesome store! I haven't been there for a while but I did check out Canadian Tire and they had some nice stuff.
When we paid off our mortgage I started buying decor for all the seasons and I definitely have a ton of Christmas stuff from HS. We never used to do the outside but last year we started putting up lights and bought a few displays and got more after the 25th when they went on sale. We want to buy more this month but we will have to see we both work at the same plant and we will be shut down for a month starting in December.
I'm hoping to at least do a few DIY things like a snowflake made out of the white plastic hangers from Dollar Tree. I'd love to get a pencil tree from Michaels its on sale this week as I've always wanted a second tree I could do as a theme but that might have to wait. I'd also love to buy one of those 3 tiered trays and one of those tall narrow signs for the front entry.
Dressing up my house for the seasons makes me happy and helps with my depression especially in this nasty cold weather we are having in Alberta right now!
I say go for it and enjoy yourself! Share some pics too!
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Post by mikklynn on Nov 6, 2019 13:37:39 GMT
The last two years I have done the minimum as far as decorating and baking. Two years ago the tree had lights and no ornaments. It still looked pretty. Last year DH was in the hospital until the 22nd and we spent the 24th on the phone with the on-call oncology team.
This year, since I am retired, I am hoping to do my normal decorating and baking. So that is bigger for me!
Everyone who is going bigger - enjoy!
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Post by nlwilkins on Nov 6, 2019 17:30:26 GMT
We have not had a tree for several years now because of a new kitten. Well, she is older and I think I am going to try a tree this year. It will be an artificial tree and all the ornaments are non-breaking - very pretty though as they are the handmade sequin and bead kind. I'll hold off on the tinsel as I worry about her trying to eat that. The kitten is now almost four and still is pretty active so this is going to be iffy.
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iluvpink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,370
Location: Michigan
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Post by iluvpink on Nov 6, 2019 17:57:37 GMT
I've started doing more the last couple of years. Bigger house (not large, but not TINY like our old house), bigger budget and less parenting stress.
For many years, I didn't send out cards, make cookies except for a few people, didn't host etc. I focused on Christmas morning at home for dd and dinner at my parent's. Oh and sometimes a very casual meal with my BIL and SIL.
Now we host a party for dh's side of the family (not many people) and I bake more and send out cards. I definitely decorate more.
I found parenting a young child while working full time and two hours of commute each day very stressful. And then dd had health issues. Add in a tiny house and some severe money issues for a number of years, I was just doing the minimum. Now we have a bigger house, more money and dd is older and her health issues under control. I have the time, space and money and love Christmas, so I'm definitely doing more!
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Post by canadianscrappergirl on Nov 6, 2019 18:22:42 GMT
The last two years I have done the minimum as far as decorating and baking. Two years ago the tree had lights and no ornaments. It still looked pretty. Last year DH was in the hospital until the 22nd and we spent the 24th on the phone with the on-call oncology team. This year, since I am retired, I am hoping to do my normal decorating and baking. So that is bigger for me! Everyone who is going bigger - enjoy! I hope you are able to do all you are hoping to do! After having a stressful or exhausting holiday I'm sure what ever you're able to accomplish will be great. I know I had so many plans last year after a absolutely horrible Christmas the year before and I wasn't able to get a lot done but it sure was a vast improvement over December 2017 |
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Nov 6, 2019 18:52:09 GMT
Cakediva, if you are looking for decor try Facebook Marketplace
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Post by KelleeM on Nov 6, 2019 18:58:49 GMT
My dh did most of the decorating work around here. Our tree is going to be impossible for dd and I to set up and it involves moving a large piece of furniture. I may get a smaller tree. Honestly I don’t want to do anything but dgd is almost 4 and already talking about Christmas.
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julie5
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,611
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Post by julie5 on Nov 6, 2019 19:07:00 GMT
This year I think I’m going to be even more selfish than last year in the interest of my mental health. The main difference in this year and last is now my husband finally understands how much I was doing for everyone else and how truly empty my own cup is. I just can’t anymore. I’m hurting in a lot of ways.
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Post by 950nancy on Nov 6, 2019 19:55:17 GMT
I found some large gold butterflies that I plan to add to my tree decorations. For now that is my only addition.
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Post by workingclassdog on Nov 6, 2019 22:23:41 GMT
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Post by Scrapper100 on Nov 6, 2019 23:46:31 GMT
I bought a second skinny tree two years ago and now am tempted to buy a small pencil tree for our loft. I’m having fun making ornaments but am out of room on our trees. In the last five years I have been buying ornaments that I really like and purging those that we don’t care about. Swapping out decorations for ones I love vs like.
I haven’t done much baking in the last few years but this year I plan to. We have a small family so don’t need many goodies but hubby has a new job and can take them into the office. Hoping I feel up to doing what I want to do. I’ve had a lot of health issues this year and it’s kept me from doing stuff. Last year family drama put a damper on the holidays and it’s still there but trying to just work around it so we can enjoy as much as possible.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Nov 6, 2019 23:51:02 GMT
BFF, amblet said she’s coming in November or December to decorate with me o I assume more than last year. I think we will have company often. It’s very easy in the new house. |
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Post by belgravia on Nov 7, 2019 1:26:26 GMT
Well last year I did nothing because we went away for the holidays, so this year I’m looking forward to decorating and baking. I’m going to decorate our outside fireplace with a wreath and garland, since we can see it out the family room windows. And I think I may get a new tree, a tall slim one.
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Post by amblet on Nov 7, 2019 9:43:54 GMT
BFF, amblet said she’s coming in November or December to decorate with me o I assume more than last year. I think we will have company often. It’s very easy in the new house. Looking at tickets soon. Can not wait to spread holiday cheer. |
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,987
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Post by Nanner on Nov 7, 2019 14:21:33 GMT
We've gone bigger because (1) it's just DH and I living here now; and (2) we have more space to decorate (i.e. a huge basement family room which we didn't have in our old house). I put up a large tree in that family room and a narrower one in the living room. I will put up a small table tree in the tv room this year.
I change ALL of the decor in my house to Christmas decor. Everything. Even some of the pictures on the walls get changed out. We'll do all the decorating over 3 weekends, starting the weekend after this coming one.
I haven't baked the last 2 years, but DS texted me and asked if I would make Christmas cookies with him this year. So I invited my mother as well, and the 3 of us should have a great day baking. One day only, though.
I do Christmas dinner at our house, but this year, it's just DH and I, DD, DS and my parents.
We get the week between Christmas and New Years off work every year, and I've also taken the 23rd and 24th off. So I'm off from Dec 21 to Jan 2.
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teddyw
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,068
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Post by teddyw on Nov 7, 2019 15:12:21 GMT
I haven’t decided yet. I love all the decorations but when we downsized 2 years ago I got rid of a lot and I just can’t seem to get my house right.
I do like to decorate my porch with Santa’s
My sister bakes a ton. I may make caramels and truffles.
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janeinbama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,201
Location: Alabama
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Post by janeinbama on Nov 7, 2019 15:26:46 GMT
Not necessarily bigger, but all out. We moved into our house mid November last year. With the home projects we did immediately, house was a wreck for several weeks, I was more concerned about gifts! I did get tree put up and Nativity out. This year I will be pulling out all the stops.
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