Anyone else starting to experience this?

I know I have since I realized we only get 5 more paychecks before Christmas. I think what is making me nervous is the fact that normally this time of year- I would be done besides small items and paying off my layaway (thanks Wal-mart ).

This year I have tried doing things differently for Christmas and so far there is a few winners- but my losers outweigh the good ones! The good ones is that I did hit a few good sales and have a decent start-but by no where near to what I would like to be, I have gift cards to the toy store to help somewhat with the money situation, and everyone has atleast one small gift (of course the girls have more that one-but not near what we planned on getting them!). Oh also, I have been picking up atleast 1 item out of each pay to help get some items out of the way.

The bad things are these: I was planning on making a receipe book for my in law family- I got them started but there is only 5 receipes- needless to say this will be next years presents, did not hit the after Christmas sales like I used to (thought the extra space and money were more important to me at the time!), and DH found my hidden Christmas stash and basically wiped it out !

It's a scary thought how you just brought to my attention that there's only FIVE more paychecks! I have at least thirty more ppl I need to shop for and the in laws and MY parents are always a concern. Last year I did a personalized calendar for my mom, I'm thinking of doing that this year for my IL's.

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You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

Tell dh to work some overtime and replenish the present stash you had. I would be seriously upset with dh if he did that to me.

I have to buy presents throughout the year because the girls' birthdays are in Nov and Dec as well. Toys R Us and Kohls have buy 1 get 1 free type of sales every so often. Look at places like TJ Maxx and Tuesday Morning for good prices.

Pattern it out. Dh gets paid every other Friday and I think he gets 3 paychecks in December if I remember right.

My husband was making fun of my Christmas stash for the kids. I'm all done except for the tiny stocking stuffers. I did not purchase items for my husband but I know what I'm going to buy. We are not buying for anyone else. It is ridiculous to come up with SOMETHING to give your relatives that they really don't want and you don't have the money to spend. We do a family dinner instead.

well we are actually getting an extra paycheck in november, so that's what we will use BUT. If we weren't I'd start cutting out gifts. I'd cut out all adults first. Then Hubby and I would not give each other anything. Kids first- my kids, then cousins, ect.

What you might consider doing is buy for your kids first, then if you have any extra money left over after that, buy for other people. Either by age ( neices, nephwes) or relationship - kids favorite teacher gets a token gift before rude an obnoxious aunt you only see once a year.

We're getting 3 paychecks in Novemeber, eh?!
You're right!
Good eye miss

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You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

We luck out in that DH gets an annual raise every October we can use the extra for christmas then start putting the extra toward savings after the new year.

I start ealy so it doesn't take such a bite.

I will buy used things like I bought DD a little people town for $12 at a consignment shop it would cost $30 or more new so I count it as $30 off her budget.

I have done the same thing with other gifts I hosted a party and got a hostess credit so I got $50 items fo half price and some things for free I consider the value of the gift coming off my budget instead of what I paid.

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Kimberly Proud Mommy to Bethany Rose April 2006

Financially...no, I never do. Ever since I was in college, I started to save each week towards Christmas. I do it all year long. I have just always done it that way...the amount has increased each week but the system is the same. It works out really well for me!

yep it seems we always get extra cash in Nov. either an extra paycheck or a christmas Bonus.... It works out ok $$$ wise thankfully
I have lots of amazon toy sale, yankee candles , bath and body works , Yves rocher , victorias secret, and more items stockpiled in my basement for whatever gifts I need- I buy all that stuff all year so That is there to divide up if needed.

My kids each ask for one "big " item - and they will get that. By big I mean -about a 100.00 item
I also have two girls B days in Dec - so that is tough -
emotionally stressful time \

I am also Stressing over decorating.... I am not at all in the mood. For some reason Dec. has Become one big stressful month for me-

Maybe the fact of the two Bdays AND the fact that I have two holiday meals :rolleyes

I am usually the most stressed about getting all my shopping complete for my parents (they are tough) and dealing with my MIL. This year I have the MIL situation under control, but I still have shopping to do. I also always hostess the holidays, so the meals and decor will start hanging heavy over me after Thanksgiving. Not to mention that our City and County taxes are due in December. What's up with that?!

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Parker, Wyndser, and Carson....................Wyndser (in blue) with her cousin