Holiday shopping? Hah! Nope!

Braving oodles of traffic, weaving around lines of cars waiting to turn into the nearest shopping mall?  Nope.  Driving around a huge concrete jungle looking for a parking space, for hours?  Nope.  Shouldering through large crowds to move through the mall to the next store?  Nope.  Waiting in long lines to purchase a few pairs of boxer shorts?  Nope.  Passing by the mall Santa and hearing children having melt downs?  Nope.  Getting bumped, seeing people grab, witnessing arguments over material possessions, feeling sorry for the cashier getting an ear full from an angry customer?  Nope.  Nope. Nope and nope.  Watching people drive badly, cut each other off, curse and shake fists?  Nope.  This year I took the road less traveled.

Normally I get caught in the holiday shuffle.  Crowded malls, busy stores, long lines, hurried, angry shoppers....I'm ahead of the game this year.  This year I bought nearly every gift by October.  I think I have two gifts left to purchase.  We have this wonderful sale near us called, Weeusables Consignment and it is great for toys.  Mostly used, but who cares?!  I would rather get my kids vintage toys if possible anyway, plus they are still young enough to not pay mind to second hand things.   I save a small fortune this way, I have even found quite a few gems!  A complete set of Lincoln logs, brand new looking!  Score!   My little ponies, real ones!  The complete set of Pixar Cars characters - mega score!  Little people, weebles, sesame street, you name it.

This year, I will be sitting in my warm home, surrounded by my children, baking cookies, watching Christmas movies, relaxing and enjoying my little family.  We even are devoid of family obligations.  Both sets of grandparents decided early on that they would not be visiting for holidays this year.  Off the hook for any entertaining or hosting, kind of looking forward to a quiet holiday season.  Maybe we will do it like this every year.....Can't wait for our girls to open their gifts.  It is the first year our oldest is aware of everything and understands gifts, trees, snow and we are teaching her about Jesus's birthday.  Nana bought the girls a manger set and so far it's a big hit (and they leave mine alone). We are going to bake cookies together and watch Christmas movies.  We are deciding what things we are going to do as traditions, so far, picking out our Christmas tree, cookies, movies and Christmas eve has yet to be decided.  Looking forward to a stress free holiday season.