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This & That

December 16th, 2007 at 03:54 pm

I can't remember what I last said, but Christmas is coming around $700.

I think I am done. Really done. It's actually kind of late for me. But I finished up some wrapping last night.

We spent around $250 on our parents/grandparent. We usually don't do much or spend much on them, but they were awfully generous this year. So we got a zoo membership for MIL to take the kids whenever (she loves it). & a personalized calendar of grandkids. Sent the calendar to great-grandma too. & got her a g.c. to get her hair/nails done. I was going to do donations in their names this year, but MIL did not want it. & G-Grandma said she wasn't going to give us gifts this year because she felt she couldn't afford it. Usually she piles it on, so I had no idea. We decided to get her something nice. IT's her little luxury. I think she will appreciate more. If she is worried about money and such.

We took my dad to the Exploratorium and also got him a ticket to the "Walking with Dinosaurs." He loves that stuff and is going with the kids. & bought him some candy.

Bought my mom that home-made blanket and did a donation in her name.

As far as donations, we did about $250. At least 1/2 were gifts, "in honor" of others. In lieu of gifts. (Oh I also did this for my mom since her birthday is this month). Everyone in our family pretty much has a birthday this month too, so why our spending is a bit on the higher side. My birthday is in December and so I am mindful not to gyp anyone. LOL. Orelse one gift would have done for my parents, or dh's parents. Etc., etc. At least all our kids and nieces are summer. Phew.

Giving $70 cash to my boss and to my gardener. I always turn around and give a decent chunk back to my boss, from my bonus. He takes good care of me. I might get $100 from him and I'll give him 1/2. I probably appreciate him more than about anyone though, so I enjoy giving something back.

Spent around $100 on the kids (one nice gift each, some cheap stocking stuffers). & $30 on the nieces. I actually spent $50 on them and had a $20 off coupon. I think I did well. Was the first year shopping for 2 nieces.

That left $40 for thank-you cards, a potluck, and 2 gift exchanges. We spent $8 on a veggie tray, and yes I know we could have made one much cheaper. But it was a hectic weekend and I didn't plan ahead. Oh well.

We don't do Christmas cards. We probably should. Just too much work. But you know, with time, you get that bigger trail of friends you barely keep in touch with, and I do LOVE getting their cards. Sometimes, in January I sent off pictures and updates to the people we got cards from. I figure maybe every other year, and I did that last year. (The funny thing is I have a lot of older friends. None of my friends under say 35/40 have ever sent us a Christmas card. I think it's a generational thing. We got e-mail for the rest, huh).

Oh, I might need to buy a gift for my "nephew." He's dh's cousin's child. We don't exchange. (No way. We don't want any more Christmas obligations). BUT alas, he is also a December birthday. So I'll probably buy him a gift. But it's not part of the Christmas budget I guess. He's rather new. Still figuring that one out. I think he is too little to care and one birthday gift will do. We might add him to the Christmas list down the road.

But say $200 in November, $300 in December, $200 in January. We just spread it out and pay cash as we go. It's so much simpler that way. It's coming out to something like this.

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Well, this time of year is busy busy busy at work. I am not sure I will get next weekend off. Depends. So I figured I'd better enjoy today. I worked much of yesterday, but today should be relaxing.

We were thinking of taking the kids to the train museum and riding the "Polar Express." The sacramento version anyway. But we went to a museum last weekend, and am going to one next weekend. & we decided we better just lay low. Have a quiet weekend. Phew. Next 2 weekends are filled with family gatherings and such. (& work...).

Gas is also dropping considerably AND our local grocery store is now offering 25 cent per gallon discounts. (Usually 10 cents/15 cents). We have 2 stores with gas stations, apparently in a price war. Phew. Since we have to drive to San Jose THREE more times this month. We drove about as much last month and were in the gas budget. So we'll see. There's hope. I just pad the budget for the peak months and to keep room for gas appreciation. But it's nice that it may cost a little less. We'll see what prices do around the holidays I guess. I will regardless, be glad, when January rolls around, and the driving slows. Then again, we are planning a trip to Tahoe and San Jose in January. Figures. But beats the 5 long drives of December. Yeesh. But yeah, during tax season, I am not keen on the weekend drives, since I tend to work Saturdays. So we'll lay low for a few months. We are going in January for a dentist appointment actually. Otherwise, would not bother. But coincides with grandpa's birthday so we can kill two birds with one stone there.

Anyway, so last night we ordered in some Greek Food. (Divine!) & we went to look at Christmas lights. It's kind of sad since the most awesome house light show ever is gone. I was trying to tell dh that it just isn't the same, once you see something so grand. HE says to me, "Yeah, it's like going from Blu-Ray to VHS." LOL. That is my husband for you. But yeah, probably says it well.

BUT we do have a really neat neighborhood around where a few blocks are just lit up. Every house participates and they light up the sidewalks and everything. We went last year, but I think LM will appreciate it more this year. We sill have to hit that one. Would have last night, but the kids didn't nap and would have fallen asleep on the longer drive. We just drove around the local neighborhoods last night.

Well, last night the kids helped me wrap up the last presents. All done! Oh, and I told them we would have some hot chocolate. But forgot. We'll have to do that tonight.

Beyond that, we have been firming up our plans for Christmas Day. We'll spend it with our parents, here at home. Let the kids wake up and open gifts. Then my parents will come over. We figure we'd to Take & Bake pizzas (they are divine, and CHEAP) for lunch. & play cards or something. & then dh's parents are trying to move in on our day. LOL. We are celebrating with them over the weekend. Yeesh. But we said they could come over, but they had to respect our time first. So they'll come over for dinner. I was thinking of ordering Thai food. We did last year, on a whim, and they were open. I am thinking that is a nice tradition. It will be kind of fun to have the whole gang. But I look forward to quieter time with my parents too. Best of both worlds I guess. I just find it somewhat annoying since long ago my parents claimed Christmas and they claimed Christmas Eve (or weekend prior since I have to work Christmas Eve, which makes the drive impossible). Anyway, my parents would not dream of moving in on their day. But they want their cake and eat it too. Oh well, it's family, what do you do. You love them but they drive you crazy sometime. Wink I guess if they get too annoying over the years I can start inviting my parents over christmas Eve. LOL. But I think for this year, we have a good compromise.

So yeah, I am busy with work. But that's just the way it is. I am used to it, and always plan ahead best I can. All the same, the next 2 weeks should be pretty enjoyable. Such a magical time with the kids. I think they are enjoying...


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