Explaining Why Santa Must Downsize ???

[imasurvivor]

Here's what my response would be...(LOL)

" He's B R O K E!  And b/c the way the economy is today, Santa had to cut back at the NORTH POLE and let go of a lot of his elves...BUT luckily for us...some of which, if not most, are now employed at the Payless shoe store!  And guess what sweetie!!!  That's where we are going tomorrow to pick out a new pair of shoes for you b/c you've out grown the ones you have now! And you need shoes more than any old LEAPFROG or Wii toy...right? "

Now there's nothing wrong with being honest or keeping it simple BUT here's an idea that just might be of some assistance if you find yourself struggling this year... (And if it's too late for you to do it this year keep it in your pocket to use for the upcoming years!)

I've passed this on to many of my friends & family members since having done this myself during the "hard times" before having children, for my husband...and now, having 2 little ones, you can bet it's going to be a yearly tradition from this year forward!

You see, kids (& apparently husbands too) can easily forget what they already have, so I re-gift the "missing bulk" for under the tree with what's already lying around the house or what I've "saved up" through out the year!

  ~ A tucked away unopened/unused birthday present, a book or toy they've had but never really noticed b4, a shirt, pants, sox, dress...whatever they may NEED & that they've never worn before or knew even existed!

Open the pantry or the linen closet for Stocking Stuffer ideas or wrap up items in several boxes/packages to fill out the tree if money is really tight. 

I've use toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, 1 or 2 envelopes of hot cocoa, a granola bar, juice box, an orange or banana (any snack stuff you might find...but favorites go a long way!)

~ Kleenex, Cough Drops, Chapstick & Chicken Soup (for a winter sick day)

~ A Pencil, crayons, paper, coloring books (I stock up at the beginning of the school year sales...this year I got at Wal-Mart, Crayola Crayons/Pencils/Markers from 22 cents- 88 cents a box)

Toys: Yard Sales & Craigslist...I always seem to find a bargain there...Or keep a close eye out for in-store and/or online sales!

~ Wrapping paper, tags & tape can get pricey...use brown paper bags, plain old newspaper, markers & string instead!

So, I guess what I'm saying is, it doesn't hurt (you, the kids, the husband or the budget) to use some imagination & a little creativity FIRST...& you'd be so amazed what you can put together from your own household stash!

And when Christmas morning comes around, and you realize those 1 or 2 store bought gift items (big or small) that you've been "stressing" about because it's all that you could afford this year, really don't look so bad or so lonely under the tree...You can just thank me! LOL...I'm just kidding about that...

BUT do remember, there is a whole lot more to the "season" then just gifts & toys and it is equally important to instill the true meaning & the spirit of Christmas in our children as well!

My wish for you & yours this holiday season..."Have A Merry & A Happy...Keep it Simple & Stress Free!"

 

xoxoxo's 

 

 

 

[mattbabysmom]

Nov. 21, 2008 at 10:05 AM

Very true!! We did almost all our shopping at the dollar store. My hubby was the store mgr for a Dollar General, so he shopped the sales. I'm not ashamed at all. My kids are gonna have a great Christmas for 1/4 what we have spent other years :)

[roachiesmom]

Nov. 23, 2008 at 6:17 PM

The first Christmas after my Feline-American child died, my daughter wanted to hang her brother's stocking as usual.  That night Santa had the rather inspired idea to leave a movie and a special bag of candy to the whole family in Roachie's stocking.  From that eventually came the idea to hang my big decoration stocking as a family stocking that Santa fills with movies and other things we can enjoy together as a family while cutting back on the individual piles for the kids as money gets tighter every year.  So we do individual stockings and the Family Stocking, and a couple of presents under the tree, and everyone is happy. 

[pinkcalla721]

Dec. 17, 2008 at 1:58 AM

I had to laugh at the regifting things the husband doesnt remember, that is a good one. You are indeed fortunate to have a man that so easily forgets, that wouldnt fly with the men in my family, now IDIOT, we both know he would be thrilled with anything, especially right now. Boo Hoo!

I do buy things throughout the year though myself to give later on. I have to admit I went kind of wild this year spending my ass off on tons of things for Boo Boo, more or less it was my way of celebrating that i even could do that without guilt. You know he always got his cut of my moeny and both myself a Boo Boo had to suffer for his manipulation, not anymore though. I spent wads on Boo Boo this year.

 

[ShastaVA]

Dec. 20, 2008 at 1:09 AM

I love your ideas! These especially help me out being a military family (that makes less than you'd expect) and having three babies... It's also a good thing they are still so little and can be entertained by the simplest things...