Holiday shopping spirit

[Cynthiabutterfly]

We have had very unseasonably cool weather for almost 3 weeks now, and the cold air is making my brain think it is time for the Holidays.

I am halfways thru my Christmas shopping, I started talking about Thanksgiving in September, I put out my Halloween decorations, and wanted to put out my Thanksgiving and Christmas stuff instead.

I have very strong cravings for hot cocoa (which we always have on Christmas eve) and now the weirdest thing..... For the last week I have a very strong urge to go shopping at Target.

I thought about it alot, and then I went and got the Mott's deal on Saturday, and then I thought about it some more, trying to figure out why I have such a strong urge to go there.... then I realized that the majority of my holiday decorations are from there at either 75% or 90% off, with a few $ store items and some handmade things. All the toys for the kids (birthday's too) over the last 3 years came from there too, and most of their new clothes.

I swear I didn't plan that, it's just a great store and they have good clearance and it's the best alternative to Walmart *gag* as we have no Kmart here.

I feel like a lunatic trying to get rid of this urge to go to Target, I don't want to buy anything there, and the decorations aren't on clearance yet!

So, does anyone else have strange and/or impulsive Holiday traditions??

[Deja Vu]

Oh boy, I'm thrilled to see someone excited about the holdiays. I saw Christmas stuff while Halloween shopping and ran the other way. My holiday spending report is reading in the red this year, so I must be creative. Just wanted to raise my cup of cocoa up to you, sounds delightful right now with the crisp air.

[vickib50]

Air conditioning is running, could get to 80 today. Still, I'm thinking of Christmas. Last week, I pulled out all my Christmas "stuff" and have it spread all over the living room. I'm going through the gifts I've purchased throughout the year and deciding who gets what and what else I need. Also, I prepare baskets for my clients every year. I have all the stuff I need to make my Christmas baskets except for the small sized coffee packages and individual cocoa envelopes.

I don't decorate for Halloween (I just can't get into celebrating a day that honors the devil) and I usually put up the Christmas tree on Thanksgiving. Not a live tree! I'm closing in on having Christmas well in hand by the first of November. Now, if we could just have a "hot cocoa" day.

[MamaCas]

You're not the only one! I'm so ready for Christmas this year I can't stand it! We've been going through all our old Christmas decorations over the last week and it's just made it worse. Temps in the morning and at night have been pretty chilly here in Alabama lately, and that hot chocolate is calling my name! All I need is some tiny marshmallows and I'm set.

[snafu4me]

[MamaCas]

LOL! Aww!

[PhoenixSierra]

Not to bring anyone down or look for sympathy but I am the exact opposite. My Mother just passed away and the thought of the holidays is horibble. I had just got her birthday present and did not get a chance to give it to her. I also have some things for her in my gift closet and think I will give them to a local charity. I found an article in yesterdays paper on the local charity that plans to have a Thanksgiving dinner for people so I think I will volunteer. It has been just me and hubby at Thanksgiving lately and then I make a plate and take to Mom. With all my siblings she usually got 6 plates. I have got to convince everyone to get together for Christmas, so wish me luck.

[Cynthiabutterfly]

I understand that too- my dad passed away this year and left 7 kids and 3 grandkids behind. Every holiday, every birthday, every get-together and barbeque is a reminder that he isn't with us anymore.

However, the holidays aren't about us- they are about giving to others and all the silly stuff and decorations are for the kids. My son misses his grandpa too, but we can still get excited about the good things and fun times!

I hope your holidays are filled with happy memories of all your family, including the ones that can't be with you.

[MamaCas]

I can understand where you're coming from, PheonixSierra. My dad passed away last year. :( Lots of hugs from my family to yours. You'll be in our prayers.

[lallyy]

MY HUSBAND AND I ARE FAR AWAY FROM ALL SIX OF OUR SONS. THEY ARE SCATTERED TO THE FOUR WINDS AND WE GET TO SEE THEM SO RARELY...SOME OF THEM NOT FOR YEARS. WE NEVER HAVE CELEBRATED HALLOWEEN AND OUR FOCUS IS ON A LOW KEY CHRISTMAS. EACH YEAR WE HAND MAKE SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR EACH OF THE BOYS AND FOR WIVES AND GRANDKIDS. THIS YEAR IT'S CLOCKS, JEWELRY BOXES AND TRUNKS FOR DRESS UP PLAY FOR THE GIRLS AND TREASURE CHEST FOR OUR GRANDSON. THE IMPORTANT THING IS KEEPING OUR FOCUS ON OUR SAVIOR AND HIS BIRTH. THAT MAKES FOR A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL