Christmas Shopping on a Budget

Christmas on a budget? No problem. I purchased 16 over-sized stockings at the Dollar Store about three years ago. These stockings hang in my closet with each child's name clearly glittered. I spend the entire year purchasing little items that would delight a child's senses, put it in the appropriate stocking and go my merry way. In this way I am celebrating Christmas the entire year.

What to put in these stockings? The things your own children forgot were fun. Non-electrical toys, no batteries needed items. I buy books, crayons, paints, you get the idea. Craft kits where they can actually make something. What this usually does is give the grandkids something to do when the batteries are dead, the games are old, the movies no longer interesting. Once again as they prepare to string beads, or glue together a model, they remember Christmas long after the holiday has passed.

On Christmas Eve I wish I could show you the little ones faces as they dig into a stocking bigger then themselves, the "ohs, and ahas". Have teens, once more no problem. A stack of blank Cd's, different kinds of sample perfumes, the dollar ones, for growing boys, coupons for McDonald's. The list is endless.

What do I shop for in December? Four gifts. Each of my children receive one personal gift from me. It is never expensive, but always thoughtful and special. My gift? The laughter and a stress free holiday with my family.