Wait a minute, so no gift, meaning nothing

On the gift side, do like we do... [2008-11-30]
he wants a $1200 item this year; fine, he can have it, but I get that same amount to do something with. If he wants to buy me a ring or some such bauble, fine, or he can just give me the cash to buy what I want.

Gift Giving [2008-11-29]
I just got married in July 2008, bought a new home, and am now expecting my third child in April 2009 so we ourselves have had many blessings this year but our financial situation is also pretty tight. We will not be buying gifts for anyone but our children. Our family will receive homemade treats this year. We still like to do something nice for them because they have done so much for us this year and every year but we don't have a lot of money to play with. In my case, we take care of our obligations (bills, our children, etc.) before we worry about gifts. We feel that providing our children with things that need and the love that they deserve is more important than any material gift will ever be. Our family understands our situation and is very happy just to spend the holidays with us without the expectation of a gift because honestly the quality time with family is the biggest gift we could give each other. In my opinion, you should just explain the situation to them and let them know that you will not be giving gifts this year. They may take it hard but they will get over it. You have to do what you have to do. Gifts aren't the real reason for the Christmas season anyhow. Good luck to you!

I think I am anti-gift giving this year [2008-11-28]
Money is so tight right now I am no sure how I am going to pay my bills this December.I had some unexpectedbills come up that needed to be taken care of. On top of that, I have to come up with X-mas gifts for everyone and they do not like cheap things. Their idea of cheap is hand-made and they do not like it. So that is out. I just got a part-time job but that is not going to kick in a whole lot of money until closer to the end of the year. I would like to opt out of gift giving this year but if I suggest it I get the lecture from family members of what do you do with your money?, what are you spending it on? and other invasive questions. The other unforunate thing is I live in the same town with them. The most inexpensive thing on my niece She is not careful with these and she has already gone through so many. To top it all off I have 3 birthdays in December. I really hate this time of year. Any suggestions on how to tell them to just buy for them and not for me and let me out of this so-called family time? Sorry to be so bitter.

I know I mentioned about the gift [2008-11-24]
but it really isn't so much about that but that she can't find 5 minutes to stop by for my shower. It's right by her house. Maybe she invited me to her wedding reception thinking that I wouldn't come and would just send a gift? I don't know. I am just hurt more than upset. It makes me feel like she doesn't even try but I guess the gift was her way of trying and my life is just in a different, more mature, place than hers. Having a baby puts life into perspective very quickly. Thank you for the kind words. I hear this scenario with a lot of people but guess I just thought that wasn't us since we still talk and see each other often. But you are right, I can't let the relationship be one-sided either.

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for [2008-11-19]
a 14 yo girl and a 17 yo boy. Any suggestions???

Gift card to a game store? (sm) [2008-11-19]
You could hardly go wrong with that. Here we have one called Gamestop and that is always the birthday gift everyone requests.

A good gift for either... [2008-11-19]
is the small cologne/perfume gift sets you can get at the mall stores. they usually have 5-8 small bottles for $20 or so. Sometimes you can also get whatever their free offer is for a sweatshirt or duffle bag with it too. We did this one year for all the nieces/nephews between 14 and 21 and they all said they loved it. It gave them an opportunity to try different things without being stuck with 1 fragrance and it surprisingly lasts a kid a pretty long time because they don't want to smell like that every day but when they go out it is something special. The girl might also like a gift certificate for a makeup counter to get her colors done and skin consultation. That's if her parents allow her to wear make up. I wish someone had given me one of those when I was that age. Most teens don't realize its not the amount of makeup you put on but HOW you put it on that makes the difference.

gift cards [2008-11-19]
Gift cards are hard to redeem, especially if they have to spend a long time trying to find something they like at the store for 5, 10 or 15 which they usually cannot and end up spending my money to cover the overage. I think cash is much better!

My daughter is 14, and her favorite gift [2008-11-19]
is a gift card. We have them here that are called All Mall Gift Certificates so they can be spent at any store in the whole mall.

Christmas Gift for Boss [2008-11-19]
My other job is a legal secretary. I am looking for gift ideas for my boss that was not too expensive. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Well I bought my first Christmas gift today...sm [2008-11-12]
for this year, and it was a big one. My son has been wanting a Playstation 3 since they came out, which I think was last year. They were $500 last year, and luckily he didn Well I saved a little this year so I could buy him this gift for Christmas this year. He says that is what he wants. They are now $400 this year. I saved and saved and I had the money put back to get it. So I gave my mom the money yesterday, and when she went to Walmart this morning, she bought it. I am so relieved because this is a major portion of Christmas bought. I only have the one son. No more children. I am so glad I was able to get this for him this year and so glad I already have it bought and put away for Christmas. Has anyone else started on their Christmas yet?

Snapfish free gift today on Oprah [2008-11-12]
Today on Oprah she announced that anyone that went into her website Oprah.com could get a free personalized picture album - with up to 20 digital pic upload by Sunday night. Looked it over quickl and is really neat. $30 value.

If Somebody Gives You a Gift? [2008-11-10]
How do you react when somebody gives you a gift that is not to your taste? It could be something for the home that doesnEwww...what were you thinking?. I have one friend in particular that never, ever fails to give me something that I will either donate to Goodwill or re-gift to one of the relatives that I know would just love it.

PS! Here's the playlist of a gift CD I burned - sm [2008-10-28]
last year to give to friends. I called it Not Your Father: 1. Christmas Time is Here (A Charlie Brown Christmas) 2. Christmas Canon (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) 3. Dysfunctional Family Christmas (comedy) 4. First Snow (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) 5. Christmas Wrapping (The Waitresses) 6. Ukranian Bell Carol 7. Mr. Grinch (How The Grinch Stole Christmas) 8. Siberian Sleigh Ride (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) 9. Ring Out, Solstice Bells (Jethro Tull) 10. Surfer's Christmas (The Beach Boys) 11. Christmas Tree Rock (Brian Setzer Orchestra) 12. Greensleeves (Manheim Steamroller) 13. Welcome Christmas (How Grinch Stole Christmas) 14. Ode To Joy (Trans-Siberian Orchestra & Metallica) 15. Step Into Christmas (Elton John) 16. Santa Baby (The Pussycat Dolls) 17. Whoville Medley (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) 18. Wizards In Winter (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) 19. Another Rock & Roll Christmas (Gary Glitter) 20. Appalachian Snowfall (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) 21. I Wish It Was Christmas (Saturday Night Live) 22. Porky Pig Sings A Blue Christmas (comedy)

...wait, that might be Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth (?) NM [2008-10-28]
.

Baby shower gift or shower [2008-10-27]
Anyone have some creative or unique baby shower gift ideas or shower ideas? or what is something that you couldn I have heard of giving a book instead of a card and signing the book. Also heard of wrapping the present in a blanket or crib sheet instead of spending money on paper to throw away. I have heard of charging an admission fee of a package or diapers or 1 package of diapers buys a raffle ticket for a prize.

I watch it 12 times every season on the TBS marathon. I can't wait to do it AGAIN for 15th year. [2008-10-26]
nm

What a great gift idea! sm [2008-10-23]
I have been getting massages every week for 6 years now, 4 years with the same massage therapist now. Most places understand how people feel as newbies to massages and will be very cautious with the draping and really go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.I have only ever gone to women massage therapists. Some people elect to leave bras and panties on, but I never have. I have never felt naked or overexposed during my massages. My massage therapist had me answer a longlist of questions before she ever massaged me for the first time about my level of comfort, etc. The key is lots of communication. Heck, though, I have been going to her so long now and she knows exactly where all my sore bits are that I am not self conscious at all and just say bring on the massage! I bet they are going to love it once they relax and get into it!

Gift certificates for massages for Christmas question. (sm) [2008-10-22]
There is a littlespa near us that has gift certificates for massages, aroma therapy, etc and had thought about getting my daughters each one as a Christmas gift. Thought they could go together as they are good friends as well as sisters. I am a bit of a country bumpkin myself and know nothing about these things. Anyone tell me a little about what they might expect? One daughter is prettyeasy going, the other is a little more conservative. I understand sheets coveringthe body, justwanted to make sure the massage isconfined to extremities and back, nothing too personal.TIA

I coach softball and my favorite gift was a sweatshift with photo of the team and all the kids signe [2008-10-13]
They signed it in some kind of indelible ink which is great because I actually wear it all the time. I also got a plaque that looks just like the shirt, which is nice to have because I'm sure I'll wear out the sweatshirt. I love them and feel proud when I wear the shirt. We were champs of the league and the district and for a couple months after the season we were all kind of local celebrities! I played at a high level myself traveling all over Italy and Japan, but coaching this group was the best experience of my athletic career.

Any ideas for a coach's gift? [2008-10-12]
Soccer season is over in a month (U8) and I I know there are the standard team plaques, etc but I He The other parents haven't really come up with any ideas but are willing to split the cost of something within reason. Any ideas??

Wait a minute... [2008-10-01]
Excuse me, but my son just turned 8 and this girl is almost 8. I have since found out that she did this to another boy last year (not as hard) and my son also said she will walk up to him and hyperextend his finger back and twist them, as well as flicking him with her pencil when she gets mad. I know of yet another student that had problems with her last year (an older boy) who felt bullied by her. To me it just seems there is a pattern here that is only getting worse. It could have been his eye. Would you say it was no big deal then?? Where is she getting this behavior from?And yes, I think she needs special help in the classroom if she has behavioral issues. This is way different than kids fighting over a ball on the playground. This is a private Catholic school and they don In addition, their code of conduct that they recite everyday after prayer and the pledge of allegiance is that they will uphold the sanctuary for themselves and others.

TY for replies/advice - see "wait a minute" below for [2008-10-01]
update. I plan on talking to principal and teacher today and go from there.

Wait it out.. [2008-10-01]
Not only that, but to cash it out you have a penalty...so say you cash out $5,000...after penalties and all that, you will get a bit over $3,000 I believe. Just know if you cash it out, you will have to claim it as income on your taxes and pay a really high tax amount on it.....

Wait it out - the market did this on 9/11 also [2008-10-01]
Or the Monday after when the markets opened anyway and the market came back. Leave it in there now and the company that manages it can buy the stocks cheap and you will get a larger return for your money in the long run. Watch the financial shows on TV, they all say leave it in there, and I agree.

For the sake of the cats, you should tell her NOW to make different [2008-12-01]
arrangements in the future, and that you won't be feeding them anymore. Please don't wait until she's about to leave the cats. As for your sisters, I'm not Ann Landers or Dear Abby, but I've read them for years and I think they both would tell you to dump the family that you don't get along with, and start making some friends with people that will make you feel good. They are only making your life miserable and it's obvious they will continue to do so as long as YOU allow them to. Nobody can use you for a doormat unless you lie down for it. Good luck.

My family decided last year to just enjoy the holidays [2008-12-01]
We're all adults, no children, and live in small homes or apartments. I NEED tons of stuff, but have no place to put much of anything, and can't afford to reciprocate with a gift. Same with a couple other siblings. My mom's been impossible to buy gifts for, for probably the last 10 years. I was the first to bow out the year before last. I started the ball rolling because I just plain couldn't afford it anymore, and was too busy working all the time to spend hours on end in a department store. I had a new job, no PTO, and NO money, so I alerted everyone that I wasn't going to play the game that year. Turns out it was a relief to all! And last year, without all the holiday 'getting mauled at the mall' disasters, each of us had quiet, happy, stress-free holidays. So now that we've eliminated the gift-giving aspect of Christmas, I finally can look forward to the season and enjoy it again.

These 10 things definitely ain't right: [2008-12-01]
1) MTSOs who want people with top-notch skills and experience, but don't want to pay them what that skill is worth. 2) HMO's: So-called *health-maintenance-organizations* --yet they spend every minute and every dime of their far-too-large profits on denying healthcare, meds and procedures to their patients. These organizations have ruined American healthcare, and many American lives. HMO's have been a con-game since their inception. 3) The Bailouts: Giving money to companies who can too bad for the rest of you.* Then the Big Three show up in DC to beg for a handout, and fly there in private Lear jets. My answer to them would be, *I too bad for the rest of you.* 4) Apartment managers that won't allow even a single quiet, well-behaved pet, but will rent to people with continually screaming small children, and out-of-control older children and teens. Give me the pets for neighbors, ANY day. 5) Businesses that give an age-discount to absolutely everything that walks, runs or flies, but not to the middle-aged middle-class, who need it the most. Take the ski-industry: Young children ski for next-to-nothing, and sometimes nothing. There is a Teen Discount. There is a Student Discount for college kids. There I'll probably never be old enough - it's a carrot-on-a-stick, always just out of reach.) There are even corporate (UGH) discounts. But for those in my age group, who barely make ends meet but like to go up once a year for a couple days of bliss, there is NOTHING. 6) Travel-lodging deals that are always based on double or quadruple occupancy. What about singles? NOTHING. 7) TV commercials that are about a million decibels louder than the regular shows. Why can't it all be the same volume? Same with online newscasts. THEIR commercials will blow your eardrums out if you aren't quick enough turning down the volume before they start. 8) Surround-sound: Everything is too loud, already! Why do we need it coming at us from 4 directions? Why do people living in tiny apartments feel they need it? I've lost count of how many fights I've had with neighbors over this issue. Same with movies and music concerts. Why do they feel we need to feel the music in our SPLEENS? I went to Universal Amphitheater last week. (Now named something else). There is actually a sign outside warning that the decibel level inside might damage your hearing! (?!?!?!) Why do they need this? (To avoid lawsuits, obviously). If it's so loud you have to post a warning sign outside the entrance, then DUH.... it's TOO LOUD! 9) Banks that charge you a fee to use their ATM. They (I haven't actually been INSIDE a bank in YEARS).... and they want to charge US for using the machines instead of the tellers? Forget it. I won't give those banks my business. 10) The Post Office: Talk about rewarding slow, inept performance! The worse their employees are, the longer they seem to stay there. I'd rather have a root canal than go to a P.O. during the holiday season.

I still love giving gifts and have a solution with my family. sm [2008-11-30]
We all buy gifts for our parents (there are 4 of us, all married) but we wrap them all in the same paper and they are from everyone. That way, if someone is having a tough year, then it still looks even. Over the years, all of us have had a year that extra money just was not there during 1st babies, 1st homes, high gas prices, unexpected bills, lay-offs, new jobs etc. This way, our parents don't know who did what and they can't turn them down or worry about one family when they don't want to share with them their troubles. We treat the kids similarly. We all buy for all the kids (7 total) but no set limit. Some years, when having a good financial year, they get big presents, some years they don't. They all get to open at least 5 presents (counting Grandma and Grandpa) and we torture them until after dinner before they can open gifts! There have been years of Dollar Store gifts and years of video games. We all look for things during the year that we can give to all equally. Last year, I found pajama bottoms at Old Navy for $2 in the summer and bought a pair for everyone, including the adults. One year, my sister got them all Uno decks which were $3 each because that's all she could do and they are still the favorite gift and go everywhere. Uno tournaments, using all the cards are a family tradition and we make up different rules all the time! I am fortunate to be in a good position the last few yeas and have bought more extravagant presents. Not to show anyone up, but because I can. Not to make up for the very lean years, which were many, but because it is easy for me to do right now. We don't have jealousy and I don't expect anything in return because if I need something or want something, I usually buy it for myself. I just like to give gifts and can, and everyone is fine with that. But I have to tell you, my best gifts from the others are from years when there was no money and have now become tradition ... strawberry jam from my SIL, fudge from my brother. Christmas is what you make it. We are loud and loving and crazy and if we exchanged soup cans, the kids would still love it. It is what you make of it and how fun you make it for them.

This is what it is really all about.. [2008-11-30]
We all have a little bit of that Christmas excitement as well the true reason for the season even as adults. My Dad used to wrap things like Smiths Brothers cough drops, dominoes that he had lying around, peanuts, a bar of soap, an old deck of cards, a candy bar, and things like this... Well my SIL (my older brother Now granted my Mom would get things from Avon and give us as well, but these little things from my Dad would cause all of this giggling and laughing and thanks Dad; I really need these cough drops. He just got a kick out of it for sure and so did we. RIP: Mom and Dad (2006/1995,respectively). We miss those gifts!

Men [2008-11-30]
I think his quality of life would go up if he'd be willing to see an audiologist and have his hearing evaluated. There are a lot of new technologies on the market these days. They will usually allow a person to take a device home for a trial before purchase. But it sounds like he doesn't want to admit his body is aging. He still wants to act like a kid and spend money on toys instead of health. My hubby is 50, and is just now realizing sometimes expensive electronics just aren't in a real-world budget. I haven't cared about gifts since I was a kid. I found gifts very disappointing and giving them a lot of work, so thank goodness we only buy for nieces and nephews now and all the adults go without. It had just become a silly exchange of gift cards anyway.

Same problem here. [2008-11-30]
My husband works with loud machines and we both have noticed his hearing is going. I actually thinks he likes it because when I ask him to do something and it doesnI didn. Very frustrating for me. My husband also expects big presents for Christmas, birthday, etc, wrapped up all nice and pretty. Last year, he received a big gift and I received nothing from him. He says I'm hard to buy for so he won't do it. Or else on Christmas Eve, he will say he's going shopping what should he get me. He always takes the fun out of any gift-giving occasion. This year, I told him we are not exchanging and that means BOTH of us will do without. We'll see how he likes it.

I just need to VENT and see what you all think...Beware...this is long...sm [2008-11-30]
I have tried twice to tell this story but deleted it both times because the story is just too long so I will be as short as I can. I have a bunch of ROTTEN TO THE CORE sisters.My sisters are just about the worst people I have ever met in my whole 43 years on this planet. There is one who is especially bad and I just told my other sister that if she ever dies, to please not call me as I won I come from a very large family with 5 sisters and 1 brother with my brother being the oldest. He is not involved. He sort ofleft the family years ago because he couldn They did terrible things to him after his divorce. We rarely see him now.I am considered a scumbag and a loser because my husband and I don We don We don We can We love our children with everything in our souls. They have made fun of me and my husband and insulted us to our faces.My husband and I have a difficult marriage as he is tough to get along with so they hate my husband My sistershave all gone out to dinner without inviting me. I have found out because of someone They have made threats and sent rumors flying throughout the family, without me knowing, about calling DCYF on me. I heard that one too from a slip of the tongue. I cried for 2 hours in the shower that day. They talk about everyone and I mean everyone badly. They have awell known reputation ina couple of our towns here for being mean horrible girls. They are about as fake and phony as a person can get. Sweet and all smiles to your face and when you turn around, they stick that knife in as far as they can get it in. They have what they have in their lives because of what someone has given them. My sister had her property given to her by her in-laws. It is worth about $1,000,000. My other sister had land given to her by her husbandto lessen their mortage burden so now they owe almost nothing on their $500,000 house. They think they are fabulous people. They think they are the cat In the past years when we were all talking and I would be invited to a holiday, I was not spoken to at all the whole time I was there. I am a venter and I always have been so if my husband and I are fighting, I will always go to my older sister (one up from me) and vent and vent until I can She gets on the phone the second I leave and tells every person in my family what is going on. They in turn judge me and my husband, make their threats, and so on. This is also happening to my oldest sister and her partner (she is in a gay relationship but was always dating a man and was married twice) and my sister The three of us, me, my sister and her partner, and my sister We get along well. We are happy with each other. We don Whatever happens in each other lives, we just accept it and don I now attend holidays at my sister I don I don The sisters (I like to call them the Witches of Eastwick) all attend holidays with each other up at my sister The three of us are not invited. My older sister has a son. Several yeas ago, my sister and her partner had a terrible fight with him. He went to the witches and told them a bunch of lies and now they have pretty much shunned her and her daughter and me too because we still talk to her.I have a sister, who is involved in all of this, that I speak to on a regular basis. She is close to my kids or at least my oldest son. She pretty much ignores my other two children and they tell me, It She is the one who has spread rumors about me in the family trying to get everyone to call DCYF on me. I heard this too by a slip of the tongue from another sister a few years back. I tend to be a forgiving person so I quietly forgave her for this without her ever knowing that I knew what she was trying to do. Now that they are all inviited to the holidays up to my sister They are extremely fat just like her. These holiday trips up north are usually kept quiet and I only know about it the day before they are leaving to go, which is when she inevitably asks me to come feed her f******g cats. This is how Iknow that a big party is going on up at the cabin and once again only the chosen selected few are going. This is usually for 3 or 4 days and they get fed twice a day so I have to goto her house twice a day. Sometimes I have to give them medication and the last time she asked me, I even had to soak her sick cat She lives about 20 minutes away from me. This girl would NEVER, NEVER, EVER do this for me. My husband and I took our children on a cruise 3 years ago and we have a cat and I never asked her to do this for me as I know she would have laughed in my face. I have been feeding her cats for years now when she goes away. Keep in mind though that she was in the select chosen few to be invited up to the cabin. I was not as I am considered trash in the family. I am SICK AND TIRED of feeding this girl My sister who invites everyone to go is a mean, horrible, sadistic, vicious, backstabbing wretched b***h. No one will say anything to her like, Gee Pat, where is everyone else? Didn They could care less. All they know is that THEY were invited. Anyway, I am sorry this is so long. I cananymore. I have been thinking of this all day all weekend long. I am really to the point where I just don I am goingto tell my fat a** b***h sister to fnd another way to get her cats fed because I She is just using me and believe me when I tell you, she enjoys it. She is verydiabolical. She loves it that I am not invited and she and her husband are.She even questions me and counts the cat food cans to make sure that I came on all of the days they were gone. These people have balls of brass and I have had ENOUGH.I am just sitting and waiting patiently for the next time she says, Oh, we Can you come and feed the cats? I just canNo. I can I will never feed your cats again! Find some other sucker to do it! I believe that they are severely narcissistic people and this is nothing to take lightly.These types of people are very destructive. Do any of you have family members like this and what do you do about them? How do you stop them from making you feelsad, lonely, excluded andless than you are or deserve? I think it is time for me to cut all ties with them. I just can

Gift Giving [2008-11-29]
I just got married in July 2008, bought a new home, and am now expecting my third child in April 2009 so we ourselves have had many blessings this year but our financial situation is also pretty tight. We will not be buying gifts for anyone but our children. Our family will receive homemade treats this year. We still like to do something nice for them because they have done so much for us this year and every year but we don't have a lot of money to play with. In my case, we take care of our obligations (bills, our children, etc.) before we worry about gifts. We feel that providing our children with things that need and the love that they deserve is more important than any material gift will ever be. Our family understands our situation and is very happy just to spend the holidays with us without the expectation of a gift because honestly the quality time with family is the biggest gift we could give each other. In my opinion, you should just explain the situation to them and let them know that you will not be giving gifts this year. They may take it hard but they will get over it. You have to do what you have to do. Gifts aren't the real reason for the Christmas season anyhow. Good luck to you!

Plus size [2008-11-29]
I would think if she weighs 300 lbs and is 5 tall, she wears a size 30, or 4X. If she I would also try to shop at Catherine They I do buy underpants and plain t-shirts at Walmart. Catherine's is my personal favorite for both the styles and the prices. If you Oh look, theyup to 70% off sale right now! http://www.catherines.com/pagebuilder/

we don't exchange gifts either [2008-11-29]
We stopped exchanging gifts about 30 years ago. When my husband and I first approached the subject, we met with some resistance, but we stood our ground and said we would not be buying gifts. My husband is the oldest in a family of 7. By the time they all married and had children, the number could have been quite staggering to buy for. I was a surprise baby, my sisters being greater than 11 years older than I am, so when they began their families I was too young to buy anything to buy for them and so never started doing so. Now both of our families agree the holidays are much more enjoyable without the stress of the gift buying, worrying about what to get, how much, will the like it, can I afford it, etc., etc. The true gift of Christmas is the love we feel for our families and all we ask is time with them, and everyone agrees on this. We usually bake or take small treats to the families are who have misfortune of spending Christmas at the Ronald McDonald House in our city due to the illness of a child. Often the other kids in the family (the healthy ones) get lost in the shuffle of caring for a child with cancer. There is no gift one can give as great as giving and bringing joy to a family in such a situation. Anyway, my point is that there may be others in the family who will feel the same way, that it is just too stressful, and you may find that they will appreciate the holidays much more if the gift stress is taken out of the equation. I should add here, I do buy something for my own children but usually one or two things and my grandchildren because, after all, Santa still comes (!) and I do think Christmas gift giving is for children. Watching my little ones open is a gift a truly a fun thing to do and makes me happy. I do ask my kids not to buy for me or my husband because they have young families and can't afford the extra money. I have always told them I would rather they spend time with me any day then go out and buy a gift.

Has society become this bad and why [2008-11-29]
I saw the post down below about the Wal-Mart worker. Here is a new article that just came out (link below). The police are now looking at video surveillance to see who trampled this poor worker to death. Personally I hope they find all responsible and prosecute them to the fullest. It doesn I like their store just fine, it is what society is doing to people that nobody even bothered to stop and help this person. I grew up in the 60s/70s in a small town in New England. Maybe I'm old fashioned but my parents/grandparents taught me better than this. I just can And for what? Getting a Christimas item? This is one of many reasons why I do my Christmas shopping (what very little I do) online and gift cards. I think the traditions of the big shopping day the day after Thanksgiving should go away. I really donlove thy neighbor, not trample, bite, and spit at them so you can grab that item. (BTW - you can shop online at Walmart too). I think to myself that I thought the spirit of Christmas was supposed to celebrate Christ. Oh yeah, I'm sure he is so proud of people like those who harm others and cause death so they can get what they want. I hope those guilty are sitting at home worrying about whether or not their face is going to show up on the video camera. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20081129/D94OJ4NG0.html

opposite problem [2008-11-29]
For the last 20 years we have been forced to participate in the gift exchange regardless of our circumstances. This year, all of a sudden, we must all abide by a new budget, but now we have money! I think it is just a power play and nothing more.

I agree with you 100%! [2008-11-29]
Christmas has become this commercialized that people have forgotten the meaning. As for the stores, I think they need to come up with a better idea than allowing these people to wait for hours outside for their bargains which only happen that one day. This is why people get so uptight. I personally don't do Black Friday just for this reason. I think my family would appreciate having me around for Christmas, not having my funeral.

I'm terrible at guessing sizes, myself...sm [2008-11-28]
I know it seems impersonal to a lot of people, but if you can't figure out her size, how about a gift certificate? I always ended up taking clothes back whenever I got them for Xmas...and I learned to appreciate the gift certificates, that way I could pick out what I really wanted myself....just a thought, though.....

Black Friday Shopping [2008-11-28]
My husband got up really early and went to Target. He said it wasn't bad at all. He got my daughter two seasons of House on DVD and got my other daughter one of those Crayola Light Up Boards, all were on sale. Then we went out at about 9:00. We went to Kohl's, and the line, literally went around the whole store! Needless to say we didn't need anything that badly (I bet the wait was 4 hours, no kidding). Then we went to Target again and looked around (actually not very busy at all). Then we went to the Mall and got a slew of Twilight stuff for my oldest daugter and picked a few other things for my oldest. Then we ate lunch went to Walmart and just got home about 3:00. Now my husband is finishing up the Christmas decorations outside and tomorrow is tree day. I love shopping on Black Friday. And with the exception of Kohl's are wait was 5 minutes or less.

thanks for help [2008-11-28]
I can't wait to go shopping!

I think I am anti-gift giving this year [2008-11-28]
Money is so tight right now I am no sure how I am going to pay my bills this December.I had some unexpectedbills come up that needed to be taken care of. On top of that, I have to come up with X-mas gifts for everyone and they do not like cheap things. Their idea of cheap is hand-made and they do not like it. So that is out. I just got a part-time job but that is not going to kick in a whole lot of money until closer to the end of the year. I would like to opt out of gift giving this year but if I suggest it I get the lecture from family members of what do you do with your money?, what are you spending it on? and other invasive questions. The other unforunate thing is I live in the same town with them. The most inexpensive thing on my niece She is not careful with these and she has already gone through so many. To top it all off I have 3 birthdays in December. I really hate this time of year. Any suggestions on how to tell them to just buy for them and not for me and let me out of this so-called family time? Sorry to be so bitter.

My sisters and nieces and nephews and I stopped [2008-11-28]
exchanging gifts several years ago. My mom and dad and my family stopped exchanging gifts a couple of years ago. This year, my 2 grown children and my husband and I agreed to keep Christmas very, very simple. One gift each. No big major spending. We havea new grandson who is a week old and, of course, he will receive gifts from us, but, even for him the spending will be kept to a minimum this year Maybe you need to just tell your family that you They may not understand, but you should not have to stress about such a beautiful time of the year. I know that I am actually looking forward to the holidays for the first time in a long time because I We are by no means rich people, but we do have what we need and a lot of what we want. There is really nothing that any of us needs. We are truly blessed.

I went through this myself about 20 years ago. [2008-11-28]
My husband is the eldest of 4 siblings. They tend to give expensive gifts, and none of them have children. I came from a very poor family, so our Christmas holidays never included lots of gifts. When we were first married I stressed over the gift selection and the money we spent. My husband, who is an accountant, stressed over every penny. When our first child came alone, I quit my full-time, downtown career-oriented job and stayed home. Our family income was cut in half, and so we had to tell everyone, our siblings, parents, friends, etc., that we couldn't afford to give any gifts. Family members wanted to give us gifts anyway, and we begged them not to, as it really made us feel uncomfortable to receive but not give. We didn't need anything, really. We just couldn't afford to spend anything on gifts. It took us about 3 years to get everyone to play by our rules. Twenty years later, and we're doing better financially, but we still don't exchange gifts with anyone but our children. Even my husband and I don't exchange gifts. We try, instead, to make donations to charities or causes that we care about. Over the years, some of our family members have experienced financial difficulties, and they opted out of the gift giving either temporarily or permanently. It always feels a little strange at first, but eventually it's ok. The season isn't about the gifts, and if the gift-giving becomes a burden, then that's certainly no fun. You have the financial responsibility for your family. You make those decisions, not family members who make you feel guilty. They'll get over it. Don't let it get you down.

Are you cage training her? [2008-11-28]
If so, put her in her cage when she gets too rambunctious (sp?). Our new puppy is also about 8 or 9 months old, and she knows the meaning of NO and STOP BITING. Also, have you tried spraying her with water? it works on most dogs and cats.

English Toffee--super easy [2008-11-26]
You can put down any kind of nuts you want--if you want in a raised-sided cookie sheet. Cook 1# of butter and 1# of brown sugar plus a little vanilla to hardball stage (I put a little in a cup of cold water and if it is crunchy, it is done). Quickly pour into cookie sheet because it is easy to burn. Scatter one bag of chocolate chips on top and wait to melt a little before speading across the top. Everyone loves it and it is pretty easy to make. Once it cools, you break it into pieces.

it's not lying [2008-11-26]
It's just not. I was about to get all preachy and talk about how we need mythology in our lives--stories that tell teach us morals, that remind us of our traditions--but I'll stay off the soapbox for now and just say that for as long as my kids are willing to believe, I will give them stories to believe in. The five-minute cry when they discover Santa isn't real, is more than made up for by the years of joy beforehand, don't you think? As for talking in front of the kids, I don they're good at that.

Here's mine for bugeyes... our version of buckeyes... sm [2008-11-25]
I hear that I am a good candy maker and my secret is I don I eyeball everything! Lazy! So the measurements I give are kind of guesses... but you can look up recipe for buckeye candy too. We changed the name of ours to bug eyes because they kind of looked like bulging out bug eyes Peanut Butter - approx 2-3 cups. I use Skippy Honey Nut. In a household taste test with another regular brand this got higher review. Definitely go for a creamy kind and don't use all natural. 3-4 cups powdered sugar (I specifically remember the recipe called for 3, but when I looked in the box there was not that much sugar left in there, so I dumped it in. So basically one whole box of powdered sugar) 2 sticks butter 1 package of chocolate chips. I I think the recipe was actually for those melting choc chips, but I think those don Beat BP and 1 stick softened butter in very large bowl until PB is really creamy then slowly add in sugar until it seems to hold together well enough to form balls. I say slowly on adding in the sugar so you can stop whenyou can make good balls that are moist and not crumbly. Probably about 1-inch size balls or so. Use waxed paper on a baking sheet and stick in the freezer for about an hour. When hour is up, melt chocolate and about half of the other stick of butter together in pot on stove. You can microwave but I think slowly stirring over the stove is easier to monitor. When all of the chips have melted together, you are done. Don I put tiny slivers of unmelted chocolate in the middle of the uncovered part to look like pupils. Keep in fridge until set. I hope someone enjoys. This is probably a very common recipe, and like I said you can probably find it somewhere with real measurements!. But it is so easy, one of those ones I can make without looking at the instructions over and over and everyone loves. I cannot wait to make them, after typing about it!

Chocolate-Oatmeal-Peanut Butter Yum-Yums [2008-11-25]
Melt 1 stick butter. Add: 2 c. sugar 3 Tbsp. cocoa 1/2 c. milk Bring to a boil and then boil for 1 minute. 1/2 c. chunky peanut butter (I use creamy) 2 c. quick oats 1 tsp. vanilla Stir in peanut butter until melted. Stir in vanilla and quick oats. Drop by heaping teaspoons onto waxed paper and let sit until cool and then refrigerate.