Christmas break began for me yesterday. Yay! Fortunately I can actually relax.
Throughout the year we put money in a Christmas Club account and saved what we thought we would spend. I also shopped sales for presents throughout the year and stowed things back. As for baking, I bought things on sale so I would have it in my pantry. And last week, one of the grocery stores had a special on flour (78 cents for 5 lbs), sugar (88 cents for 4 pounds) and powdered sugar and brown sugar (88 cents a package) so I bought one of each to replace what I used.
Last summer as we went to thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales, we found wrapping paper very cheap so I bought that. We also found Christmas cards reasonable. Yes, I'm one of those old fashioned fools who still sends Christmas cards. I like sending them as well as receiving them and although the postage is expensive, I think writing cards and letters has become a lost art.
We shipped our two presents to friends earlier this month, mailed our Christmas cards at the beginning of the month, and I baked and gave out baskets of goodies. I wrapped presents and other than one present we need to deliver, that is taken care of.
I have my Christmas Eve and Christmas day menu planned and items purchased.
I am not dreading the after Christmas bills because everything is paid for. It is a good feeling. I am very blessed.
Taking Inventory
December 23rd, 2014 at 04:14 pm
December 23rd, 2014 at 05:19 pm 1419355153
Love the idea of buying Christmas wrap at Thrift stores or yard sales. I've always bought that heavy duty, shiny white gift wrap and use it for all occasions. Changing to different bows keeps it celebration appropriate. As my stash of paper is being used up, I've been replacing it with gift bags when I see them at our large liquidators as they are efficient with tissue paper. It's not much fun to slide a gift with a tissue cover into a bag.
I love getting Christmas cards and I admit I'm one of those horrid people that use mostly electronic cards. I think I'll make it a resolution to send written cards 2015. I do update my list each year and can print out Avery address labels in moments.
How do you keep brown sugar from turning into a rock over time?
Merry Christmas.
December 23rd, 2014 at 09:43 pm 1419370980
I've done the bags, like you have started, but DH likes unwrapping boxes. I did find some generic wrap to use throughout the year, but when I lucked into name brand heavy duty wrap last summer, I bought it.
We just got back from the thrift stores and I scored some Christmas cards for next year at a nickel a piece. I was also hoping to find some Christmas Thank you cards and found a new package, unopened, name brand, for 99 cents.
December 24th, 2014 at 11:27 pm 1419463632