http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464 Are you ready for Christmas? Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Are you shopping early this year, or are you planning to brave the crowds the week before? Tell us your plan of attack and you'll be automatically entered to win a $50 Macy's gift card to put towards your future Christmas purchases. Responses must be posted by Friday, November 21. Winner will randomly selected and notified by email on Monday, November 24, 2008. Are you ready for Christmas? Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Are you shopping early this year, or are you planning to brave the crowds the week before? Tell us your plan of attack and you'll be automatically entered to win a $50 Macy's gift card to put towards your future Christmas purchases. Responses must be posted by Friday, November 21. Winner will randomly selected and notified by email on Monday, November 24, 2008. en-us I am definatly ready for Christmas, have a little bit of shopping to finish but ready to celebrate. I plan to finish up before the end of november to beat the rush and the long lines. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82432 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82432 I am definatly ready for Christmas, have a little bit of shopping to finish but ready to celebrate. I plan to finish up before the end of november to beat the rush and the long lines. I'm doing all my shopping online this year! Why waste gas ? Why waste time and energy fighting through crowds. Half the time I end up buying things for myself anyway!! Plus alot of online store offer gift wrapping too! Talk about a time saver... With an 8 month old son to lug around I could use a little extra time! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82433 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82433 I'm doing all my shopping online this year! Why waste gas ? Why waste time and energy fighting through crowds. Half the time I end up buying things for myself anyway!! Plus alot of online store offer gift wrapping too! Talk about a time saver... With an 8 month old son to lug around I could use a little extra time! I love the holidays, but if you don't get yourself prepared, you can really get overwhelmed!  Here's my plan of attack: 1) Make a list of all the people I need to buy for and what I'm going to get them.  2) Start searching for the best prices/deals.  Usually it's online (Ebay) as they have the best deals and I don't have to fight the crowds at the mall. 3) Discuss with hubby if we're doing cards, letters, or picture postcards for our family, friends and clients and get started on that. 4) Get the tree the day after Thanksgiving and start the outside decorations.  I like to have my tree up as long as possible.  5) Figure out the "family schedule".  Which family are we visiting on which days?  Because I like to spend Christmas Day at home with my husband and children, we have to decide which other day(s) we are visiting extended family and can we do it all in one day? 6) Figure out what I am baking for the neighbors and which day I can do that with my daughter. 7) I like to do something for the less fortunate with my children, so they know how fortunate they really are.  Whether it's through one of their schools or our church, figure out what that will be this year. 7) Fortunately we already have the holiday celebration evening planned with close friends and without the children...woo hoo!  I love the holidays!!! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82434 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82434 I love the holidays, but if you don't get yourself prepared, you can really get overwhelmed!  Here's my plan of attack: 1) Make a list of all the people I need to buy for and what I'm going to get them.  2) Start searching for the best prices/deals.  Usually it's online (Ebay) as they have the best deals and I don't have to fight the crowds at the mall. 3) Discuss with hubby if we're doing cards, letters, or picture postcards for our family, friends and clients and get started on that. 4) Get the tree the day after Thanksgiving and start the outside decorations.  I like to have my tree up as long as possible.  5) Figure out the "family schedule".  Which family are we visiting on which days?  Because I like to spend Christmas Day at home with my husband and children, we have to decide which other day(s) we are visiting extended family and can we do it all in one day? 6) Figure out what I am baking for the neighbors and which day I can do that with my daughter. 7) I like to do something for the less fortunate with my children, so they know how fortunate they really are.  Whether it's through one of their schools or our church, figure out what that will be this year. 7) Fortunately we already have the holiday celebration evening planned with close friends and without the children...woo hoo!  I love the holidays!!! I ususally finish up by October, but am late this year.  We're going very simple this year, as son has way too much stuff already, but want to give him a festive season.  We're going to focus on the traditions instead of the gifts. He started a new tradition this year.  We have a pine tree out front, so we decorated it with little jack-o-laterns.  Now we're working on turkeys for the "thanksgiving tree" and then gingerbread kids for the "Christmas tree".  http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82435 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82435 I ususally finish up by October, but am late this year.  We're going very simple this year, as son has way too much stuff already, but want to give him a festive season.  We're going to focus on the traditions instead of the gifts. He started a new tradition this year.  We have a pine tree out front, so we decorated it with little jack-o-laterns.  Now we're working on turkeys for the "thanksgiving tree" and then gingerbread kids for the "Christmas tree".  I haven't started shopping yet....I always wait until the week before...there are usually great deals!!! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82436 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82436 I haven't started shopping yet....I always wait until the week before...there are usually great deals!!! Every year I plan my Black Friday (BF) event using all the online BF sites to prepare my plan of attack. I gather all my ads on Thanksgiving night after every one is throughly stuffed. With my trusty side-kick (aka sister-in-law) we map out our plan. At 4:30am we are ready to go with coffee in hand. We usually can complete all the major gifts shopping for the kids and family members by 10am then off to lunch. Once we unpack and hide the santa gifts we take a much needed nap. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82437 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82437 Every year I plan my Black Friday (BF) event using all the online BF sites to prepare my plan of attack. I gather all my ads on Thanksgiving night after every one is throughly stuffed. With my trusty side-kick (aka sister-in-law) we map out our plan. At 4:30am we are ready to go with coffee in hand. We usually can complete all the major gifts shopping for the kids and family members by 10am then off to lunch. Once we unpack and hide the santa gifts we take a much needed nap. I'm such a slacker when it comes to Halloween typically. Most years I don't start until Dec.20th. Yeah, it's crazy, but the sales are GREAT, especially at the Macy's jewelry counter. This year we will be having a small Christmas, but I've tried picking up a few things as I've seen them in an attempt to spread the cost out over several months. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82441 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82441 I'm such a slacker when it comes to Halloween typically. Most years I don't start until Dec.20th. Yeah, it's crazy, but the sales are GREAT, especially at the Macy's jewelry counter. This year we will be having a small Christmas, but I've tried picking up a few things as I've seen them in an attempt to spread the cost out over several months. We don't really have a game plan just yet... Our Halloween decorations just came down, but I am vowing to take it easy & not stress about the little things this holiday season! As with most other folks nowadays, we have a severely limited Christmas budget this year, and in many ways, I think that's great.  It's forcing my husband & I to be more creative with our gifts, and I think it brings back the true meaning of Christmas for us.  It's about spending great times with friends and family...not getting stressed out at the mall and searching for that perfect gift that just never seems to be on sale. For a lot of the families we know, we plan on purchasing a fun board game (which usually go on a buy-one-get one sale this time of year) and include some homemade snacks & goodies in a cute basket for a game night for each family, rather than individual gifts for each family member & kids.  http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82445 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82445 We don't really have a game plan just yet... Our Halloween decorations just came down, but I am vowing to take it easy & not stress about the little things this holiday season! As with most other folks nowadays, we have a severely limited Christmas budget this year, and in many ways, I think that's great.  It's forcing my husband & I to be more creative with our gifts, and I think it brings back the true meaning of Christmas for us.  It's about spending great times with friends and family...not getting stressed out at the mall and searching for that perfect gift that just never seems to be on sale. For a lot of the families we know, we plan on purchasing a fun board game (which usually go on a buy-one-get one sale this time of year) and include some homemade snacks & goodies in a cute basket for a game night for each family, rather than individual gifts for each family member & kids.  My game plan goes like this:  Leave up Halloween decorations, at least until Thanksgiving, and tell kids that a ceramic jack-o-lantern is the same thing as a harvest pumpkin.  Explain that decorations that looked like witches for Halloween, look a LOT like pilgrims for Thanksgiving.  Then, after Thanksgiving (most likely not IMMEDIATELY after, but sometime before Christmas), take those down and put up Christmas decorations.  These will be left up probably until the kids go back to school in January, and there's a good chance they might stay up even a little longer than that... As for shopping, I do that all year long, but the big items get bought in November and December.  I've done my two days of shopping for this month, so the rest will have to get finished up between Dec. 1 and Dec. 3rd, most likely.  (I don't really get paid to do much of anything, and my husband gets paid once a month, so we have disposable income for approximately two or three days at the beginning of each month and then we're on to bread crusts and spitting in the gas tank HOPING that will "extend" the fuel.) So, there's the plan.  It's relatively stress-free, actually...the rest is all wrapping and hiding stuff. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82446 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82446 My game plan goes like this:  Leave up Halloween decorations, at least until Thanksgiving, and tell kids that a ceramic jack-o-lantern is the same thing as a harvest pumpkin.  Explain that decorations that looked like witches for Halloween, look a LOT like pilgrims for Thanksgiving.  Then, after Thanksgiving (most likely not IMMEDIATELY after, but sometime before Christmas), take those down and put up Christmas decorations.  These will be left up probably until the kids go back to school in January, and there's a good chance they might stay up even a little longer than that... As for shopping, I do that all year long, but the big items get bought in November and December.  I've done my two days of shopping for this month, so the rest will have to get finished up between Dec. 1 and Dec. 3rd, most likely.  (I don't really get paid to do much of anything, and my husband gets paid once a month, so we have disposable income for approximately two or three days at the beginning of each month and then we're on to bread crusts and spitting in the gas tank HOPING that will "extend" the fuel.) So, there's the plan.  It's relatively stress-free, actually...the rest is all wrapping and hiding stuff. I've done all my Christmas shopping for kids as I find great bargains throughout the year and save the gifts in my closet.  For the adults, it's harder.  I may just go with gift cards this year. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82447 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82447 I've done all my Christmas shopping for kids as I find great bargains throughout the year and save the gifts in my closet.  For the adults, it's harder.  I may just go with gift cards this year. Typically, I shop early and am prepared for the holidays before they arrive.  However, this year my plate is full with being a mom, wife and a nursing student.   My time is valuable and I am planning on doing much of my shopping online this year for convenience. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82449 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82449 Typically, I shop early and am prepared for the holidays before they arrive.  However, this year my plate is full with being a mom, wife and a nursing student.   My time is valuable and I am planning on doing much of my shopping online this year for convenience. i typically buy gift cards about a week or two before the xmas holiday.. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82451 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82451 i typically buy gift cards about a week or two before the xmas holiday.. I have already started Christmas shopping this year, however, I plan to have it done the day after Thanksgiving.  I don't typically go shopping the day after Thanksgiving because I hate the crowds, but this year I'm ready to see what it's all about.  My best friend and I will meet at the mall early and shop til we're done! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82455 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82455 I have already started Christmas shopping this year, however, I plan to have it done the day after Thanksgiving.  I don't typically go shopping the day after Thanksgiving because I hate the crowds, but this year I'm ready to see what it's all about.  My best friend and I will meet at the mall early and shop til we're done! NOt haing much money this year I hae been discussin with my children the true meaning of chritsmas....We came up with a really cute plan...on christmas we are going to bake jesus a cake and sing happy birthday jesusand we wil hae abirthday party for him..then we want to go to the local retirement home and sing some carols or delier some christmas cards and maybe some sugar free candy.  realistcally my kids know i cant afford much so I will get them one or two gifts but ity will deff be something small.  I want to reinstall the true meaning of christmas into my childrens lies instead of everything being so comercialized and about getting instead of giving. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82465 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82465 NOt haing much money this year I hae been discussin with my children the true meaning of chritsmas....We came up with a really cute plan...on christmas we are going to bake jesus a cake and sing happy birthday jesusand we wil hae abirthday party for him..then we want to go to the local retirement home and sing some carols or delier some christmas cards and maybe some sugar free candy.  realistcally my kids know i cant afford much so I will get them one or two gifts but ity will deff be something small.  I want to reinstall the true meaning of christmas into my childrens lies instead of everything being so comercialized and about getting instead of giving. I've never gone for standing in line at 4am before, might do it this year. Sounds like there will be some amazing incentives to get shopping early. The regular tradition is to 1) Get cards out by second week of Nov 2) Send out of state packages by first week of Dec 3) Decorate third week of Dec 4) Shop throughout season for kid, wait to last minute for spouse. Not recommended. :) 5) Buy self gift from post holiday specials. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82469 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82469 I've never gone for standing in line at 4am before, might do it this year. Sounds like there will be some amazing incentives to get shopping early. The regular tradition is to 1) Get cards out by second week of Nov 2) Send out of state packages by first week of Dec 3) Decorate third week of Dec 4) Shop throughout season for kid, wait to last minute for spouse. Not recommended. :) 5) Buy self gift from post holiday specials. I am ready for Christmas!  Have most of my shopping done.  But, will finish up over the Thanksgiving holiday......looking for the best sales and doing some shopping online as many companies are offering free shipping. Can't beat that and saves on gas.  Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82471 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82471 I am ready for Christmas!  Have most of my shopping done.  But, will finish up over the Thanksgiving holiday......looking for the best sales and doing some shopping online as many companies are offering free shipping. Can't beat that and saves on gas.  Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping! Are you ready for Christmas? Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Are you shopping early this year, or are you planning to brave the crowds the week before? Tell us your plan of attack and you'll be automatically entered to win a $50 Macy's gift card to put towards your future Christmas purchases.   I am ready for Christmas, I just love this time of year. I am not shopping earlier this year sadly, I still havent got to the point where I am prepared enought to start shopping much earlier. I dont really have much of a plan of a ttack, as soon as dh has an off day we will send the day with our little ones getting things that our kids need, or we want them to have. THen we will sneak off alone to shop for each other like we have done the years before. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82474 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82474 Are you ready for Christmas? Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Are you shopping early this year, or are you planning to brave the crowds the week before? Tell us your plan of attack and you'll be automatically entered to win a $50 Macy's gift card to put towards your future Christmas purchases.   I am ready for Christmas, I just love this time of year. I am not shopping earlier this year sadly, I still havent got to the point where I am prepared enought to start shopping much earlier. I dont really have much of a plan of a ttack, as soon as dh has an off day we will send the day with our little ones getting things that our kids need, or we want them to have. THen we will sneak off alone to shop for each other like we have done the years before. I am not ready for Thanksgiving let alone Christmas. My plan of attack this year is to pray and hope for a nice pay check before Christmas. All the shopping will be last minute as usual! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82476 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82476 I am not ready for Thanksgiving let alone Christmas. My plan of attack this year is to pray and hope for a nice pay check before Christmas. All the shopping will be last minute as usual! My plans for Xmas shopping is buy a little bit every week.  Look for sales, shop online, compare for quality. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82478 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82478 My plans for Xmas shopping is buy a little bit every week.  Look for sales, shop online, compare for quality. This year I plan to do most of my shopping on-line and early!  I am not a fan of the crowded malls... I'm going to do it the easy way this year! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82487 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82487 This year I plan to do most of my shopping on-line and early!  I am not a fan of the crowded malls... I'm going to do it the easy way this year! I am never ready on time for Christmas.  I usually wait until the beginning of December.  I don't have a whole lot of people to shop for because we pick names for my family.  It helps that I know what everyone likes and then just go right to the store to get it.  I usually go online to view the sales and anything new.  But there really hasn't been any problems for me doing it so last minute. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82490 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82490 I am never ready on time for Christmas.  I usually wait until the beginning of December.  I don't have a whole lot of people to shop for because we pick names for my family.  It helps that I know what everyone likes and then just go right to the store to get it.  I usually go online to view the sales and anything new.  But there really hasn't been any problems for me doing it so last minute. I have already have done my christmas shopping,I got most of the my kids gifts on-line thro toy r us that where on the clearance and the rest of the gift I put on layaway so I don;t have to come out of pocket all at the same time. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82491 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82491 I have already have done my christmas shopping,I got most of the my kids gifts on-line thro toy r us that where on the clearance and the rest of the gift I put on layaway so I don;t have to come out of pocket all at the same time. I actually started shopping back in August. LOL I am normally a Black Friday shopper, but I'll be in San Francisco that day... I may still give it a try there but I'm a little scared. So I will most likely be running around each day on my lunch hour to get as much done as I can... I'm sure parking will be awesome!! haha Denise http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82492 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82492 I actually started shopping back in August. LOL I am normally a Black Friday shopper, but I'll be in San Francisco that day... I may still give it a try there but I'm a little scared. So I will most likely be running around each day on my lunch hour to get as much done as I can... I'm sure parking will be awesome!! haha Denise I'm already done!!!  The kids each get 1 present from us, and 1 from Santa (with 6 grandparents they are well taken care of!).  We also did a gift drawing with our group of friends - each couple draws the name of another couple out of a hat, so we are only shopping for 1 gift instead of 5!  Saves us a lot of money! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82494 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82494 I'm already done!!!  The kids each get 1 present from us, and 1 from Santa (with 6 grandparents they are well taken care of!).  We also did a gift drawing with our group of friends - each couple draws the name of another couple out of a hat, so we are only shopping for 1 gift instead of 5!  Saves us a lot of money! I've already begun and am almost finished with my Christmas shopping!  Thank you, Outlets!  Target was also a big help.  My kids will also just have to learn that they aren't getting EVERYTHING on their Christmas Wish Lists. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82495 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82495 I've already begun and am almost finished with my Christmas shopping!  Thank you, Outlets!  Target was also a big help.  My kids will also just have to learn that they aren't getting EVERYTHING on their Christmas Wish Lists. I always try to plan it out, but inevitably end up doing things last minute.  Especially since we live away from all of our family so everything has to be mailed.  I think this year gift giving will be very low key, if at all, due to the economy and efforts to focus on being together more than getting presents.  We are thinking of heading to SF for a special weekend as a family as a celebration.  Holiday cards almost always end up being New Years cards despite concerted efforts to get those going early. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82496 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82496 I always try to plan it out, but inevitably end up doing things last minute.  Especially since we live away from all of our family so everything has to be mailed.  I think this year gift giving will be very low key, if at all, due to the economy and efforts to focus on being together more than getting presents.  We are thinking of heading to SF for a special weekend as a family as a celebration.  Holiday cards almost always end up being New Years cards despite concerted efforts to get those going early. Most of my Christmas gifts to family and friends this year will be gift cards (stores & restaurants), since gift cards is what  I would love to receive.   I think this will save lots of time on returns and exchanges.  http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82497 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82497 Most of my Christmas gifts to family and friends this year will be gift cards (stores & restaurants), since gift cards is what  I would love to receive.   I think this will save lots of time on returns and exchanges.  I have not started my shopping, but have made a list.  It will be much smaller this year and I'm ok with that. I will start shopping after Thanksgiving.........One holiday at a time..... http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82500 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82500 I have not started my shopping, but have made a list.  It will be much smaller this year and I'm ok with that. I will start shopping after Thanksgiving.........One holiday at a time..... My plan is to get people gift cards at different restaurants and fast food places... You know we need to eat... http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82501 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82501 My plan is to get people gift cards at different restaurants and fast food places... You know we need to eat... I have recently discovered Amazon.com...I know I am WAY past due for this discovery, but I am so happy it's finally happened! My daughter loves the BellaSara collection and I am stocking up and I found the Sleeping Beauty DVD for only $14! Awesome!! I love Amazon! (that is my official plan of attack for Christmas) http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82511 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82511 I have recently discovered Amazon.com...I know I am WAY past due for this discovery, but I am so happy it's finally happened! My daughter loves the BellaSara collection and I am stocking up and I found the Sleeping Beauty DVD for only $14! Awesome!! I love Amazon! (that is my official plan of attack for Christmas) My husband and I try to get our Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving.  This year it has been hard to start, but we are trying! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82513 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82513 My husband and I try to get our Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving.  This year it has been hard to start, but we are trying! My gifts are not done on a one day shopping basis. I hunt for gifts until I find what feels like something I feel would really benefit someone. I hunt in person and online. I think time is the perfect way to get a gift because even though you may find what may be perfect the perfect gift could be sitting in Macy's a few weeks later. The perfect gift is the gift of love and thought. You can never go wrong with practicality and love. I will, however not wait until the last minute to do my shopping. Not that the crowds are a bother, rather that I don't want to rush a gift. It would seem a quick and thoughtless gift. I hope everyone is as excited to start the Holidays! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82528 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82528 My gifts are not done on a one day shopping basis. I hunt for gifts until I find what feels like something I feel would really benefit someone. I hunt in person and online. I think time is the perfect way to get a gift because even though you may find what may be perfect the perfect gift could be sitting in Macy's a few weeks later. The perfect gift is the gift of love and thought. You can never go wrong with practicality and love. I will, however not wait until the last minute to do my shopping. Not that the crowds are a bother, rather that I don't want to rush a gift. It would seem a quick and thoughtless gift. I hope everyone is as excited to start the Holidays! With a baby due on 12/25, I do need to get moving on my Christmas list!  For friends and family who live out of town, I'll mostly shop online to avoid the extra step of packing and shipping.  Amazon's shipping dates are helpful in making sure the gifts arrive in time.  For local gift-giving, I'm patronizing local businesses, preferably the smaller ones in Midtown, but also the Downtown Plaza and Macy's.  I'm surprised every year by the after Thanksgiving sales at Macy's. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82531 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82531 With a baby due on 12/25, I do need to get moving on my Christmas list!  For friends and family who live out of town, I'll mostly shop online to avoid the extra step of packing and shipping.  Amazon's shipping dates are helpful in making sure the gifts arrive in time.  For local gift-giving, I'm patronizing local businesses, preferably the smaller ones in Midtown, but also the Downtown Plaza and Macy's.  I'm surprised every year by the after Thanksgiving sales at Macy's. I do most of my shopping online. You can find something really unique and that is what my friends like me for. I always give special presents, so my family and friends never end up with the twins gifts wondering whom to re-gift them later. Plus it is so convenient: no gas, no parking nightmares, no traffic, plus comfort of my home and any time shopping. I love it and already almost done with this year shopping. Would recommend to everybody.    http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82533 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82533 I do most of my shopping online. You can find something really unique and that is what my friends like me for. I always give special presents, so my family and friends never end up with the twins gifts wondering whom to re-gift them later. Plus it is so convenient: no gas, no parking nightmares, no traffic, plus comfort of my home and any time shopping. I love it and already almost done with this year shopping. Would recommend to everybody.    My plan of attack has been to start shopping as early as possible and to buy as much as I can online.  So far so good.  I also limited my 2 daughters to 3 major gifts with a total budget each of $300 each.  Now I'm just hoping I stick to it! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82534 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82534 My plan of attack has been to start shopping as early as possible and to buy as much as I can online.  So far so good.  I also limited my 2 daughters to 3 major gifts with a total budget each of $300 each.  Now I'm just hoping I stick to it! My plan of attack is very simple....I don't make lists, I just shop.  If you know how to work the Macy's sales, it's easy!  You pay attention to when they have their sales, you make sure you have your card or coupon for the discount, and you just shop away.  If folks don't care for what you purchased, you have still purchased a good deal that you are so proud of and then, really, it becomes their problem!  The only successful plan of attack, however, is to make sure that your shopping spree is combined with lunch and chocolate.  Anything is possible with that combination! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82542 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82542 My plan of attack is very simple....I don't make lists, I just shop.  If you know how to work the Macy's sales, it's easy!  You pay attention to when they have their sales, you make sure you have your card or coupon for the discount, and you just shop away.  If folks don't care for what you purchased, you have still purchased a good deal that you are so proud of and then, really, it becomes their problem!  The only successful plan of attack, however, is to make sure that your shopping spree is combined with lunch and chocolate.  Anything is possible with that combination! I haven't began Christmas shopping yet, but I was thinking about going to Khol's at 4 in the mornin'. I am usually a last minute person.  I just got home from my grocery shopping for Thanksgiving. I think I will do most of my shopping the second week of December, so I don't have to deal with the last minute folks. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82599 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82599 I haven't began Christmas shopping yet, but I was thinking about going to Khol's at 4 in the mornin'. I am usually a last minute person.  I just got home from my grocery shopping for Thanksgiving. I think I will do most of my shopping the second week of December, so I don't have to deal with the last minute folks. Being a letter carrier, I usually have to work the day after Thanksgiving, which means I try to buy gifts as I see them prior to the holidays. I love shopping online, so I try to wait for the free shipping offers which appear after Thanksgiving. Happy Shopping! http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82601 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82601 Being a letter carrier, I usually have to work the day after Thanksgiving, which means I try to buy gifts as I see them prior to the holidays. I love shopping online, so I try to wait for the free shipping offers which appear after Thanksgiving. Happy Shopping! I made a black Friday list and am leaving all of the hard to shop fors until the last minute. http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82627 http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/Blog//9464/#c_82627 I made a black Friday list and am leaving all of the hard to shop fors until the last minute.