My husband and I went to town today to take care of a couple of errands. We stopped by Fred's to get a new set of sheets in preparation for our next new bed that will arrive next week ("next," because it's the 3rd one in seven years - but that's another story). As we walked through the double electric doors - there was Christmas staring us in the face; again! It was just here, or so it seemed to us.
Maybe because we really don't go shopping all that often is why we feel this way. At first we were mumbling and grumbling about it all and why can't they just wait till after Thanksgiving to decorate, and aren't those the same sale items they had last time?
Then I began to think about it all and how much fun we actually have when we dig in to our Christmas fund and spend it on the grandkids. We look through catalogs, solicit the kids for ideas, ask their parents for input, and talk to other grandparents about what they're getting for their grandkids. Since we don't have exposure through television to all the latest and greatest in kids' toys - we're pretty reliant on others for ideas. But at any rate, we want the gifts to be something unique and out of the mainstream.
Books are often a large part of out total purchase. Sometimes they're very elaborate with all the pop-ups and such (for the younger kids), and sometimes they're just the good old fashioned hard cover classics.
I made a vow a few years ago to buy locally. So far, I've been able to keep that vow at least for 90% of our purchases. And not just locally in the few "big box" retailers, but the local shop owners who don't belong to a big chain. It is amazing some of the very unique things you will find in these shops - and a lot of the time, they're things not made in China!!
Even though it seems like we just put away the Christmas decorations - I'm really excited to go Christmas shopping again.
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First off, thank you for your encouraging words on my blog! :-)
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I would have to agree that walking into the stores lately and seeing all of the Christmas decor and gifts already being marketed was a little overwhelming. I'd like some turkey and pumpkin pie before I have to start worrying about my Christmas decorations!
Sounds like you and your husband have a great system worked out to shop for your grandkids, I'm sure they appreciate all of your hard work!
I too try and shop locally whenever possible, but being a college student doesn't exactly equate to my pockets overflowing with money, and its hard to ignore the savings at big chain stores. Regardless though, if I can buy local, I do!
Hi, Janet. I once complained to a retailer about the rush into holidays way too early, and he said that to ensure stores have enough Christmas items to last through Christmas, they have to start stocking early. So, in a sense, they're serving us by making sure not to disappoint us when we finally do head out to do our shopping. I thought that was a pretty convincing argument, even though I still don't like being assaulted by the holiday months in advance! :) Nancy
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