Monday, October 31, 2016

Stress Less This Christmas!


One of the things that bring stress at Christmas time is the last minute or even the last month shopping. Why not make a list right now, early in the year of the people you'd like to give to and what they might like? Next, make a list that you can carry with you when you go thrift shopping, garage saling, or shopping clearance sales. You might be surprised what you can find if you shop far ahead and keep your eyes open for gifts.

Store all your treasures in a box in your closet. When it's time for gift giving, whether it's Christmas, a birthday, or just because, you'll have treasures on hand to bless the recipient. You will be blessed to give without hurting your budget or stressing over a time crunch.

Ideas to get you started....

For Kids:
  • Legos
  • toys from historic sites
  • polished stones from tourist shops
  • arrows
  • Non-fiction how-to books
  • Picture books
  • Classic chapter books
  • socks and undies (Everyone needs them. ~wink~)
  • pillows
  • slippers
  • mittens or gloves
  • knit hats
  • doll clothes
  • matchbox cars
  • ear buds

For adults:

  • ingredients for recipes with recipe cards
  •  I once wrapped the following things individually and gave them to my mother-in-love: 2 eggs, a stick of butter, a cake mix, and a mixer. By the time she got to the mixer, she was really enjoying herself and her crazy daughter-in-law.
  • gas card
  • STP
  • chocolate covered cherries
  • warm gloves
  • knit hats
  • scarves
  • Christmas or other CDs
  • books
  • Bath and Body, Hobby Lobby, or other gift card
  • earbuds
  • car emergency kit


Get ready early and enjoy the holidays!

Laura
Blessed to be a Blessing





21 comments:

  1. I made my list and budget earlier this month. Yay me! Now I just have to follow through.

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  2. Smart lady.. I am beginning to make list too.. [food preparation, recipes to make, etc.. also take your idea of gift ideas that I might run into.. Hope this to be a stress free Christmas.??? smile it never happens..lol
    Have a great week.

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  3. I have to tell you that every time I pull up your blog my cat goes crazy when she hears the birds....it's rather funny :)

    Wonderful post, my friend, with great ideas for gifts.

    Have a lovely day! Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. Do the birds bother you Stephanie? I usually have the sound off on the computer, so I don't notice them.

      Be blessed!
      Laura

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  4. Good tips. We buy only for one couple and often make goodies for giving out.

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    1. That keeps it simple. I don't buy for many anymore. My family knows that we're the poor relations, so they don't expect much or anything from us. Sometimes I try to make something. Last year, my side of the family didn't all get together at Christmas.

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  5. Amen, sister! We shop all year long, so that my main task after Thanksgiving is to begin the wrapping! So thankful not to be doing the bulk of my shopping in December.

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    Replies
    1. Put on some Christmas music and enjoy! Or watch a great Christmas movie.

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  6. Great ideas! I'm writing about Christmas peace on my blog. I think your idea is a great way to have more peace and less stress.

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  7. Love it! I keep items in a closet. Thank you for the reminder. I need to see who's taken care of and who's missing:)

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    1. Good for you Lady Locust. I wish I could dedicate a closet to it. It would be grand to have enough space to collect treasures all year.
      Blessings,
      Laura

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  8. Buying toys from a historic site is win win situation. I had never considered it before. Your supporting a good cause, its attached to a memory, if its from the summer it long since paid for. Great idea

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  9. Great ideas! Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome Cindy. God bless you, don't forget to pray and vote!
      Laura

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  10. Great tips Laura! I truly believe that Christmas should be a joyous time and not one of dread! :) Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. I've had my years of feeling pressured. I think that this is going to be a calmer Christmas for me even though I've not done much prep work yet. I've been too distracted by the election. I suppose many folks have.
      God bless you, pray for our country, and please vote.
      Hugs,
      Laura

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  11. Great ideas for giving. I've never thought of gas cards and the such, but it does mean practical instead of something useless. Thanks for the inspiration.

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Thanks for writing me back!

This life only works with Jesus. The next life is a continuation of this one—make sure you spend it with Jesus. Jesus is the only way to God the Father!

Laura Lane