I have a long list of relatives I don't see that often! So this year, instead of feeding mall stores and nearing a brain explosion, I decided to make a donation to Fisher House for each of them and give them a homemade certificate to tell them about the organization, a map of all the locations and a note explaining why I sent it in their name. Who wouldn't feel good knowing they helped to fund the construction or expansion of buildings meant to accomodate the families of injured members of the U.S. military, while they are visiting these brave men and women?
Check out: http://www.fisherhouse.org/contribute/contribute.shtml

So now my list is reduced considerably. All I have to figure out now is how to surprise a great husband and two wonderful teen daughters with a gift worthy of the three loves of my life -- to show them that they are really most of what I am thankful for.
And not shopping so much gives me more time to enjoy them and the Christmas season!

Well, we don't hate you any more -- you're one of us now. (:

I go with the flow -- If "I feel like baking now" strikes at 7 on Sunday morning, I do it then. If I don't get around to cards, I don't. (I still have boxes from previous years I didn't get around to them, if I can find them.)

We get two trees at once, and do it with the grandkid. Get the tree up, nothing on it. Have a glass of wine while stringing lights. Keep the box of ornaments nearby, hang another one on the way to the bathroom.

Eventually, it all gets done. My brother usually shows up Christmas eve asking for wrapping paper and sole use of my bedroom for an hour. It's always perfect, always different, and I refuse to stress.

I shop a lot online. If you're using eBay, do it now while there's still time to ship. Last minute, Amazon works well. Here's a good Deal Shopping Sites Roundup post with links to sites that track one-day specials and deep discounts.