As you probably have also, I’ve been reading in the news lately about it being hard to shop for Christmas this year due to supply issues. I’ve thought about this and decided this isn’t necessarily going to be a bad thing.
As far as decorating goes, We have plenty of decorations from years past to decorate with this year. And I suspect a lot of other people are in the same boat, and have plenty to decorate their homes with this year without buying anything new.
Also, while we may not have all the traditional foods we normally have, we will most likely have food to eat and that is more important than doing without a traditional food for one Christmas. Some people may go hungry on Christmas and that is a sad fact, so I will be grateful for what we do have on our table this holiday season.
Another truth of the matter is that many of us do not NEED anything new, so not being able to buy presents for each other this year really wouldn’t be such a bad thing. It’s just the thought of not doing or having what we are used too, but we can make new traditions that mean just as much as our old traditions.
I’ve always loved the tradition of giving each child three gifts to represent the three gifts the wise men brought to the baby Jesus.
My Grandmother used to make up games for us to play that were so much fun. One year she hid my Grandfathers gift and the first person to find it won a small gift.
We can look for ideas to make the holidays fun while keeping them frugal in order to fit our budgets. With a little bit of effort we could make this a Christmas to remember.
I’m just not going to worry about what we’ll have or not have for this one Christmas season. I can make Bailey some homemade things that she will love with things I already have on hand. And that way I won’t be adding any stress or worry for myself about supply chain issues that I have no control over anyway.
How about you? Are you rethinking ways to do Christmas this year?
I'm with you. Maybe if I had young children and wanted to get them a certain some thing it would be different, but I don't think my kids ever requested something because it was the hot item. I hope my MIL uses this year to not shop or if she feels she needs to, limits to grandkids. We'd really like her to just use sit and enjoy.
The older I get, the more Christmas is about getting together and the good food, over gifts. We all have way too much as it is. But I want reasonable food, not ridiculous priced food. So I am little scared this year.
YES! YES! YES! Don't need the garbage on those ships. We have local artisans all around. We can make things from home with what we have. We can have a meal of anything. The whole point is being with family and friends and loving one another.
Things are just like every year here so far. We have made a big start on shopping and our income has not changes since we are retired. I have stocked all the non perishable foods and am seeing plenty of turkeys in our stores. I have a ham in my freezer so our Christmas seems that will be pretty much like most years. We save for Christmas gifts all year long and pick up toys for the seven grandchildren when we see a deal. My 82 year old Mom who is in a facility is always the tough one to shop for.
This sounds terrific for you all, Lana. I’m so happy for you that your Christmas won’t be impacted by all that is going on in the world right now. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season.
I love this Belinda! I'm all set for the holidays though. Since it's just us, we always eat a non-traditional meal for both Thanksgiving & Christmas (non of us care for turkey).
Christmas is all about spending quality time with your loved ones and making new memories. I actually think all these shortages might be good for us, because it forces us to focus more on what Christmas is truly about.
Love this! Maybe more people will celebrate what Christmas is really about...that baby in the manger. I'm thankful that I haven't lost any family to covid this year, and we have all had our vaccines so will be more comfortable in family gatherings. I may purchase more gifts locally and through etsy, and I think I have the basics for holiday meals. We'll watch Christmas movies and listen to Christmas music and drive around to see the lights. We are blessed!
I already have half my Christmas shopping done. Mostly adults, the grand kids are more of a struggle. But it will come together. As far as holiday meals, we go to our inlaws for Thanksgiving. Christmas, my daughter and I chip in and order Olive Garden. It's a tradition that my mom started and the kids like that we continue it.
I agree. I am making Christmas purchases but it is scaled down to just one gift each. Same as you, I have everything I need, in decorating and so I just plan on enjoying what I do have and to be thankful.
I have lots of craft supplies that I can use to fashion decorations, and since I make my gifts I should be quite okay. The sons love the gifts I make, and Hubby always says he does not need anything (but I always make him something). Food wise I have not seen any shortages as of yet, but if there are some, I am sure I could still manage a very good holiday meal.
That is terrific, Jackie. I’ve seen some of your wonderful gifts on your blog. Anyone who receives one of those will be blessed indeed. I hope you and your family have a blessed holiday season this year. :)
The only one I am worried about is my granddaughter. Everyone else has what thy need/want. Son1 and family will be in Oregon, Son2's family will be in town but they may need to be with her family, and Son3 and Dil3 will be in Sweden with her folks, so this year all adults are getting a few token gifts(small and easy to ship) and some cash. It makes life so much easier. We will be in Oregon over Thanksgiving and I can shop there for Pip's presents and have them wrapped bowed and tagged before we leave
This is an excellent post. If you have food on your table and roof over your head be thankful. We do need to be shopping locally,covid has taken a huge toll on small businesses. We buy food,clothes and toys for children in need every Christmas. This is what gives us joy. You may be just one person but you can make a difference for someone. Buy food for family that's struggling,take some books,movies,cookies to a nursing home. There are so many opportunities to bring a bit of happiness to someone who needs it.
Don't really have too many to buy for now - especially as most friends (and I) have all decided that we have enough "stuff". We might give some consumables or the occasional book/magazine but that's about it. Which makes it so much more relaxing and fun. I have all the decorations I need but will add a couple of poinsettia. I already have some turkey thighs and some ham steaks in the freezer (Canadian Thanksgiving was a couple of weeks ago) so food is pretty much set. The only things to buy in the next week or so is some Christmas cards and some stamps - I do use electronic cards a lot but for Christmas I do like to send "real" ones as I know a lot of people still enjoy receiving them. I will go to Christmas Eve service at my Church - invite a couple of friends for dinner and then arrange to see family in January (they all live a good distance from me so it involves train travel and i will wait until after all the holiday crowds). It will all be just fine.
That all sounds wonderful, Margie. I like to receive real Christmas cards too, but fewer and fewer are doing that now. I still send a few special ones to my brother and sister. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. :)
We're doing similar things to what we always do. I'll buy for a total of 7 people (my husband, my two kids, my nephews, & my goddaughters). I already have the primary gift for both kids, so I'll just pick up a few small fill in items. For my nephews, I'll probably just do cash. They are teenagers, and that's what they'll appreciate the most. I'm not sure about my goddaughters, so I'll ask. I usually get them something small, like earrings & a scarf, etc.
We primarily are splurging on time together. We are flying to Portland, having Christmas with my parents, and then renting a house near Bend. We are hoping there will be snow to ski, but my parents & my sister/nephews will join us for post Christmas family time. Can't wait!
I bought Sox and zip up hoodies for my family along with a quality leather belt for hubby (he's worn his old belt for 25 years.) No foo foo gifts but all needed. Food shopping is done and we are ready to enjoy a quiet holiday.
I can't help but think that those who say "Christmas is at risk due to the supply chain" don't really get the true meaning of Christmas. (Which, given which side is saying this is also the ones who warned of us a 'War on Christmas' really strikes me as ironic.) They also don't understand the meaning of risk. I LOVE Christmas, but to think that, (were my kids younger) they would feel deprived because they didn't "get" something as a gift makes me practically stabby. I remember biting my tongue so hard it bled when my MIL told me I "had" to have a tree for my, then, 2 years old and under kids. That said, I have always had humble Christmases, or so I thought. My kids, on the other hand, beg to differ. Our Christmas has always been about the foods, the decorating, the candles and the traditions. The mere suggestion, of, say, not soaking the fruit for the fruitcake on Halloween afternoon has them apoplectic.
I didn’t put up the tree the year that Bailey was one year old. My ex had left in October and I wasn’t up to the task and she has no recollection of it. You’re right, people are forgetting the true meaning of Christmas is what’s important.
Belinda, I've been rethinking Christmas for ages. I love to celebrate with food, Alex and I don't really give gifts anymore but we do love to eat. I will find a way to make anything available delicious! :)
I'm with you. Maybe if I had young children and wanted to get them a certain some thing it would be different, but I don't think my kids ever requested something because it was the hot item. I hope my MIL uses this year to not shop or if she feels she needs to, limits to grandkids. We'd really like her to just use sit and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteYes, it would probably be different for me too I’d I had young children.
DeleteThe older I get, the more Christmas is about getting together and the good food, over gifts. We all have way too much as it is. But I want reasonable food, not ridiculous priced food. So I am little scared this year.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, Kim. Christmas is about getting together and spending time with our loved ones!
DeleteYES! YES! YES!
ReplyDeleteDon't need the garbage on those ships. We have local artisans all around. We can make things from home with what we have. We can have a meal of anything.
The whole point is being with family and friends and loving one another.
Yes, we don’t need what is on those ships, Cheryl. Spending time with loved ones IS what it’s all about.
DeleteUnfortunately it isn't just junk on those ships but parts for cars, computers, phones, and tv's.
DeleteYou make a good point, Cheryl.
DeleteThings are just like every year here so far. We have made a big start on shopping and our income has not changes since we are retired. I have stocked all the non perishable foods and am seeing plenty of turkeys in our stores. I have a ham in my freezer so our Christmas seems that will be pretty much like most years. We save for Christmas gifts all year long and pick up toys for the seven grandchildren when we see a deal. My 82 year old Mom who is in a facility is always the tough one to shop for.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds terrific for you all, Lana. I’m so happy for you that your Christmas won’t be impacted by all that is going on in the world right now. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season.
DeleteI love this Belinda! I'm all set for the holidays though. Since it's just us, we always eat a non-traditional meal for both Thanksgiving & Christmas (non of us care for turkey).
ReplyDeleteChristmas is all about spending quality time with your loved ones and making new memories. I actually think all these shortages might be good for us, because it forces us to focus more on what Christmas is truly about.
Oh, I’m so happy you are all set for the holidays too, Ms. Goose. I hope you and yours have a wonderful and blessed holiday season this year.
DeleteLove this! Maybe more people will celebrate what Christmas is really about...that baby in the manger.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful that I haven't lost any family to covid this year, and we have all had our vaccines so will be more comfortable in family gatherings. I may purchase more gifts locally and through etsy, and I think I have the basics for holiday meals. We'll watch Christmas movies and listen to Christmas music and drive around to see the lights. We are blessed!
All of that sounds wonderful, Kathy. And yes on the movies, we have our favorite Christmas movies we watch every year. :)
DeleteI already have half my Christmas shopping done. Mostly adults, the grand kids are more of a struggle. But it will come together. As far as holiday meals, we go to our inlaws for Thanksgiving. Christmas, my daughter and I chip in and order Olive Garden. It's a tradition that my mom started and the kids like that we continue it.
ReplyDeleteOh, I like your Olive Garden tradition, Lisa. That sounds like fun. I’m glad you have over half of your shopping done so far. That is wonderful.
DeleteI agree. I am making Christmas purchases but it is scaled down to just one gift each. Same as you, I have everything I need, in decorating and so I just plan on enjoying what I do have and to be thankful.
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful, Debby. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season.
DeleteI have lots of craft supplies that I can use to fashion decorations, and since I make my gifts I should be quite okay. The sons love the gifts I make, and Hubby always says he does not need anything (but I always make him something). Food wise I have not seen any shortages as of yet, but if there are some, I am sure I could still manage a very good holiday meal.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
That is terrific, Jackie. I’ve seen some of your wonderful gifts on your blog. Anyone who receives one of those will be blessed indeed. I hope you and your family have a blessed holiday season this year. :)
DeleteThe only one I am worried about is my granddaughter. Everyone else has what thy need/want. Son1 and family will be in Oregon, Son2's family will be in town but they may need to be with her family, and Son3 and Dil3 will be in Sweden with her folks, so this year all adults are getting a few token gifts(small and easy to ship) and some cash. It makes life so much easier.
ReplyDeleteWe will be in Oregon over Thanksgiving and I can shop there for Pip's presents and have them wrapped bowed and tagged before we leave
Sounds like you have a great plan in place, Anne. That is wonderful.
DeleteThis is an excellent post. If you have food on your table and roof over your head be thankful. We do need to be shopping locally,covid has taken a huge toll on small businesses. We buy food,clothes and toys for children in need every Christmas. This is what gives us joy. You may be just one person
ReplyDeletebut you can make a difference for someone.
Buy food for family that's struggling,take some books,movies,cookies to a nursing home.
There are so many opportunities to bring a bit of happiness to someone who needs it.
Thank you, Savannah. I love your comment. There is so much we can do for others and the time for that is always right.
DeleteTotally agree! Who needs all that “stuff”? I like consumable gifts the best!!
ReplyDeleteExactly, Penny. I love the consumable gifts too. Except when I eat them first. LOL
DeleteDon't really have too many to buy for now - especially as most friends (and I) have all decided that we have enough "stuff". We might give some consumables or the occasional book/magazine but that's about it. Which makes it so much more relaxing and fun.
ReplyDeleteI have all the decorations I need but will add a couple of poinsettia. I already have some turkey thighs and some ham steaks in the freezer (Canadian Thanksgiving was a couple of weeks ago) so food is pretty much set. The only things to buy in the next week or so is some Christmas cards and some stamps - I do use electronic cards a lot but for Christmas I do like to send "real" ones as I know a lot of people still enjoy receiving them.
I will go to Christmas Eve service at my Church - invite a couple of friends for dinner and then arrange to see family in January (they all live a good distance from me so it involves train travel and i will wait until after all the holiday crowds). It will all be just fine.
That all sounds wonderful, Margie. I like to receive real Christmas cards too, but fewer and fewer are doing that now. I still send a few special ones to my brother and sister. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. :)
DeleteWe're doing similar things to what we always do. I'll buy for a total of 7 people (my husband, my two kids, my nephews, & my goddaughters). I already have the primary gift for both kids, so I'll just pick up a few small fill in items. For my nephews, I'll probably just do cash. They are teenagers, and that's what they'll appreciate the most. I'm not sure about my goddaughters, so I'll ask. I usually get them something small, like earrings & a scarf, etc.
ReplyDeleteWe primarily are splurging on time together. We are flying to Portland, having Christmas with my parents, and then renting a house near Bend. We are hoping there will be snow to ski, but my parents & my sister/nephews will join us for post Christmas family time. Can't wait!
Oh that sounds like so much fun! I hope you have a terrific time!
DeleteI bought Sox and zip up hoodies for my family along with a quality leather belt for hubby (he's worn his old belt for 25 years.) No foo foo gifts but all needed. Food shopping is done and we are ready to enjoy a quiet holiday.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds wonderful. I hope you all have a blessed holiday season.
DeleteI can't help but think that those who say "Christmas is at risk due to the supply chain" don't really get the true meaning of Christmas. (Which, given which side is saying this is also the ones who warned of us a 'War on Christmas' really strikes me as ironic.) They also don't understand the meaning of risk.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Christmas, but to think that, (were my kids younger) they would feel deprived because they didn't "get" something as a gift makes me practically stabby. I remember biting my tongue so hard it bled when my MIL told me I "had" to have a tree for my, then, 2 years old and under kids. That said, I have always had humble Christmases, or so I thought. My kids, on the other hand, beg to differ. Our Christmas has always been about the foods, the decorating, the candles and the traditions. The mere suggestion, of, say, not soaking the fruit for the fruitcake on Halloween afternoon has them apoplectic.
I didn’t put up the tree the year that Bailey was one year old. My ex had left in October and I wasn’t up to the task and she has no recollection of it. You’re right, people are forgetting the true meaning of Christmas is what’s important.
DeleteBelinda, I've been rethinking Christmas for ages. I love to celebrate with food, Alex and I don't really give gifts anymore but we do love to eat. I will find a way to make anything available delicious! :)
ReplyDeleteWe love to eat too, Rain. It's part of our celebration like yours. :)
Delete