The New Official Spam Thread!

[Theraven]

I've had several different versions of the same Christmas celebration lately.

One version together with both my mom's sister's families. We (usually) eat at different places and come together for gift opening. Takes ages (at Christmas Eve, one by one gift), and we've usually sat until far past midnight. Too many grandchildren in her oldest sister's family now, so we would probably need an entire room for the gifts and go on until at least the 26th before opening them...

One version with my family and my aunt's (mom's youngest sister) family (and Gran, when she lived), all of us eating together. Less gifts, but still takes a while. Our tree was either the real deal, or a simple, tiny plastic tree that stood on a table with a mountain of gifts in front. Looked hilarious  

One version with only me, mom, my bro and his family, eating together and them staying long enough to open their own gifts. That's most likely what we'll do this year.

A few years back, I even did a few extra "Christmas Eve" with some of my friends (after or before the actual Christmas Eve). Snacks, gift opening and even with my shabby plastic tree dressed up in its finest.

Christmas isn't quite the same after Gran died. She was always the one who gathered us all together and kept up the friendly tone between her three girls. I always baked gingerbreads together with her, which was one of the things I liked best about Christmas. Baking isn't quite the same with ready-made cookies from the store or already baked ones. It's the  

I can't even remember if my parents ever tried to trick us with Santa. I think they tried once when we were toddlers, but I can't remember if it worked. We've made gifts from "santa" several times, to trick family members, but apart from othat, I've always known who gave us the presents, none ever from the "real" Santa.  

[Nonni]

In my heart I still feel joy at Christmas.

Don't do much anymore, I would if I had health and strength.

But my heart is happy in the season.

[fatedicewolf]

Even though there's less money this year cause my dad and I are the ones supporting our large family, everyone's still excited to know what they got for Christmas.

Opening gifts is personally not my thing, but the thought of seeing the look on someone's face from a gift, no matter how small, I gave them is worth it

[DaSpecial1]

I love the season. My kids are truly happy no matter what & we have been through some rough times.  I've found that my sadness at times was wishing I could do more (illness & other obstacles prevailing) then had my kids react on Christmas morning to very little as if they had the world.

It's taught me a few lessons in living the message I taught about being happy no matter what. Now it only hurts not being able to share it with my Mom and Dad, but the joy & warmth is something I feel even when times are hard.

Anyone up for Christmas Spam?

[fatedicewolf]

That's beautiful, DaSpecial.

Your kids are very lucky to have you

[Zooey]

Agree, your name really suits you 

And yeah, I'm up for X-Mas spam anytime 

[fatedicewolf]

I did most of my gift shopping online this year only to find out my parents' gifts are on back-order. Eh, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong...

[Glamily]

I got all my christmas gifts done for only $15.40. XD I had a budget of $20, and they aren't much, but they're personalised gifts that everyone will hopefully love.

[caffeinated.joy]

I'm making everything this year using supplies I have on hand. So far, the only thing I've had to buy is a ball of crochet cotton, bringing my grand total spent on gifts up to a whopping $6 CAD. Everyone is getting art or something hand crafted.

[Paden]

For my son, we got clothing, a toy and a DVD. For my daughter, we got a pendant. Everyone else will have to settle for raisin bread or cinnamon rolls fresh my kitchen. Or sugar cookies. 'Tis the season to say screw the diet and have some calories, and all that good stuff.

[Zooey]

Hey! It's snowing here! Finally! 

[caffeinated.joy]

I always prefer something handmade to something bought and, for that matter, so does (most of) my family. It's not the amount of money you shell out that matters, but the thought and effort you put into it. I have a friend who makes shortbread every year and you know that a dozen cookies are going to be part of the gift she gives you. It's a delicious present. LOL.

[DaSpecial1]

Yum cookies! *smacks lips* I love handcrafted gifts, especially edible ones.  I went shopping and found the cutest romper/onesie for the baby this evening.  It says:  "all my mommy wants for Christmas is a silent night"  .  I'm gearing up for a Christmas nap already.

[caffeinated.joy]

It's been awfully quiet in this thread for a few days so I thought I'd come in and give you a dose of the cuteness.

[Glamily]

Oh thats so adorable!