After Christmas Shopping Date

Good Thursday morning!

There are more Christmas pics in the Gallery this morning, and a new inflatable added to The Twelve Days of Inflatables. I've gotten more "tips," so I'll be out and about today and this evening trying to catch a few of them inflated.

RANDOMNESS #1 - My phone is ringing off the hook with people asking me, "What is the count? What is the count?" I was going to wait a couple of days before updating, but since EVERYONE is so interested, I'll just go ahead and tell you... 65!

The rules concerning the Christmas cards are pretty flexible. I will continue to accept cards and add them to the final count until Easter. I have no problem with this. (If I receive an Easter card which has the color red anywhere on the front, inside or back, it will count as a Christmas card.)

Over the years, I have found having too many rules can hinder a person from reaching their goals. That is just a personal observation. Feel free to disagree.

RANDOMNESS #2 - I'm sharing a blog link with you today which will give you several easy, inexpensive and last minute ways to decorate your home. I actually tried one of them yesterday.

The blog tells you to use articles of bright Christmas clothing and hang them in special places to add to your home's holiday cheer. The writer even shows a picture of a baby's red sweater displayed in such a cute, cute way.

I tried this with two of my Christmas sweatshirts, but Mikie asked me why my laundry was hanging in the living room window for all to see. He absolutely didn't get it, but I'm sure you'll do a much better job after you read her blog.

RANDOMNESS #3 - Since "Holiday Diets" are the topic of almost EVERY talk show this week, I found a little "funny" to share regarding that subject.

David was terribly overweight after Christmas, so his doctor placed him on a strict diet.

"I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day, and repeat this procedure for two weeks. The next time I see you, you'll have lost at least five pounds," his doctor assured him.

When David returned, he shocked his doctor by having lost almost twenty pounds.

"Why, that's amazing," the doctor said, greatly impressed. "You certainly must have followed my instructions."

David nodded. "I'll have to tell you... I thought I was going to drop dead on the third day."

"Why? From hunger?" asked his doctor.

"No. From all that skipping."

Did you get it? Don't worry about it. It took me a few minutes.

Blog Linkage - I know how busy you are right now, so don't try to read everything today. Spread it out over the next week or so.

1. Go to Nesting Place under My Blog List. Read (and look at) "12 Easy and Free Last Minute Christmas Decorating Ideas" dated December 21. This is truly a beautiful blog.

2. Go to Nitty.Gritty. under My Blog List. Read "Happiness is buttercream today" dated December 20. Jody reminds us again and again to live for today... not tomorrow or yesterday. It's a great reminder during this busy time of year.

3. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List. This is a new website I have fallen in love with. They have tons of great ideas. Scroll down to "hand print snowman ornaments" dated December 18. This would be fun and easy to try at home, or if you're a preschool teacher, it would be an art project to try with your class next year.

After Christmas Shopping Date

I know for most moms, a "shopping" date is the last thing on our minds right now. However, many kids, tweens and teens receive some money during the holidays as gifts.

A few days after Christmas, take ONE child on an outing to a local mall or store of choice, and LEISURELY let them shop using their Christmas money. No hustle. No bustle. Just a little one-on-one "no pressure" shopping time with one of your kiddos... using THEIR money.

If you were fortunate enough to receive a Chick-Fil-A calendar or other restaurant gift card, take your date to lunch after the shopping excursion. If you didn't receive any of these items as Christmas gifts, a milkshake will do just fine!

Do you have more than one child? That's okay. Wait a day or two, and repeat the date with the second child.

It will not be expensive... Especially if you take this opportunity to teach them to look for an item or items within their budget.

Remember! Shopping is SO much more enjoyable when there isn't a deadline!

Have a productive Thursday. When my head hits the pillow tonight, I hope I will be able to say one word... "DONE!" Christmas Eve I will have the usual Weekend Happenings and more "Christmas" things to share. The 12th inflatable of The Twelve Days of Inflatables will be displayed. I'll also be posting a picture of the Faulkner Five Christmas puzzle. I know many of you are trying to keep up with the progress being made there. NOT! Oh, and don't forget the current Christmas card count. So much to do... so little time!

Until then, Maligayang Pasko! (Filipino for Merry Christmas.)

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting and Filipino-Speaking Belinda