47 days till Christmas!
When I stopped by my favorite Thrift Store last week, I was surprised at how many Christmas items were already on the shelves. It's a little hard to tell how cute these items really are in the photos...
...a nice wooden wall plaque with a herald angel that says "Peace on Earth" and is about 8 inches wide, 79 cents...
...a set of three wooden trees, also 79 cents...
...this darling Christmas mouse is a gag gift for someone who has had a few unwelcomed visits from mice this year...29 cents
...For the past couple years I have purchased ornaments for each of our kids and grandkids, spending $5 - $15 each. This year I decided I would thrift shop for nice ones. I will add the name of one of my grandchildren and the year on this ornament with a fine black marker...it is about 5 inches long and made out of some kind of synthetic clay product...79 cents...
...I can never have enough little Christmas trees...this one stands about 15 inches high and came with nice quality miniature wooden ornaments for 99 cents...
...Whenever I see these little tins I pick them up and use them to either hold a candle or potpouri. This one is small, about 3 inches in diameter, and cost 29 cents.
Another thing I decided to do this year is thrift shop for the grandchildren's Christmas outfits. I'm hoping we can get a family photo made when we are all together at Thanksgiving. When hubby and I went to the Country Living Fair in Columbus, OH in September for our anniversary, I found a handmade Christmas jumper for our granddaughter. I thought it would be fun to try to color coordinate the kids for the photo shoot, keying off the colors in the jumper...
I only need to find one more item to have all four outfits complete...and I'll then show you!
I've also been shopping for gifts since September. I've been very deliberately trying to keep it a whole lot more simple this year, looking for thoughtful gifts but not going overboard as I have tended to do in the past. With the economy the way it is, it just does not seem appropriate to me to go all out...and I'm feeling a lot less stress already. I'm looking forward to spending good quality time with my friends and family, enjoying crafts and baking with the grandchildren, decorating economically, mostly with things I already have, and most of all, keeping Christmas in a way that will please the One it is all about!
What are some of your thoughts about Christmas preparations this year?
9 comments:
I love all your thrift store treasures!! You really hit the jackpot, girlfriend!!!
I have some of the most wonderful thrift stores in my neck of the woods and find the most amazing things....love it!!
Oh, and be sure to check my blog...: ))) !!
Hugs and Blessings!
Jackie
You found some great things! I'm trying to keep it simple too. We're paring down the gift buying too.
Have a great day.
Jackie
That is so cool that the two "other" Jackie's were the first to comment on my latest post! Love you gals!!!
Would you believe I have those 3 wooden Christmas trees, too?! They're out in our Christmas Cabin...
I like the idea of getting Christmas outfits for the grands at thrift stores. Up to this year, I've bought matching sweaters or shirts for everyone - children & parents, etc. I've usually been able to find them on sale - NOT this year. I hate to break tradition, but if our children keep having children.....
Okay, I may be alone in this, but I am NOT ready to think about Christmas!
Maybe it's because this is the week of our GALA Fundraising Banquet for the Center and until that is over, my mind is swimming with details. =(
Also, this year will be different as we are squeezing in our first cruise! So there will be less time to prepare.
Yet, ALL the kids will be home for Christmas, so I know I will be preparing with JOY by December 1st!
Those are wonderful thrift finds, indeed!
Sending my love~ Jess
Rebecca, oh yes, our tribe is increasing too! I'm totally on your wave length here!
Jess ~ I didn't know you were going to get to go on the cruise afterall! Yippee! I have no choice but to be thinking Christmas already ~ our extended family party is in 39 days! AND I will have a big Thanksgiving with the SC family here. I really CANNOT belive how fast the time is going and how soon 2011 will be here! My brain is still lamenting the end of summer!
My one overriding thought is...
Put the tree up when I'm feeling good, which might be this week or two weeks down the road. I want to enjoy the season as much as possible, but only have limited reserves from which to draw from. I'll also be doing a lot of on-line shopping this year, along with gift cards. I thought today about doing some photobooks with Shutterfly, which is always fun for everyone.
Anyway, plenty of alone time to ponder these things. How I pray for a fresh revelation of Christ in my Spirit this year, along with his peace.
Now, you've got me thinking...
peace`elaine
You know Elaine, NO ONE expects you to go all out this year...I'd say do whatever you feel you really want to do and are ABLE to do...but mostly just live in the moment with your precious family. Come to think of it, that's my main goal as well!
A fresh revelation of Christ in our spirits would be the best gift of all...that's my heart's desire too!
You found some wonderful treasures! I already have my tree up...I just love the Christmas season!
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