Christmas Shopping

BerryBaby · 11-29-2007, 11:35 AM

Has anyone started Christmas shopping? I ventured out to the mall the other day. I was surprised many of the stores didn't open until 10am.

Had a nice visit with another lady, who also thought stores opened early for the holiday. I did the mall walking for a while and then sat with her and visited.

A lot of things I saw in catalogues, they don't carry in the stores. So, it wasn't as successful as I had thought. Went home and got on the computer and got a lot accomplished.

At least I got to have the holiday spirit of shopping and meeting new people. That alone was worth the trip.

Food Network Fan · 11-29-2007, 11:42 AM

I have a few things for the kids already. My daughter never wants any of the popular hard to find stuff. She never has. I was spared tickle me elmo and the furby rush with her. I have always had trouble getting a list long enough for the whole family to get her something. The boy wants everything he sees,

I managed to get the one hard to find item early so I think I am doing pretty good. My husband and I are making going out to buy the Christmas tree our special gift this year, we will go out to dinner then pick out the tree with the kids. We are saving our gifts for when the remodeling is done, we will get things for the room.

Callisto in NC · 11-29-2007, 11:58 AM

I don't plan on doing any shopping in a store. Online only if I do anything. Too much has come up for me to be forced to spend money I don't have.

Chefnot · 11-29-2007, 12:54 PM

I think the wife is about half done. Cost me a fortune! I don't care, she loves the Christmas season.

She hates buying for me....the kids love it...I give them a list of books I want and tell them used only (course it has to be hard cover.)

annabella · 11-29-2007, 01:47 PM

Gosh, no. We haven't even started yet. We're torn whether or not to bring a new puppy into the house. Daughter wants a dog (and a sister).

Food Network Fan · 11-29-2007, 01:49 PM

You probably can't get the sister in time for Christmas. Unless you adopt.

Chefnot · 11-29-2007, 02:26 PM

BerryBaby · 11-29-2007, 03:30 PM

From experience, having a puppy is more work than having a child!

Each of our dogs joined our family when they were weeks old. The training was intense, teaching them to potty outside, etc. everything took a tremendous amount of time. Wouldn't trade it for the world, but puppies are a lot of work.

We just had a new member join our family as well. Our daughter found a parakeet. It was in the middle of the street and very cold, hungry and scared. Didn't know how it got out, but she was determined to help it.

Placed ads with shelters, pet detectives and word of mouth and no ever claimed it so we decided to keep him. Sure is a happy baby and almost healthy again.

I took him to an aviary vet (yes, they have them just for birds) and he has a bacteria infection and was a little underweight. Tomorrow he has his followup visit. I can tell you he has gained weight. Eats like a little pig!

He sits on my finger and likes to sit on my lap. He knows I'm the mom! So now we have our sweet Sophie, the parakeet (which I named Echo) and the Lovebird. I named him Echo because the Lovebird will start talking and Echo answers. Echo is quarantined until he gets a clean bill of health, which hopefully, he will get tomorrow!

annabella · 11-29-2007, 03:36 PM

What a sweet story, BerryBaby!

We looked into adopting a poodle. If we do bring a dog or puppy into the house it has to be a small breed. We were disappointed to find out that most pet adoption orgs won't adopt small breeds to families with young children for the dog's safety. I can understand, but a bit bummed, too. We're looking into breeders - so expensive.

It's also been hard to keep away from the Disney Channel mania this season - LOL! Daughter is 7 years old...prime age for Hannah Montanna, High School Musical gear, etc. Some of the Disney stars will be at Celebration, FL in December. I'm bringing ear plugs along with the autograph book. Sigh.

BerryBaby · 11-29-2007, 03:41 PM

I would suggest going to the AKC website and check out the breeds for temperament and if they get along with children. Many small breeds just don't mix well with little ones.

There is one breed, which is adorable, that gets along with children and is smaller...the Havanese (think that is how you spell it). They are amazing with children and just darling.

Good luck!!!