A Bartering Christmas

Obviously this year Christmas is tough for us, with a new house and the cost everything that comes with it we are on a tight budget. Imagine my delight when my genius sis-in-law suggested that perhaps this year we barter for Christmas. I think it's a fabulous idea. So in exchange for them helping us with the new house projects (painting, sewing, moving, etc.) we will babysit the kiddos, so they can have some date nights (or sleep). We decided we will still do something small so we all have something to open come Christmas, but still, much easier. I only wish I could get my family on board with this idea.

Even without my family bartering, I think we did a pretty bang up job for Christmas this year, watching the sales and knowing exactly what we wanted to get each person really helped. As for Andy and I, we also have a limited budget for each other and a challenge to only fill our stockings. It's going to be a little bit difficult but I think it's going to be a lot of fun to see what we each come up with and if there will be any "cheating" involved.

Anyone else having a budget type Christmas? What are you doing?

Opposites attract

I have an unexpected morning off so I thought what better thing to occupy my time than to blog! So Andy and I obviously have a lot in common, we love to read, we have common goals and values, and family is our number one priority. However, we have opposite views on a few things. Like Christmas, he is all about the practical gifts, examples? Stuff Andy has asked for this year: Long underwear, sweaters, wool socks. I on the other hand, think that Christmas is a time when I get to be a tiny bit frivolous, I get to give some fun stuff, some useless stuff, or something I would never buy for myself. Examples? A kindle, video games, an mp3 player. I rest my case. This is how I roll with Christmas, I want it to be fun. However, this year I'm having a really hard time.

I don't know if it's the insanely strict budget we have been on or the fact that I am actually becoming a (gulp) grownup but I'm having a really hard time shopping for fun things this year. Every gift I think about buying for Andy goes through a rigorous mind test "How much will he use it? What purpose does it serve? How much space will it take up? Does he really need this?" and usually the answer comes up short. I mean seriously, I'm not even halfway done shopping for him. Usually I'm done in November, but this year it. is. hard. I mean in past years I've done a kick ass job if I do say so myself. Some examples: Red Wings Jersey, Califone Record player, Hans Solo Mr. Potato Head. Maybe my creativity is just spent? My best friend since elementary school is going to be in town this week and we're meeting up tomorrow so I am hoping some creative juices get flowing or she can push me along so maybe I can get something great for my husband our first married Christmas together.

Cross fingers for me please!