tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post2035551203384766267..comments2024-03-17T02:20:03.772-05:00Comments on Riding With The Top Down: Kylie’s Annual Christmas Meltdown—and GiveawayKathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-31943331595560894432008-12-09T05:18:00.000-06:002008-12-09T05:18:00.000-06:00I hate to shop.!! So I give a lot of gift cards. ...I hate to shop.!! So I give a lot of gift cards. My children love to read as do most of the relatives. B&N is the number 1 gift card that I purchase. Closely followed by Sports Authority for my athletes. My Mom gets tickets for free golf at the local golf course.(She's 84).<BR/>I work at a local grocery store and LOT'S of people buy the various gift cards!Laurie Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12533221100348874087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-46982235946661722472008-12-09T00:07:00.000-06:002008-12-09T00:07:00.000-06:00Its so true! The holidays are so close together th...Its so true! The holidays are so close together that it too flies by so fast that we don't get to savor it! They should have the Christmas sales in July so we do that part of the gifts early! Too we now do one gift exchange between the four of us, and give to each other all year round in so many ways. Too, we have some traditions we keep, such as each year we add an angel on the tree in memory of my mom. Last year while I was ill and unable to go out, my son and hubby had gotten the angel. This year my daughter has asked to get it and surprise me! I confess that most of the gift done early and one special gift and doing a dinner/night out as a family really put less pressure on us and had us spending more time than we used to together! (We also do games, its hilarious bringing out the games and watching my hubby cheat at scrabble, and watching the humorous holiday movies together) but we its worked for us to do those things together rather than the stress of the crowds in the mall. I suggest too if doing that dinner get together instead, to reserve it. Made it go so smoothly! We had to change alot, but we did it two years ago when the stress was too much, but it was worth it.Caffeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11830854922444380155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-89517093352248401382008-12-08T23:08:00.000-06:002008-12-08T23:08:00.000-06:00I try to get organized. Make lists of what I need...I try to get organized. Make lists of what I need to get done every day and then stick to it.<BR/><BR/>Listening to Christmas music and singing along with the songs while I wrap presents or bake Christmas cookies helps me stay stress-free.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-6740668484194378612008-12-08T21:45:00.000-06:002008-12-08T21:45:00.000-06:00Dina, sometimes I feel guilty for how crabby I fee...Dina, sometimes I feel guilty for how crabby I feel when I'm shopping. I'm amazed how unfailingly patient and cheerful the clerks have been! It's got to be crazy for them.KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-85349786664235776812008-12-08T21:44:00.000-06:002008-12-08T21:44:00.000-06:00Ellory, I think that's what stresses me out the mo...Ellory, I think that's what stresses me out the most, the feeling that I'm behind and can't possibly get it all done! But things are looking very much like a snow day for me tomorrow, so keep your fingers crossed, LOL. I could sure use one right about now!KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-28554150549640032302008-12-08T21:21:00.000-06:002008-12-08T21:21:00.000-06:00I just try to enjoy it no matter how far behind I ...I just try to enjoy it no matter how far behind I am or how corwded it is or even if people are crabby, lol. Just smile and sing. :)Dinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13363922982973526678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-68699347285181310852008-12-08T21:11:00.000-06:002008-12-08T21:11:00.000-06:00No way not to lose ones sanity. I always feel I'm...No way not to lose ones sanity. I always feel I'm behind. :)Elloryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02467417542585057304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-25917221729556571312008-12-08T20:52:00.000-06:002008-12-08T20:52:00.000-06:00Pam, I'll admit that I tend to lose track of gift ...Pam, I'll admit that I tend to lose track of gift cards but I never forget to use my barnes and noble cards!KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-2551733020625818002008-12-08T20:51:00.000-06:002008-12-08T20:51:00.000-06:00Margie, I wish I knew what people wanted prior to ...Margie, I wish I knew what people wanted prior to the Christmas rush. That would make things so much easier!KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-68984268619139551672008-12-08T20:41:00.000-06:002008-12-08T20:41:00.000-06:00make a list of to buy for folks. ideas on what to ...make a list of to buy for folks. ideas on what to get each. And Oh yeah I love on line shopping. And I love GC's lol.Pamkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02880471140530575964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-5373579291418431702008-12-08T20:21:00.000-06:002008-12-08T20:21:00.000-06:00I try to buy all year round. That way I avoid the ...I try to buy all year round. That way I avoid the mad Christmas rush. I still need to wrap the gifts, though. I'll do a little each day and hope I get done by Christmas! LOL!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-55760212832874852222008-12-08T18:29:00.000-06:002008-12-08T18:29:00.000-06:00Jeanette--wise woman. Whatever doesn't get done o...Jeanette--wise woman. Whatever doesn't get done one day can always be put on the list for the next. It's amazing what I decide can be cut once it gets down to the wire!KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-48097627862693896792008-12-08T17:15:00.000-06:002008-12-08T17:15:00.000-06:00I pace myself. I do a little every day..the most i...I pace myself. I do a little every day..the most important I try to do first so that if I don't get something done I don't freak out about it.Jeanette Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10405473912935941111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-4681781806413115562008-12-08T16:57:00.000-06:002008-12-08T16:57:00.000-06:00Virginia, I'm a list maker, too. Although I try t...Virginia, I'm a list maker, too. Although I try to make myself believe that it all *has* to be done, mentally I know what can be forgotten and no one will notice, LOL. But invariably if I decide the baking can be let go, the son who likes the Christmas star cookies whines that I didn't make them!KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-39179095461721562792008-12-08T16:55:00.000-06:002008-12-08T16:55:00.000-06:00Estella--the children are always easier to shop fo...Estella--the children are always easier to shop for than the adults anyway, aren't they? Not to mention more fun!KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-45373755815108500992008-12-08T16:33:00.000-06:002008-12-08T16:33:00.000-06:00We are just buying for the children this year and ...We are just buying for the children this year and having a nice dinner with the family. All the family I have left is just two sisters and I do try to fix them a Christmas bag. What I do to keep my sanity is I make a list at what needs to be done and I take one thing at a time until it is finished. This works well for me. Today I finished my shopping and tomorrow I plan on getting things wrapped. One thing at a time.Virginiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06924888528166831610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-75038144981586952622008-12-08T16:27:00.000-06:002008-12-08T16:27:00.000-06:00My family decided to just buy for the children and...My family decided to just buy for the children and at this point there only two----so shopping was really easy.<BR/>I finished my shopping in earlt November, but still have to wrap.Estellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04199693275287344161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-77002948744020516202008-12-08T15:12:00.000-06:002008-12-08T15:12:00.000-06:00Helen, I just can't get excited about the presents...Helen, I just can't get excited about the presents if I don't feel like I've surprised everyone with at least one gift they aren't expecting. That is getting harder and harder to do. <BR/><BR/>I think the hardest stage was like 12-17, when the kids were out of the toy stage. For my oldest, I had to come up with ideas for him to put on his list! That's lacking imagination, LOL!<BR/><BR/>The little ones are a riot at Christmas time, and as with every generation of kids, enjoy the wrapping paper and boxes as much as the items in them.<BR/><BR/>I can be a bit obsessive compulsive about the holiday, I'll admit. (yes, moi) I've given up making the sugar cookies that everyone loved decorating but no one ate. And I make very little candy, and only one batch of each because most just want a piece, not a pan full :) Luckily leftovers can always be taken to school. It's a little known fact that teachers will eat anything!KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-91097863821693730932008-12-08T14:51:00.000-06:002008-12-08T14:51:00.000-06:00Kylie, I think I'm about as stressed as you! Yike...Kylie, I think I'm about as stressed as you! Yikes. And I would love, love, love to move xmas to January. What a relief that would be!<BR/><BR/>I think I enjoyed the holidays more when the kids were little. It was so easy to surprise them. And so inexpensive.<BR/><BR/>These days, not that time isn't a critical issue, but it's coming up with the ideas for gifts that gets me.<BR/><BR/>My tried and true method for getting everything done is remembering that not everything has to get done.<BR/><BR/>I'm not and never will be Martha Stewart, so if the cookies don't get made, or the house isn't decorated to perfection (which it won't be) I try to keep in mind what is important. Time with the family. And a few fun surprises under the tree.Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-32963094826640212072008-12-08T14:36:00.000-06:002008-12-08T14:36:00.000-06:00Maureen, you're a lucky lady! My husband is good ...Maureen, you're a lucky lady! My husband is good on small forays like that too, if I'm very specific. Big marathon shopping days....not so much, LOL!<BR/><BR/>Lots of ice here which means early dismissal. YAY! I could *so* use a snow day right about now!KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-89045771266361970872008-12-08T14:31:00.000-06:002008-12-08T14:31:00.000-06:00There never seems to be enough time for me either....There never seems to be enough time for me either. My husband, however, is a big help. If I know exactly what I want then I write it down and he'll go out during his lunch hour and get it.Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16392692656456938856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-68014235312648666442008-12-08T14:10:00.000-06:002008-12-08T14:10:00.000-06:00Betina, what a thoughtful gift to your neighbor! ...Betina, what a thoughtful gift to your neighbor! You helped her and spent some time with her. I constantly feel guilty about not doing enough for my neighbor across the street. I'll give her a call and see what I can do to help her out.KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-37535138992371812662008-12-08T14:08:00.001-06:002008-12-08T14:08:00.001-06:00Catslady--the two of us should meet beneath the ti...Catslady--the two of us should meet beneath the tinsel and sip a spiced egg nog to help us relax, LOL!KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-80687620872449844042008-12-08T14:08:00.000-06:002008-12-08T14:08:00.000-06:00Now, Kylie, I'm a wrapping person. I love making ...Now, Kylie, I'm a wrapping person. I love making pretty packages. but I think most of us do-- we just hate having to do all the shopping and then all the wrapping, too. Last year, I went over to an older neighbor's and wrapped all her presents to her kids and grands. She's got a tone of family, so my back was aching by the time it was over. But a glass of wine and a bit of chatting and that was forgotten. We had a great time. I'm volunteering to do it again this year!Betina Krahnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11379124690406269848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-24275202057609984592008-12-08T14:07:00.000-06:002008-12-08T14:07:00.000-06:00MaryC--I was in an Apple store yesterday and they ...MaryC--I was in an Apple store yesterday and they explained which item I needed. We went to purchase it and the guy at the register immediately brought up the web page so I could see the comments on the item I was about to purchase. Needless to say, they weren't good. He helped me find one that had a much better approval rating and then I ordered that one on line since the store was out of stock. I thought that was the ultimate in customer service!KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.com