I post this every holiday season and will try SM
Posted By: Sally Forth on 2008-12-04
In Reply to:
posting again. Sigh.
I have two stephchildren. One is 30 and one is 25. I actually love them like my own children. Problem is gift giving. Do you give gifts to adult stephchildren who do not give gifts to you? If they were small children or teens, of course I would buy them gifts, but they are ADULTS! Every year I post this same question and get same answers from people saying how much they LOVE buying hundreds of dollars worth of stuff for EVERYONE they know and that I shold get in the holiday spirit of buying. I don't have hundreds of dollars to purchase gifts. I have two grandchildren, 4 and 1-1/2, and have spent a combined $100 on their gifts. I'm buying my daughter stuff from Victoria Secret and buying my SIL a book.
Last year, stepdaughter gave me a regifted gift card from Starbucks and stepson gave me small bag of candy (smushed carton).
They don't hate me, I promise you that, and I certainly don't hate them, but what do I buy them for Christmas, if anything? I find buying gifts for adults silly. And please, do not suggest handmade gifts. I made that mistake years ago, when I made stepdaughter handmade mosaic tile box, with velvet interior. She threw the thing out. Is there some tactful way out?
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Sorry, I misread the post. I just read it as holiday
recipe. My apologies. Merry Christmas!
Holiday Inn w/Bing&Astair and The Holiday w/Diaz&Winslet NM
.
The Holiday does it for me. or Holiday Inn for a priceless oldie.nm
x
it's not off season - there is no season anymore
It might not be in season for students who are in school currently but it's mighty busy here! Traffic is deplorable as the snowbirds are here currently - from now until June hopefully *S*
We like BUSY in Central/South Florida *lol*
That's probably why it has now become the on-season
everyone seems to be going when it's cheaper!
N/T this season
I'm not sure if Carly will be a regular or not. I would imagine she'll be on at least a few more episodes. I felt so bad when Christian did the lipstick thing. Still loving Christian, but I definitely didn't like the things he did last week. He's just jealous of Sean or at least that's the way I see it. I did love the scenes with he and Wilbur though, so cute.
N/T Last Season
I guess the way it's supposed to work (I'm on a N/T board), there is a short season for 2009, and then there is another season in 2010, but I think there's supposed to be another huge gab in between seasons. You should go to You Tube and check out the previews and let me know what you think. Looks like a great year.
They may call it the off season,
Was there mid Nov and it was really busy. All fast track tickets gone by noon, didn't get on hardly any rides, waits were 2+ hours for each ride. It was kind of a disappointment for the kids. Had a decent time, but could have been much better. Didn't expect the crowds in Nov.
I thought it was the last season, but...
I saw somewhere on the internet that there might be 13 more episodes next season. Crossing my fingers!
I think it's been a great season so far! (sm)
Although I never heard of many of the contestants this season, I sure am impressed. I think Helio, the Brazilian race car driver is the best of the men so far, and I wouldn't be surprised if Sabrina from the Cheetah Girls wins the whole thing.
The quality of dancing is so high this year it's unbelievable - the final weeks should be load of fun.
Wayne Newton seems like a nice guy and everything, but he just was 'way out of his league with the caliber of this year's competition. He probably could've hung on a bit longer in the original season, but this year it's just too tough.
I'm looking forward to the show tonight! I LOVE it!
'Tis the season....
it only gets crazier this time of year EVERY year until after the New Year and holiday returns are complete.
What (if any) charitable act for others do you do during this season?
Your turn ...
I think it happened at the end of last season
But don't take my word for it.
The Reason for the Season
T'was the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a " Holiday ".
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!
Actually, Jon said last season he did not want to do it anymore -
Jon clearly said this year that the stay at home dad thing was not for him, that he wanted and needed to go to work, and that he was tired of this life and the show -- but Kate is not and insists "the show must go on"...
The REAL reason for the season!...
/
Disney does consider Nov-Feb off season. Much cheaper. nm
nm
This season certainly wasn't as good as the first 2.
I'll watch in the fall, but the show has a long way to go to make up for undoing the first 2 seasons.
I got season tickets and the reason was
I thought might miss Jennifer. All in orchestra and on Sundays. I had seen her previously in 2 other shows at the Fox. She is great! I called when I first saw and thought perhaps by the public sale went on may not get a ticket because DG so red hot at the theater. I paid $$$ but I have seat on the 2nd row! Talk about front row seats! I only have 1 that I will not attend, might sell on Craigs and that is Stomp. I would not care about seeing that and it came as package.
I agree. He will probably end up without a job come football season..sm
Seems like the new NFL commissioner is coming down hard on these players. Lots of them already suspended for up to 1/2 the season for drugs. Michael Vick should be without his NFL career or any endorsements. And with his millions I think his fine should be way more than the 350,000 they are talking! I think they should make him give some of those millions to the Humane Society and other highly recongnized animal programs.
They are already advertising for people to try out for season 4. nm
!
I didn't watch the first season so sm
I don't have anything to compare it to. That wedding was pretty awful. I guess you have to live in Las Vegas to "appreciate" a design like that.
I really thought Josh would make it at least until the final elimination. But the last two shows he really lost his "sparkle" - he looked tired and discouraged. 
LinK- I think this season is going to be interesting (sm)
as much as I like Christian, he is making it very hard to do; he does such crappy things. I wonder if Carly is going to be a regular. Have you heard anything?
YES! Our perfect season is still untouched! :-)
I kinda liked the half-time show, though. Tom Petty is my man! :-)
I didn't get to watch the first half and from what I read below, I guess I didn't miss a whole lot. The second half was probably the best well-played football I've ever seen.
First snowfall of the season here in Northern NJ. Anyone else?
Woke up this morning to howling wind and snow covered grass and cars. Now big wet flakes coming down. I am not ready for this yet. 
Love N/T -- i heard this was to be the last season
Did you hear that, also? I haven't seen any previews yet. Can't wait! Thanks for FYI.
No Clay Aiken from season 2 - NM
NM
Flu season is lasting longer
I read an article recently, I think in TIme, that said that flu season was lasting longer and doctors were actually giving booster shots to their patients who had gotten flu shots at the beginning of the season.
Grey's Season Finale
I was impressed with Alex - the things he said were out of fear - he had finally, for once in his life, allowed himself to trust another (Izzy) with his heart and now he was afraid he was losing the best part of his entire life. He was trying to man up and he couldn't help her. Besides, he figured at the time that she'd forget all he said.
I didn't like what he said either, but I considered his character all throughout the show. I think stuff like that really happens to real people in similar situations. I thought it was great acting.
I hate that they killed Izzy off - she's been such a joy in that role.
I also loved that the hero turned out to be George - my 12-year-old figured that out before I did and tried to tell me, but I shushed her! LOL
I sure hope they do better with the Meredith & Derek relationship - I like that M is softening, but D needs to toughen up or something. I did enjoy their vows though..
The Christina and Owen thing seems so awkward to me - they'll probably end up being the power couple next year, but I don't see the connection between them.
I sure enjoy that show!
Hmmm... here's what the actors say about next season:
Found online, George may or may not stay:
Katherine Heigl and T.R. Knight are both leaving “Grey’s Anatomy,” according to co-star James Pickens Jr.
“Yes, she is,” Pickens told Us Weekly when asked if Heigl is leaving the ABC hospital drama. “Wherever Katherine goes, I wish her nothing but the best.”
Pickens, speaking backstage after last weekend’s NAACP Awards lunch in Beverly Hills, expressed similar sentiments regarding Knight.
“He’s going too,” Pickens said. “He just wanted to pursue other career paths.”
Both Heigl and Knight have made no secret about their unhappiness on “Grey’s.”
The vociferous Heigl, who’s complained about storylines in the past, made even fewer friends on the show when she blamed her lack of an Emmy nomination last year on the “Grey’s” writers (for not giving her more to work with).
Knight has publicly complained about his lack of screen time and was reportedly threatening to leave the show earlier this season.
Ironically, ABC entertainment chief Stephen McPherson told TV critics last month that he expected Knight to return next season (although he didn’t say in what capacity that would be).
Season 6 starts mid-January - the 15th maybe? (sm)
There have been commercials on FOX but cannot recall the date - you can watch the trailer at FOX and the date is probably there also but couldn't find on my quick search. I'm having serious withdrawal myself :(
Summer of ྊ, dad and I had season tix to the Phillies.
My dad and I were very close, and he loved baseball. He shared that with me, and that one particular season, we had season tix and went to a game each homestand. And the Phillies were really good back then and went to the playoffs. As season ticket holders, we also went to the playoffs. The very first time I ever went to a ballgame without my dad, I was 18 years old in October of 1980. I was going to college, and a boy I hardly knew had tickets to the 6th game of the world series and asked me to go. I went and saw the Phillies win their one and only world series championship in the 120-year history of the franchise. As soon as I could get to a phone that night, I called my dad to share the excitement. He answered the phone before it even made one full ring and without even saying hello, he said, "You are so lucky to have been there!"
Yep, baseball memories with my dad... love those.
Final season of Battlestar Galactica!
Heck of a ride that series has been! 
We refer to this as Kamikaze squirrel season.
Hope I spelled that right.
Finally made it to Target. Got Season 2 & 3. They were out of 1.
I'll get it next time.
I do like it and I am also watching Dirt this season and Riches.
x
This season has been full of twists and turns! sm
Boy, what a goon Eric is!!! I think he is such an innocent young man. To trust those women, good grief! I believe he is the only person ever to give up immunity in all the seasons of the show. It was bad enough when James got voted off with two idols in his pocket, but I think last night with Eric handing over his power to those girls was insane. He was dominating the game, yet he allowed himself to be sucked in. Amanda has played a cool game with her manipulation of various players. I can see her winning. I cannot say I care much for the other two girls as winners at this point, but we shall see. I will definitely be watching on Sunday!
I think axial tilt is the reason for the season
Think you mean maybe Christmas itself?
;-) just saying...
Course, Christmas was originally celebrated as another holiday, Yule, etc. to celebrate solstice, hence the tree tradition.
oh, yeah. I get it on demand, too. can't wait til next season. nm
x
or maybe it is "mating" season and he has his feathers in an uproar..lol
nm
Holiday coverage.
I have worked on days where the doc would not do surgery on a trauma patient until the ER/trauma examination was typed and in the file, making it a STAT report. Somebody has to be there to type it and send it back to them in a timely manner, not the next day.
Anyone get the holiday blues?
For whatever reason . . . family conflicts, financial stress, lonliness, etc?
holiday giving
What you are doing is a wonderful thing and I understand your hurt feelings. Perhaps next year you could channel your energy into giving where it would DEFINITELY be appreciated. Regardless of whether or not you support the war in Iraq, there are many of our troops there who would love to receive a card or care package for the holidays. There are plenty of needy children here in our country who could use a card or gift for the holidays. Why not give where it is wanted and needed? Your church can give you the name of a needy family for you to help at the holidays. You have many options to chose from. Pick something that will make it feel good on both the recipient and the givers side??
Holiday budgets - do you have one, keep one and ....sm
what works to keep you in budget if you have one? My husband and teenager went WAY over budget last year for Christmas so this year I've told them that it's cash only for their purchases and no internet shopping (that got them in trouble last year buying too much stuff because they didn't bother to track how much they were spending).
We've got $1300 budgeted for this Christmas. That includes $150 each kid for Santa gifts (2 kids), $100 each for my husband and myself to get each other something, each of us gets $100 total to get gifts for each other (i.e. kids get $100 to buy gifts for each other as well as we parents), $50 each allotted for our 3 parents, $25/each alotted for each of our siblings (small gifts always given - agreed amongst siblings years ago) and $50 to get gifts for the kids teachers and bus drivers. It sure adds up, doesn't it?
Holiday traditions - what do you do...sm
The night after Thanksgiving, we order a large pizza for dinner, watch Christmas Vacation and Polar Express, and then drink hot chocolate while the kids decorate the Christmas tree and the cats act like kittens again. What does everyone else do?
TV holiday commercials
Of course, there are zillions of commercials now with Christmas coming up. I just had to tell you my favorite and see if you have one. This would be fun. This week, there have been tons of diamond commercials on TV, Zales, etc. There is one where the family comes down the stairs and somebody is sneaking a look in a present (it should be one of the kids). All they show is the mom and a close up of her face being caught! Then they say something about diamonds etc. I usually don't pay attention to commercials but I love that! She looks like a real mom, and I felt like that was what I would do, getting caught at sneaking a look. (Of course it would not be diamonds, but I'd still get caught even if it was a blender LOL).
Holiday tins
You can usually find these in a dollar store for about $1 each and you can line them with waxed paper. I use these when I make fudge for my daughter's teachers.
This holiday has gotten way more low-key and quiet for me.
My kids are 20, 18 and 17. The oldest lives at college and has to leave by 11:00 a.m. on Easter morning to make it back to school on Sunday night. We'll go to church on Saturday night to the vigil Mass. We don't buy new outfits, because we don't need them. No egg dyeing, because no one here likes to eat them. But, we will have a big breakfast early on Sunday morning, nibble out of the community candy basket, kiss the oldest one good-bye as he heads back to school, and then I'm going on a hike at the local environmental reserve where I'll sit down on a rock or log somewhere and enjoy the peace, think, and pray for a bit.
Quiet is nice.
What is a holiday? I don't know anymore. NM
xx
Holiday for MTs? - Unheard of.
I have been an MT for a long time and very rarely do I see a holiday. As an employee I had to take the holiday off whether I wanted to or not. Now that I'm on my own I can work when I want. I usually do work holidays as we are a "one-income" family. My weekends usually consist of working morning and partial afternoons on Saturdays and maybe mornings on Sunday - but that is my choice. So, for the weekend and holiday I will be working.
One of my fav holiday weekends, second
Saturday, we have a huge craft show to go to, followed by 3 baseball games of my boys', followed by some serious picnicking Saturday evening.
As for Sunday, fairly relaxing, a little work in the morning and evening, visiting family in the afternoon and picnicking some more.
Monday should be a fairly quiet day - a little work in the morning and evening, a late morning Memorial Day parade and early afternoon picnicking, maybe a movie with the kids!
Love this weekend -- gets me started on a great summer!
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