Have you started or are you almost through, Christmas shopping?  I have not bought a single thing and for the first time in I cant remember how long, I am not motivated to do so.  Times are hard and we have no idea what next year or the next will bring us, so we are being very frugal this year.  We cut back several years ago and the adults play the Chinese exchange game, where we buy one gift each, unisex, and draw numbers to see what we will get or we can exchange with someone else.  The limit is $25.00.  The children all draw names also with the same limits.  That isn't too much but by the time you buy the gift wrap, ribbon, decorate your door or inside the house, you have spent much more.  We have a Christmas breakfast after the actual date, so that the children can spend that day with their children.  Food costs money too.  We have been trying to come up with another way to save $$$. 

I wish I was creative and could make some of the gifts, but sad to say, I am not.  Gift cards seem so impersonal to me, but have been told that the kids would rather have that, so they could buy exactly what they want, rather than get something and have to exchange it.  I admit, I don't know what is in fashion or what age wants what!

My son and I did find the tree we wanted yesterday.  It is a live tree and we will plant after the holidays.  At least we are giving back to the earth.  It is on my front porch this year, and once we get it fully decorated, will take a picture and share.  We will have a small, fake tree in the house.  Cali thinks it is put up for her, so that gives her a new toy to play with, and gives me more work to do, keeping her from tearing it all down!

I am taking Jim for some blood work today, due to the new medicine, Xarelto.  Church tonight and that is it for my Wednesday.