I have such nostalgia for that early 90s ambient bustle between Thanksgiving and Christmas!
No doubt (as a blissfully unaware child) my perceptions were skewed—Christmas shopping meant lots of glitz, tons of seasonal excitement, and very little personal stress or responsibility. But iPhones didn’t exist either—so perhaps my mom had a little more margin to navigate the crowds without the world in her pocket as well?
You've named it well, Cathy ... I'm sure we had a much higher tolerance and enjoyment of the hustle and bustle back in the day without those ever present phones draining our energy, margin, and focus.
Hey Linda, I'm all about shopping online. Remember the good ole' days of catalog shopping? Sears, JCPenney, Montgomery Wards wish books and the like? I love nostalgia and looking at the old catalogs on Pinterest and such. This is an amazing list and I appreciate you putting this together for us.
Thanks bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
Yes, I do remember those huge Sears catalogues from way back in the day. Who'd of ever guessed that they'd be long gone and Amazon has far surpassed anything they were. Shows we never know what's coming next ...
I am a little bit. We have had SO much hit us these past few months. It's been hard, but God is faithful. This might be a season we continue to make the most of free experiences, LOL!
Ahhh, Linda, what a practical post. Hubs and I began a tradition many years ago (and you have my permission to call me a wee bit crazy) of shopping on Black Friday. Not the "rush around like you're loco" kind of shopping. But, we'd make our list of the stores that had deals on gifts we wanted to buy, shop, stop for coffee and later for lunch, and do a little more shopping. We enjoy the people-watching and the fun of hanging out together. There are definite advantages to online shopping though. Missing the crowds is a plus.
We have given a couple of experience-based gifts to our sons. One that didn't go awesomely was a snowmobile tour . . . none of us were great at maneuvering the things, and one son vowed he'd never ride on another one. Ever. ;) No regrets from this mom, though.
Jeanne, you make me want to head out for a bit of a shopping jaunt with my husband. I do like the idea of stopping for coffee and lunch, people watching and planning on fun rather than being obsessed with taking care of business.
I had to smile at your ill-fated snowmobile tour ... and admire that as a mom you walked away with no regrets. You go, girl!
I do NOT miss those frantic shopping days, Linda! And now that our children are grown, we draw names, so we only need to buy one adult gift. Of course, we buy for the grandchildren which is a delight! May you have a marvelous Christmas!
Lisa, I love the idea of drawing names. We did that one year, but some adults pouted like toddlers so we switched it back again to everyone giving to everyone. No complaints since!
This year we'll be with extended family and I think that in addition to the traditional gift-giving we'll be doing a white elephant/swap or whatever it's called. Now THAT'LL be fun! I can't wait to drag something out of the basement.
We'll, she's a fan of La Belle Barbra, loves the movie, and does wear hats, so we'll see when it arrives. And God has sent both of us His special gift...a German Shepherd whose owner just passed away.
Ok, and so I got Barb something fun and luxurious...a leather newsboy cap, like Barbra Streisand wore in What's Up Doc. It's wine red, to coordinate with her recently red hair.
Love the gift ideas and especially loved the "pictures" with your holiday spirit! Your trip down memory lane of shopping at the mall was fun to remember and we did it without the use of cell phones to call and check on the right gift or to take a picture of an item and send it to someone for approval! I of course enjoyed the music playing in the stores!!
Yeah, how did we ever function without our phones. Kinda sad, isn't it. Everyone kept bugging me about turning on my notifications thingy but that constant binging is driving me bats. I'm going back to silent mode.
I've never been too creative when it comes to stuffing stockings. I'm trying to be a bit more purposeful and thoughtful as I keep an eye out for little things for my husband this year since his is the only stocking I have to think about. Hopefully he'll be surprised!
Oh friend, for some reason my comments on your blog have been coming up as 'spam deleted' no matter what URL I leave or leaving no website at all. Please know that I am there, reading, agreeing, and growing through your wisdom even if it looks like I'm not showing up!
I too do a good bit of Christmas shopping online. Thank you for the creative ideas, Linda! I'll be checking out these possibilities. As for the book list, WOW--so many enticing titles to choose from! I have two of Sarah Young's volumes, but not the Christmas-themed one. And the only other book from your list that I've read is Invitation to Solitude and Silence by Ruth Haley Barton (a superior read that led to a new life-habit). I may have to gift myself a few of these books!!
Yeah, there's a lot here, Nancy ... so glad that you found some things to check out. And yes, yes, to Invitation to Solitude & Silence. I'm with you. It changed my life. I've thought of her as a spiritual mentor from afar.
I loved this post! I prefer to enjoy the hustle and bustle after my shopping is complete, or almost complete. I treasure a peaceful season. I track thoroughly with your book list. I have read or want to read them all!
I have such nostalgia for that early 90s ambient bustle between Thanksgiving and Christmas!
No doubt (as a blissfully unaware child) my perceptions were skewed—Christmas shopping meant lots of glitz, tons of seasonal excitement, and very little personal stress or responsibility. But iPhones didn’t exist either—so perhaps my mom had a little more margin to navigate the crowds without the world in her pocket as well?
You've named it well, Cathy ... I'm sure we had a much higher tolerance and enjoyment of the hustle and bustle back in the day without those ever present phones draining our energy, margin, and focus.
Hey Linda, I'm all about shopping online. Remember the good ole' days of catalog shopping? Sears, JCPenney, Montgomery Wards wish books and the like? I love nostalgia and looking at the old catalogs on Pinterest and such. This is an amazing list and I appreciate you putting this together for us.
Thanks bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
Yes, I do remember those huge Sears catalogues from way back in the day. Who'd of ever guessed that they'd be long gone and Amazon has far surpassed anything they were. Shows we never know what's coming next ...
Great list. I wanted to give some experiences for Christmas this year, but it's not going to happen.
Oh I'm sorry, Cindy. You sound disappointed, friend ...
I am a little bit. We have had SO much hit us these past few months. It's been hard, but God is faithful. This might be a season we continue to make the most of free experiences, LOL!
Yep, the free stuff is out there ... now to find it. Your upbeat attitude is such a testimony to the kindness of Emmanuel, 'God with us,' friend.
I really appreciate your words of encouragement!
Ahhh, Linda, what a practical post. Hubs and I began a tradition many years ago (and you have my permission to call me a wee bit crazy) of shopping on Black Friday. Not the "rush around like you're loco" kind of shopping. But, we'd make our list of the stores that had deals on gifts we wanted to buy, shop, stop for coffee and later for lunch, and do a little more shopping. We enjoy the people-watching and the fun of hanging out together. There are definite advantages to online shopping though. Missing the crowds is a plus.
We have given a couple of experience-based gifts to our sons. One that didn't go awesomely was a snowmobile tour . . . none of us were great at maneuvering the things, and one son vowed he'd never ride on another one. Ever. ;) No regrets from this mom, though.
Thanks for sharing your gift ideas. :)
Jeanne, you make me want to head out for a bit of a shopping jaunt with my husband. I do like the idea of stopping for coffee and lunch, people watching and planning on fun rather than being obsessed with taking care of business.
I had to smile at your ill-fated snowmobile tour ... and admire that as a mom you walked away with no regrets. You go, girl!
I'm a big fan of online shopping too Linda!
We even get our groceries delivered! 😊
Blessings, Jennifer
Yep. I'm buying most of my groceries online at Amazon and Walmart. Prices 'round these parts are outrageous. It's like we're being held hostage.
I do miss Christmas shopping the old fashioned way too. I miss malls decorated for Christmas, but I too shopped exclusively on line this year.
I hear ya, Amy. I wonder how the malls are staying in business. Maybe I'll walk through one some day soon ...
I do NOT miss those frantic shopping days, Linda! And now that our children are grown, we draw names, so we only need to buy one adult gift. Of course, we buy for the grandchildren which is a delight! May you have a marvelous Christmas!
Lisa, I love the idea of drawing names. We did that one year, but some adults pouted like toddlers so we switched it back again to everyone giving to everyone. No complaints since!
This year we'll be with extended family and I think that in addition to the traditional gift-giving we'll be doing a white elephant/swap or whatever it's called. Now THAT'LL be fun! I can't wait to drag something out of the basement.
Fantastic gift ideas you have here, Linda.
I especially love the stocking stuffers.
Hugs and blessings
It's been lots of fun!
We'll, she's a fan of La Belle Barbra, loves the movie, and does wear hats, so we'll see when it arrives. And God has sent both of us His special gift...a German Shepherd whose owner just passed away.
Perfect. Absolutely perfect.
God sure is.
There are people in this place
who see Barb, want to harm her,
so last year I gave Christmas grace,
a gift of body armour.
It's comfy and quite stylish,
and makes the scene withal,
and will be gals' Christmas wish
when they see her at the ball.
This year she'll find beneath the tree
a brand-new friend worth knowing,
not guessing that it came from me,
a tomahawk for throwing
that she can carry every day
in leather scabbard bright and gay!
Maybe she'd like something fun or luxurious?
Well, yes, but she already has me!
now I'm speechless
Ok, and so I got Barb something fun and luxurious...a leather newsboy cap, like Barbra Streisand wore in What's Up Doc. It's wine red, to coordinate with her recently red hair.
And does SHE like it. That's the question.
I have NEVER been speechless, which some say is a horrible thing.
Love the gift ideas and especially loved the "pictures" with your holiday spirit! Your trip down memory lane of shopping at the mall was fun to remember and we did it without the use of cell phones to call and check on the right gift or to take a picture of an item and send it to someone for approval! I of course enjoyed the music playing in the stores!!
Yeah, how did we ever function without our phones. Kinda sad, isn't it. Everyone kept bugging me about turning on my notifications thingy but that constant binging is driving me bats. I'm going back to silent mode.
great list. I especially like the stocking stuffers. You are right on on these ideas.
I've never been too creative when it comes to stuffing stockings. I'm trying to be a bit more purposeful and thoughtful as I keep an eye out for little things for my husband this year since his is the only stocking I have to think about. Hopefully he'll be surprised!
Oh friend, for some reason my comments on your blog have been coming up as 'spam deleted' no matter what URL I leave or leaving no website at all. Please know that I am there, reading, agreeing, and growing through your wisdom even if it looks like I'm not showing up!
I too do a good bit of Christmas shopping online. Thank you for the creative ideas, Linda! I'll be checking out these possibilities. As for the book list, WOW--so many enticing titles to choose from! I have two of Sarah Young's volumes, but not the Christmas-themed one. And the only other book from your list that I've read is Invitation to Solitude and Silence by Ruth Haley Barton (a superior read that led to a new life-habit). I may have to gift myself a few of these books!!
Yeah, there's a lot here, Nancy ... so glad that you found some things to check out. And yes, yes, to Invitation to Solitude & Silence. I'm with you. It changed my life. I've thought of her as a spiritual mentor from afar.
Just from this book alone I'd say she's a worthy spiritual mentor for sure! Have you read others of her books? Any recommendations?
Sounds like! :)
I loved this post! I prefer to enjoy the hustle and bustle after my shopping is complete, or almost complete. I treasure a peaceful season. I track thoroughly with your book list. I have read or want to read them all!
Sounds like we just might be kindred spirits. Welcome!
Great ideas!!!
I'm glad you're here!