I've always started my holiday shopping/crafts by July but I'm running behind this year. Has anyone else started making things for the holidays? I'm making a polar fleece quilt for my son & daughter-in-law in Colorado, a regular quilt that can be made into a wrap for my husband since he's always cold,& lots of hand made candles,soaps and room fresheners. Every year I make up cookies,nut breads & candy also but I'm trying something new-I'm canning the nut breads so they will last longer. And for all my 4 legged friends cat & dog cookies in edible baskets. So what's on everyone elses' list this year?

-- Kathy Aldridge (beckoningwinds@yahoo.com), August 24, 2002

Answers

,, people like you Kathy,,,, make me ILL ! ! ! ! (no offense) but I dont even think about x mas presents till 2 weeks before.

Since I moved here,, the "family" gets together, for a big meal, and does a "round robin",,, each buys one generic gift,, and takes trns picking from the pile. But if I ever find my "OTHER" that will change (of course), but right now,,,,, Im not even going to think of X MAS

-- Stan (sopal@net-pert.com), August 24, 2002.

Stan, no offense taken.:) You have to understand I am NOT a person who enjoys sewing so it takes me three times as long to get any sewing project done. That's why I have to start very early otherwise I wouldn't have my gifts done until Christmas 2004! :) I like to cook so I save the 'fun' stuff for nearer the holidays,I try to get the less enjoyable projects done early so I can really enjoy the holidays. I think this year it's going to be just me and possibly Tom for Christmas, the kids are too far away to come home now that they're in Colorado. Besides who would give up spending the holidays in the Rockies? I just hope Tom can get home but Christmas is on Wednesday this year so that may make it difficult. We may celebrate the weekend before or after if he can't get the time off from work.

-- Kathy Aldridge (beckoningwinds@yahoo.com), August 24, 2002.

Kathy, Stan is right! Arghhhhhhhhhh, not Christmas! You smart, motivated, creative, organized, beautiful, kind, organized people drive me batty!!!!!!!! ;-) (She say's she's, "running behind"?!) I think you stirred up some of that deep seated Catholic guilt! LOL

I'll just wait and be frantic, just like always! You just go right ahead being perfect....

:-D!!!

-- Patty (SycamoreHollow@aol.com), August 25, 2002.

.....noticed I stressed "organized? Guess what I'm not the best at? *wink wink*

-- Patty (SycamoreHollow@aol.com), August 25, 2002.

Oh Patty if you only knew the truth. I bought a book on getting organized but now I can't find it!! LOL I wish I was organized but alas I am too much of a pack rat to stay organized. For some reason I always get the holiday bug around July. I don't like summer weather so thoughts of cold,snow & cozy fireside visits start creeping into my mind during the hottest days of summer. It's my way of coping with the heat. It doesn't hurt that Christmas is my favorite holiday, so starting in July is a great way to extend those feelings of peace and happiness. Gosh, you got me all weepy just thinking about Christmases past. I will try to keep my holiday anticipation/preparation to a minimum but be prepared- I can only hold it in so long. LOL!!

-- Kathy Aldridge (beckoningwinds@yahoo.com), August 25, 2002.