Tuesday, June 24, 2008

You've Got Six Months!


SAY WHAT??? That's Right! Six whole months..To do what, you ask. To make Sure you have the Funds to finance Christmas!! As of today, the 24th of June, it's exactly six months until Christmas. Plum puddings, candy canes, reindeer and Santa. Sugar plums dancing...Ready or Not! Last year I suggested a separate bank account to begin adding a small amount to each week. I already had one from previous years, and have been adding to it bi-weekly. With gas and other prices starting to soar, you really want to make sure you have enough cash Without having to resort to Charging Christmas! Talk about Pressure!!! That's not Christmas joy...that's emotional blackmail thrown at us by the media. I cannot, in good conscious, give a gift to one of my babies that I had to charge on a credit card. We can all find $10.00 a week to put aside. It's there. Look around. Think about all the extra junk we spend our money on...have a garage sale...sell the stuff you've cleaned out of the attic and never use. There's money just laying around. Make it work For you. When I hand that special gift to someone I love, I hand it to them Knowing I don't owe someone else for it. Now That's a joyous feeling. So stop, look around and ask yourself if you'll be ready. A little planning now will add up to Lots of fun later. If you're like me, my tree went Kaput last year and I need a new one. Lay-a-way. By the time I need it, it'll be paid for. So...Happy bling counting today!LOL....and hopefully, it'll be a Merry Christmas!!

51 comments:

Sally said...

Well darn. I had a thought the other day that I'd get a jump on you about Christmas on my blog - now, here you are!! I knew it!! I have purchased a few gifts though, have you? hahahaha

Now, you just come on over here and find that extra ten dollars a week, ya hear? If you find it, I'll know for sure you're a magician!! :)

Annie Jones said...

This year I've been putting a bit of money aside each week for Christmas. We don't usually charge any of our Christmas gifts, but sometimes it's hard not to. This year, hopefully, it will be a breeze.

Donna said...

Sally-LOLHahahaha....WELL Little Missy!!!.....no mam....haven't Bought anything Yet...was going to start Friday....Yes, you beat me to the draw on buying, this year....LOL....Drat....I'll bring Jose and the flatbed pickup...I Know it's hiding in there Somewhere!!LOL....Happy day sugar!!hughugs


Annie- Good Girl!! I know what you mean though, You look at the card and think...why not! It's not much....LOL....no thanks. Have a fun day sweetie!!hughugs

Anvilcloud said...

Phew! I'd better get cracking.

Donna said...

Ac- Yessiree!lol....Just got back from the bookstore with a new Inspector Banks!! Thanks for the tip!hughugs

Joni said...

this is great advice...a little here and there really adds up...you can even create an account on-line with places like ING to automatically take $5.00 a week from your banking account and it will never be missed...using credit cards is like falling into a black hole and a big no-no in our home...especially now with interest rates going up...now is also a good time to plan handmade gifts....you have my wheels turning!

Have a happy June day ~

JunieRose2005 said...

Donna,

Yep, I try to get a head start on my Christmas shopping....but- trouble is- I just keep on buying and buying!

I always feel I've bought more for this one or the other...and keep trying to balance things out! :) Gonna try and give it more thought and planning this time!


Junie

Donna said...

Joni- That's a good idea!! And so is handmade stuff!! There's plenty of time to get started. Happy day sweetie!!hughugs


Junie- I make a long list with Just names on it. Then, as I buy something for someone, I write it beside their name. That way I always know What I bought and to whom it's going. Keeps me out of trouble!!LOL...It's in my purse as I type!!lol...Have a wonderful day sweetie!!hughugs

Christine said...

Aaahhh!

Every year I plan to get a start on my Christmas knitting early, and every year I rush to finish a sleeve and to put together a sweater at 3am on Christmas morning. I blame it on the Arizona heat, but secretly I'm just lazy! ;)

Donna said...

Christine- LOL...Now you know you have 6 months!! You can Do it!!Happy day sweetie!!hughugs

Sally said...

HO HO HO

Just got back from shoppppping...

hahaha

Where IS Jose? Man,he is "never" around when we need him!!!!!

Sally said...

Oh wait!!!! Am I being politically incorrect with my HO'S?

Sorry, couldn't resist. Okay, I'll go back in my cave. ((HUGS))

Joan said...

I'm not getting anything for Gord this year, either he takes it back or "saves" it....for crying out loud.

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

What a grand idea? I think I will start buying a gift a week until Christmas.....May your week be filled with special moments.....Mary

Sandi McBride said...

I start Christmas shopping the day after Christmas...it's the only way to fly, I don't believe in charge cards and I want my family to have the best, so I buy what's not likely to go out of style...it's worked for me since my Navy Wife days!
Sandi

Brenda said...

I usually start buying gifts about this time every year. Yesterday I got a start on a few stocking stuffers too.

I need Jose up here today, it's been a bitty bit hectic.

Donna said...

Sally-LOLHahaha.....Shopping?? You do Not play fair!!! You are in SO much trouble!!!LOL....Ho's are allowed!!!! This is a hohoho site...LOL....Jose? You've lost Jose????hughugs


Joan-Hahahaha....Poor Gord!! We'll have to think of something that will excite him enough to use!!!LOL...I'm a thinking!!hughugs


Mary- A gift a week works too!! By Christmas, you're done & paid for!hughugs


Sandi- AlRight smartie pants!!!LOL...I'm not That good!!!LOLOL...Happy night girl!!hughugs

Donna said...

Brenda- SALLY LOST JOSE!!!! What Are we 'gonna DO????LOLHahaha...Stocking Stuffers? Good Idea!!!hughugs

Jennifer said...

Donna,

this is a great idea! I often think, usually a LOT closer to Christmas, like when we start shopping for it... that we should have started earlier OR saved up some money earlier!! Good looking out. I'm definitely going to heed your warning and I'm going to tuck away $10 a week with out anyone but you and me, and well who ever reads your comments knowing. :) This will be a GREAT surprise for Hubby too! :) Then if I get some extra cash here and there I'll stick that away too! :)

You are a good thinker and I'm so glad you share your wonderful ideas!!


thanks again!!
have a wonderful day!!

xoxox HUGS

Dawn said...

So, I better start saving now. I don't like the debt afterwards. *HUGS*

Donna said...

Jennifer- Thanks for dropping in sweetheart! Anyone with children already knows, how tough it can be to get those "special request"!! With just a little pre-planning, your Christmas morning can be a delightful experience instead of the "knashing of teeth" with worry about how to pay off the creditors!! So Good for you! Stick with it!!hughugs


Dawn- 'Ta Heck with debt right now...Sally LOST Jose!!!LOLHahaha...Hope you're having Lots of Fun!!!hughugs

dabrah said...

Donna, it's just too early to be thinking about Christmas. It's only just warming up here, and the thought of Christmas makes me feel cold, brrrr! Who is Jose?

nonizamboni said...

Donna--you're so clever! & you're so right; we can dig up a bit of cash by and by. Nice reminder of what really matters too.
Hugs to you too!

Donna said...

Dabrah-LOL....I think because it's been so hot here for a while now, we tend to think about winter...Jose is Jose Cuervo, a brand of tequila over here...LOL...makes a really good Margarita....Happy night sweetie!!hughugs


Noni- Happiness on Christmas morning...and lots a love...not anguish over some unpaid bill...Happy night sweetie!!hughugs

Unknown said...

Hi Donna,

No! LOL I don't want to think about Christmas. I love Summer and don't want it to end. Great idea about saving for Christmas and not charging.

Donna said...

Joan-LOL.....It's Coming!!LOL...well, in 6 months.....We'd love Summer to, if it wasn't so dadgum hot!LOL...Night sweetie!!hughugs

Dixie Belle said...

Well, I really like the song that is playing. Thank God it's not Jingle Bells!! Last year I waited until the last minute to shop.

Donna said...

Dixie-LOL...Now See? You've got 6 whole months!!lolol....Happy sleep sweetie!!hughugs

nippercatshome said...

oh boy don't remind me heheh..mary

Jeanne said...

Eeekk 6 months. Smart to plan ahead like that. We do similar. Set a budget and put the money aside so we don't use plastic. Much better. Also try to focus on the enjoyment of time with family and friends and not the spending so much.

Mary Lou said...

Our family stopped exchanging gifts. None of us can afford it anymore. SO Bob buys a big prime rib roast and I cook it for the entire family. THAT is Christmas in our family.

Brit. (lille meg) said...

OH, Donna! What a good idea!
But I don't like to be remind of christmas by midsummer. Actually I mentioned that word on my last post myself. But that was because I was challenged to have a word in the letter X.So I took x-mas...
But your suggestion was very good.
I shall think about it.
Have a nice day! Hugs.

Donna said...

Mary- Hi Girl! So glad you came for a visit! This is just a kick start on the season that will be here before you know it!!hughugs


Jeanne- That's what it's all about...family and joy...Happy day sweetie!!hughugs


Mary Lou- That sounds like a Wonderful way to celebrate! Makes me Hungry!!! Happiness to you!hughugs


Lille-LOL...That's because you've been so cold over there for So long!! Enjoy all the Warm weather!!hughugs

Debbie said...

Girl, you don't need my vitamins..listen to you! Christmas? Oh my...

Today I find out what it's costing to fix A/C on truck...will save what's left LOL!

Our family has cut way down on gift buying. Everyone is an adult trying to scrape by so we mostly spend TIME together..cheaper and fun :)

But may I say this is a great idea!

Amanda said...

It's coming around all to quickly!

Donna said...

Debbie- LOL...DadGum Truck A/C!!! It Never fails, does it! I just know that If I don't start early, that "chance" to get it All done, narrows. And Thanks!! Sometimes we all need a little reminder...I need a reminder...Constantly!!LOL...Happy day sweetie!!hughugs

Donna said...

Hi Amanda!! Yes Mam! It comes around SO fast!! And when you have babies...you need to be Ready!!LOL...Thanks for dropping in!! Come back Anytime!!hughugs

Gordon said...

Merry Christmas ... in advance. Some people here have a second Christmas now - better to eat the hot roast in the cold weather. It would be a good time to buy presents now too as there are lots of end of financial year sales on.

Donna said...

Gordon- What a wonderful Idea!!LOL...Two Christmas' in one year!!
And Hot roast, right now, sounds yummy!! I'm Hungry!!LOL... Happy day sweetie!!hughugs

Kellan said...

All great advise! Merry Christmas!

See you - Kellan

Donna said...

Kellan- Thanks sweetie! If you've got any ideas, feel free to let us in on them!! Happy day to you!!!hughugs

Dick said...

Oh, that's a great idea but of course I have to do it in euros.lol.
Merry Christmas.

Donna said...

Right you are! Tuck that money away and plan for those purchases! I love my little ING accounts, LOL.

Donna said...

Dick! Well of Course!!!LOL...Have fun spending those Euros!!! Happy night sweetie!!hughugs

Donna said...

Donna- It all adds Up fast to!! You and me both!!LOL...Have a wonderful day sweetie!!hughugs

Anonymous said...

I came over here to be cheered up!!! I do adore Christmas but when the sun is shining, a rarity in North Northumberland, I can't think about cold cold Christmas.

However, I do like your idea of saving. An Excellent thought.

CJ xx

Donna said...

AhhhCrystal!! Such a Sweet thing to say to me!! I Love it when I can make you smile!! Take Heed!! Your "world" is going to become...Wonderful!!! I Promise!! Now you Smile!!! Much love to you!!!hughugs

dabrah said...

I just dropped back in to see what's up, and you haven't posted yet for today. But I see your answer to my comment yesterday, and now I can understand why you were so concerned about Jose being lost. I hope Sally finds him soon.

Donna said...

Dabrah-LOLHaha....Ahhh, Now you know our secret!! He's not with You by any chance is he???lolol...
I've tried ALL day to get a post going for Wordless Wed...but nothing yet!!lol...Happy night sweetie!!hughugs

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Good thinking Donna, I'll try and sell a few bits and pieces on eBay to start a Christmas Fund. Just as we're getting a bit of Summer sun too! M xx

Donna said...

Hi Margot!! No time like the present!!lol...I've always thought about doing the ebay thing, but I'm not brave enough!! Happy night sweetie!!hughugs