Gift Giving Guide

So this week I finally sat the kids down to make a Christmas list..

(little last-minute, I know, but that’s how I roll)

The little ones had no problem spouting off a few fantastical toys they’ve recently seen on tv, but the older ones struggled to come up with ideas.

This got me thinking…

Are they spoiled and already have everything they need or want?

It’s possible I could be responsible for that …

(or rather, the grandparents are to blame??  just kidding, mom)

Anyway, it got me thinking about my Christmases as a kid and what gifts I remember, what gifts really stood out to me as unforgettable.

Granted, I am 40 and those Christmases are a little challenging to recall at times,  but the only thing I could come up with, the one thing that I was OVER THE MOON about once I ripped all the paper off was …

a Donnie & Marie lunchbox!

I was 7.  It was AWESOME!

But really, that’s about all I can recall.  And it made me kind of sad actually.

Mostly because my parents probably spent a lot of time and money every year making sure my sister and I would have the best Christmas EVER!  and NOW I spend so much time, money and energy trying to make sure my kids have fantastic gifts  (and lots of them) under the tree Christmas morning and for what?!  So they can recall one thing they got when they were 7?

So my gift giving guide to you this Christmas is …

Keep. It.  Simple.

Focus on the one thing that they will love & cherish for more than 2 weeks or til the batteries die.  What will make a difference for them?  And for you?

I think THAT will be a memorable Christmas.

17 Days Til Christmas

I can’t believe there’s only 17 days til Christmas!  Doesn’t hardly seem possible.

Once the realization set in, so did a bit of panic….

Very little shopping done and so… so… SO much still to do!

And then I start to get the shakes and small beads of sweat appear on my brow and multiple thoughts race through my head of the who, what, where, and the whys and then…

I stop.

Take a breath.

Erase my mind of all the chaos.

And focus on the simple basic JOY of the season …

the smiles on my children’s faces, the sound of their laughter filling our home while we decorate the tree and share our favorite Christmas memories and

All. Is. Well.

p/c Everything Fab

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

Maybe you haven’t heard of it yet … the Midwest is generally slower to catch up with the latest trends … but the latest, greatest, hottest type of Holiday party is the Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.

HOT!  Right?  I think HYSTERICAL is the best word for it.

Last year, our Iowa City store had an ugly sweater Christmas party at the bowling alley … talk about a motley crew! But it was a BLAST!

All of our Stuff Etc stores are loading up on all the best and “ugliest” holiday sweaters for everyone to sport this year, the majority priced at $3.99.  That’s cheap enough for your entire family to throw one on and a get a priceless snapshot for your 2011 Christmas card!

Thinking of hosting your own sweater party?  Make the attire mandatory and give out prizes for the “ugliest”, “most embellishments” and the best “head to toe ensemble”.  Set up a holiday scene perfect for a party photo op.   Have some snacks and beverages on hand and let the hoot of the sweaters take over!

I hope I have provided enough inspiration to get you excited about this hot new trend.  I know that I am!

(I’ve already sent out my invitations!)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!