Hey!!

So I don't know how your family does Christmas, but we have this tradition that we do to to help cut down costs and so that everyone gets the same amount of gifts. We draw names at Thanksgiving for all the family that will be around for Christmas. This year we will have my three brothers, one sister (Kelsey, for those of you who haven't forgotten who she is), two sister in-laws, two baby nieces, my mom and dad and grandma. It will be nice to have everyone home for Christmas. I will get to meet the newest niece, Nicole. I'm very excited for that. 

But as with every year, I hate going out and buying gifts. Pushing through the crowds, trying to keep up with all the new trends, finding out what my person wants for gifts without asking.. all of that is just plain exhausting. By the time I get what I want I'm ready for a hot cup of coffee (that I don't have to make) and sit at home with a blanket and put on a good movie.. maybe something like The Holiday or some cheesy girl movie. Meanwhile the presents are still in the bag next to the door... I will get to those later. 

So.. this year I drew my mom and my little brother. You might be thinking, that should be easy... earrings for mom and something cool for the brother.. right. Well I have been thinking about what I can do for them since Thanksgiving.. I think I almost know what I'm going to do. But I can't put it on here because I told them to read my blog...

Instead... I have put together a list of the top 10 gift ideas for you to look at incase you are in the same predicament I was in.. Maybe you have a special someone.. (which you are all too young for) or a parent or a little sister or brother that already has everything!! Or you just don't have that much money and would like to do something more personal this year...

1) A framed Photo of yourself.. parents love this (not little siblings as much)

2) Settlers of Catan (for those boys that love to play board games with their friends for 3 weeks)

3) Twilight Movie (yes.. I will admit I liked it.. )

4) Coffee Cups (with a cute saying or your photo on it)

5) Pleo the Dinosaur (why? well.. if you don't already have a family pet this is a great idea)

6) Transformer Movie Toys (little brothers??)

7) Baked Cookies (this only works if you know what you are doing)

8) Gift Certificate for 1 Hour of House Work or a Massage or Making Breakfast (Great for Mom and Dad)

9) Gift Baskets (anything from food, to a movie night out, to little things like chap stick, feet warmers, gloves, ear muffs.. pick a theme and run with it)

10) Life Size Garden Gnome with Solar Lantern (when you have run out of ideas...)

There you have it! Just remember the real reason for Christmas. Remember who we are celebrating and what He did for you so you could have eternal life and live a life worthy of Him! Read Matthew 1-2. Have a Merry Christmas:)

Mary