Sooo....what'd ya get???
 Did your SO & kids like the gifts you chose? 
Here's the place to discuss, brag about, lament about or just plain list the goodies you got for Christmas.
My highlights Giving: Robbie loved his new chair. It was exactly what he wanted and now he's ready to take down the tree so he can put the chair in the living room. Mom LOVED  her portriat of Scarlett (her Shih Tzu) that Wendy drew for her. It was the best present!
Receiving Highlights: I'm excited for the new cookware I got. It's from the Paula Deen collection, so I've been told that I should be turning out some truly scrumptious dishes in the new year (as if I didn't already?  )  Also, a new digital camera (last one had a mishap or two) so I'm busy working out how to use it. 
FUN!! |
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I got cookware too from both parents!!! 
outside of what I named in the other thread, mr. j surprised me with a bike and attachment to carry the two kids ...that detaches and is a stroller too, so that's kinda neat. we got to use one of his gifts to me (dvd player in car) over the holidays, so I'm very happy. I'm sad it's all over. I love being with family ............and eating |
| Just the biggest highlights...
giving: middle child LOVED his computer. (now he can stop using my laptop for his homework and I can spend MORE time on this site)
receiving: (hubby and I usually just focus on kids and not get each other anything 'big') but this year I was totally surprised at getting a fancy necklace!!! It's white gold with a heart charm and 3 stones in it that are our kids birthstones. |
| Tony loved his gifts, as did the kids. We also bought a flat screen tv for daughter Stefanie as her birthday gift. Her birthday isn't until March, but there were such good sales, we couldn't resist getting it early. SHE WAS SHOCKED! I received wonderful gifts! My snowshoes and poles, a silver bracelet that is inscribed "Well behaved woman rarely make history" (my favorite saying), some Paloma Picasso perfume, jamies and the movie Mama Mia from Tony (what a great husband!) The kids bought a digital picture frame for my office. I'm very excited about getting that up and running. Once its here, I'll probably never get any work done! Oh and Lizzie gave me a special gift....diaherra all over the living room!!! (Too much human food!) |
| I got Greg some hiking boots so he can walk Ru whatever the weather
Everyone seemed to like their presents and the cookies I made, Greg got the world's largest crossword puzzle! Ru got a rope toy which he destroyed within 10 minutes 
I got a book, a meditation CD, a wind up torch and chocolates |
| Okay, I know this is going to make me seem selfish, but here goes...
This is my annual Christmas gift complaint.... Skip this response if it's already making you think badly of me... WHY DO PEOPLE ALWAYS ASK FOR A CHRISTMAS LIST AND THEN COMPLETELY DISREGARD IT? YEAR AFTER YEAR AFTER YEAR AFTER YEAR... Okay, regaining my composure. And, I totally get that it's the thought that counts. I try to put lots of thought into the gifts I give, and I NEVER ask for a list. I just listen and record my observations...but I digress. Every year, around December first, my inlaws and my parents immediately jump on the "send me your list" bandwagon. So, for the last decade or so (more for my parents) I've stopped buying anything for myself from around the first of October on. Anything I would like goes on the list. I make an effort to keep it very reasonable. I don't want people spending much on me. I include a selection of DVD titles, maybe something from the Body Shop, etc. I also add suggestions for places I'd love gift cards from. The occasional kitchen type thingie might be included, but never, ever, anything pricey. We do this for me, and for my husband. Then we separate the lists down the middle, giving half to each side. Then, on Christmas morning we receive gifts that have nothing to do with the list. At all. I'm not complaining about my gifts. They are always perfectly nice gifts. And these days some of them actually aren't nicknacks to dust (my biggest pet peeve of all). They are often functional items I didn't ever realize I needed, but like very much. (Okay, some are really out there and I can't even begin to comprehend, but I'm grateful for any gift I receive. Period. I was raised well, so I am NOT complaining about the gifts.) What I am complaining about is the effort that goes into making the lists, co-ordinating and separating the lists, forwarding the lists, and then NOT picking up anything that's on them over the months of Oct, Nov, and Dec. Then, on boxing day, I'm online ordering all the things I held off getting for three months, which ends up being really pricey. These are things I would have incidentally picked up as I went. And, there was the year I really NEEDED the casserole set, and my mom was thrilled when I showed it to her in the store and it was on my list and it was sixty percent off and she insisted she'd be back for it. It was a perfect gift, and would have cost her very little, and would have thrilled me. But, no. She picked out clothes for me instead. (Flannel PJs for someone whose furnace died once and she didn't notice for two days, and yes, I live in the Great White North...but I still appreciated that gift...) Well, during the boxing week sale it was only ten percent off, and I NEEDED the set for New Year's Eve dinner, so I got to buy it for ninety percent of retail instead of forty percent. Yes, that one I'm still bitter about (and no, they weren't expensive even at full price...) But I could have spent a lot less and picked them up when I needed them instead of having to run out later. So, that's my freak out. I'm so tired of making these Christmas lists and holding off on getting things I would have picked up along the way as I wanted them, only to open a bright orange, sofa sized, velvet oil painting of chrysanthemums. (Okay, that was a long time ago, and it is an extreme example, I know. And it hangs in my house, and I said a delighted thank you, because I'd never ever behave any differently....) But still... Okay, rant over. Forgive me. I'm weak... 
maybe later I'll come back (if y'all will still have me) and post about the gifts I gave (and received). I'm really very happy with them. It's just the list thing I can't get over. |
| The list thing is BS. Tony's dad asked what he should get us. Tony picked something for himself (I can't remember what it was. Maybe some Tommy Bahama white rum), and told his dad I wanted the pink swiss army knife from LL Bean (don't laugh, I really lust after it!) So, we got the package from Dad in Florida, open it up, and Tony got a "dremel" (? some sort of sander thingie), and I got a red leather wallet. Mind you, they are very nice, but HUH?  |
| I had the most relaxing Xmas.....and the best presents ever.. I was utterly spoiled.
Giving I gave my new "friend" dog walking apparel as he never seems warm enough to me on our daily walks with our combined dog family...........a Columbia jacket as well as a Down Filled Jacket, boots, hats and mitts and the coolest pair of sunglasses.. which he was thrilled beyond belief......who knew a pair of sunglasses can make a guy happy. Received Man, I was spoiled, spoiled spoiled!!! I got a bug deflector for the hood of my new Vibe, as well as window visors and chrome puppy paws decals for my back windows......my favourite gift is a pink toque with red puppy paws embroidered all around the bottom......it is sooooooo cute and a beautiful new watch.. My dog boys gave me a $50.00 Tim's card........all you Canadians will know what I mean.......I'm in coffee heaven.. no more digging for change for awhile... |
| I got lots of great stuff including a year's subscription to Clean Run and a small camcorder to record our classes to see how I am making the dogs crazy |
| I have no idea why people ignore lists and not get something they KNOW you have but something practical that inevitably ...someone else also got you and you already had one. Drives me insane esp. when that particular person ASKED for a wishlist. |
| well, there is probably a very good reason why they ignored the list - time, energy or finances all come tomind. but the good news is the dremel is great for the dogs nails |
| we concentrated more on our three year old this year as he understood that santa brings pressies, we didn't go over the top he would get to over whelmed other wise, just 2 bigish toys and lots of stocking stuffers.
but my hubby surprised me with a trilogy princess cut diamod necklace that goes with my studs and engagement ring. i got hubby a couple of blue rays and an LP for his record player, he will pick him self something later he always does. but my in laws surprised me with a fendi handbag, and my mum went in to hospital in the uk today but she will be flying out to see us when she given the ok to fly which is all i could ask for, for christmas. zoe and einy |
| Giving: Excited I found something special for my daughter who loves music and reading...a Kindle and she loves it (wasn't sure she would)! Had a great time finding toys for grandaughter Zoe...even though 8 mths..she loved Elmo and the teethers in her stocking...rather have the teething hand than pacifier now. It was so special just spending Christmas Eve and Day watching the baby with all her new toys...she has such a beautiful smile and laugh and loves to just sit and play...all adults just sit around and watch. We noticed after opening gifts we only took photos of the baby! Such a joy!
Received: My daughter made a silhouette picture of my husband and I holding our grandaughter...brought tears to my eyes. Also husband let me get a second furchild...Maggie Mae and she just keeps on giving! He also went to a chocolate shop and got me a box of handmade truffles! It was wonderful...so sad it's over so soon...I just love Christmas! |
kerry wrote: well, there is probably a very good reason why they ignored the list - time, energy or finances all come tomind. but the good news is the dremel is great for the dogs nails
Hmmm...I was thinking I could use it on the nails! Tony actually has one already...and the gifts we asked for, were far less expensive than what we got. Oh well! |
| giving, i have to say that i was pretty weak....NO ONE in our family needs a thing......no one has any ideas...so, mom and bob got a gift card to their favorite resturant, dad got a gift card to cabellas, lisas boys got cash (theyre saving up for the new xbox), benny got 2 baby outfits...
brian and i decided not to exchange gifts....we are getting plantation shutters in the front bedroom and a new headboard for our room... but i guess you could say that my big gift was.....MY NEW NOSE! have to say that im glad that i love it and dont want to exchange it  |
| I totally get the list problem, Tracie, but I'm fortunate that my family uses the one I give them. As do I when I ask them for a list. It just makes life easier all the way around, IMO.
Although, I will say the times when I get or give things that are not on the list, they are well thought out things that I or the recipient really do need and enjoy.
You can come back now and tell us about the things you did get.
Deb - I would've liked the dremel for dog nails. That is a good gift.
Linda - I want the Kimel, too. I should've put that on my list.
Did anyone get the FIT for their Wii?? Those things ROCK!!  |
| I can totally relate to Tracie's thread - this happens in my family too.
Starting in Oct when I start making purchases - I place a lot of thought in gifts - always taking note when someone says they'd love "this" or "that". Often going back to the store to buy it. Presents are all purchased in Nov and then I spend time wrapping them, not rushing, so they resemble art work. Every year..Mom and sister say "Oh I didn't get a chance to go shopping - tell me what you want and I'll go buy it" For more years than I can remember they don't have presents on Christmas but write I owe you's on cards. I've come to accept that's just them. I always got a big kick out of the numerous presents I recieved from students - didn't matter what it was - I just loved the suprise. I especially loved the ones where I know the student not only picked it out but wrapped it themselves. This year I'm working with inner city teens and took a week extra of vacation so didn't see them the last week of school. So far this year I haven't recieved anything. A series of events - heavy heavy record breaking snowfall, Kaj sprained his ankle and is housebound and my Christmas dinner was cancelled due to no one could get out of their homes. We've decided to put off Christmas dinner in March!
The presents will come in a trickle as the snow melts but I'm not complaining as I was toasty warm in the house , stockpiled on pet food in anticipation of the snowfall, and best of all I really do believe in giving than recieving. I read Feral Night Trapper Cat Rescue (Mickey's rescuer) the previous homeless woman who singlehandedly traps, neuters /spays and cares for some many dumped pets. 912 this year alone!!I read of her lonliness for human contact, her stories of numerous injured pets , her broken washing machine, her frequent car troubles and I send her monies. She spent Christmas Eve in her car at a rest stop searching for someone's Siamese cat that unfortunately slipped out of a harness in the deep snow. The owners didn't stay but she went and spent hours there as it was a matter of life and death for the cat. While I've never been homeless - her financial and car troubles are all too familar with my past and so I keep sending even tho she's never asked for a thing. I'm glad for the Jody's of the world - she makes my Christmas - I feel blessed. So in my long ramble - I like the gift of giving. |
Beaureguard's Mom wrote: Did anyone get the FIT for their Wii?? Those things ROCK!! they were out of stock around here - its going to be our January gift to ourselves I think - Dan wants the wii skiing one too. (I think its part of a winter sports game?) |
| I keep hearing good things about them but to be honest... I haven't even seen one before!! I want one, but Mr. J thinks he'd get addicted. |
| Ooh, we got the Fit for our Wii. It's so much fun. And it can actually get you sweating, too, which really surprised me. And apparently I have no balance |
| I read the other day that playing any Wii game will burn 10 calories a minute. we got a party game (according to my son who provided it) that had my daughter complaining for two days about her arm |
| The balance games are tough, Steph. I think if you're shorter, though, you have an advantage because your center of gravity is lower, but that's just a working theory right now.
Yes, Kerry, those party games are fun, too. They can make you sweat. |
| Great, Tammy, then I must REALLY have bad balance because I AM shorter and suck at the balance games
And I kept wondering why I was a little sore today in my stomach...the Wii Fit! I hope we'll keep it up because while it won't create Olympic athletes out of us, it is fun! |
| I am also not fond of making lists and having them ignored. My m-i-l has done that to us for years.
My daughter has decided to collect snowmen (I collect Santas - 260+ figures and 350+ ornaments). Perfect! I save good gifts from the kids at school and set them aside for regifting. My daughter made out like a bandit. Three huge boxes of snowmen - figures and ornaments. Different colors, styles, and sizes. Even a couple for her to paint. My mother was with us fo Christmas this year. I was able to give her some lotion, hand santizer (nurses always love this) and a few gift cards in her stocking - regifting works. My younger son got a table and chairs for his new apt. My older son got some album frames and money. The duaghter decided on cash as there is a crusie possible in her future - her last Spring Break and a group wants to go out with a bang! I got my husband a nice REI gift card, along with a leather nic-nac holder for the dresser (okay, it was really for me so I would stop complaining about the stratches in the wood). He is sharing in the Total Gym we are getting each other. The one I want requires professional installation for some reason - that's extra. My mother is paying for the framing of a couple of pictures for our newly redecorated breakfast room. My husband took some of the Award points from work and kicked in some money to replace my 30 year old pots and pans. I am thrilled. I have to take my 3 month old Belgian waffle maker in to be repaired/replaced. It fell apart during breakfast on Christmas morning. My borther is going to get tickets fo my entire family to go to Jerry's World (new Dallas Cowboy stadium) for the BYU/OU game if it gets scheduled. I will handle the tailgate for the family. It should be great! |
| On the giving side:
Spencer wanted a new digital SLR camera, so we gave him money to put towards it - easy peasy! Sarah needed a sofa for her new apartment, so again we gave her money towards it - super easy peasy! This way they both got what they wanted, we spent as much as we normally would have anyway, and everyone was happy. Dale and I got ourselves a new sofa/loveseat set for our newly painted living room and a few little odds and ends. We don't exchange with brothers/sister anymore, and only gave to the neices/nephews until they turned 18, so that makes it even easier. On the receiving side: The only thing I told the kids I wanted was new stainless steel cookware. I had a Calphalon set that I just HATED with a passion. I told them to just get me a few pieces that I could build on, but they got me a whole Cuisinart set. It's beautiful and I LOVE it! All in all, a great Christmas! |
| I got a wii fit as well....I LOVE it but Chap does not like me doing it at all...he barks and yips circling me the entire time. And when Chap barks Winston barks back telling him to shut up and then Lacy gets stressed and cries and runs into our room. um...it makes concentrating on yoga pretty tough! I think you're supposed to have some peace and tranquility type-stuff going on, you know?! So now Chap has to be put out or in another room so I can do the wii fit.
My favorite gift was a large spinnel I get to design a setting for - haven't decided if it will be a drop or a ring yet. I also got a fabulous new digital camera with a 60 gig hard drive. |
| Okay, I'm calmer now...
Giving - my hubby got a dinosaur plant (BEYOND COOL), undies, shirt, tie, and a welding shield/helmet thingie that automatically darkens when he starts welding (he's been to the emergency room twice for burning his eyes because his constantly dark one "bugs" him...okay, once I get, but TWICE. The only consolation is that the drops they give him to treat the damage really really sting...) My dad got BBQ equipment, and a new fleece jacket. My mom got a new nightgown, pin, and loaf pan. Together, we got them gift certificates for two restaurants they enjoy going to. (We usually do one more expensive one, but this year we split it between two they go to regularly, and I think it'll be nice). G's dad got DVDs, and his mom got a pashmina (Gordon actually participated in the selection...yay!). Together we got them gift certificates for dinner and a movie. Others included WAAAYYY to many toys for our Godchildren (although the family prefers the term Gaiaspawn). One is a remote control tarantula. (I swear, it's so I can go play with it!) Their parents are really into saving the earth and recycling so we got them a photo album made of recycled elephant poo. (I am NOT making this up!) Yet another set of relatives (our favourites actually) celebrate solstice, and include us each year so their gifts included an alarm clock with a part that flies away and you have to go get it to turn it off, earrings, and a Celtic birth charm. Received - I got nail polish, books that I wanted, a digital photo keychain, and several Buffy and Angel comic books to catch my set up. (from hubby) The new cell phone he wanted to get me won't be in until my birthday (convenient) and so I did a little boxing day shopping and he got me a new winter jacket. Two large serving bowls from my folks, and a gift certificate to a nice restaurant...socks and gift cards from family, and a large serving bowl with four small ones to match. (I have a bowl addiction and everyone LOVES hearing Gordon whimper when new bowls arrive). We got some more gift cards, so there will be lots of eating out in the new year. From hubby's side, he got lots of socks, undies, etc. and some really nice tool chests. I got a gift certificate for a decadent pedicure, and (since hubby and I hate coffee and don't own a coffee pot and never, ever would know how to use one) a coffee pot so that my inlaws can make coffee here when they come over.  My MIL also gave me a really nice original watercolour painting that she did, and had framed.
The absolute HIGHLIGHT of the season, however, were two gifts my dogs got. For SOLSTICE Portage got a new pillow (red velvet, very regal, he says it's about time!) and Hudson got a squeaky rubber chicken that he is TERRIFIED of. He rolled over on it in his sleep one day. It squealed and it took two of us and a spatula to remove him from the ceiling. NOW THAT'S THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING. |
| Lee got me the Philips Senso Pod coffee maker, I'm very happy, I can have a cup of coffee or tea anytime I want now... I love it, but now I have to buy the pod maker so I can make my own pods...
I made my family lobster and baked potatoes and steamed veggies for dinner and an apple pie for desert.... all were very content and happy with the gift of dinner and breakfast from me. I also woke early and made crab/cheese/mushroom quiches, with fresh fruit compote..... set on a very pretty table..... in all my family were very happy. |
| My kids got Wii Fit and Guitar hero World Tour for the Wii.They all love it.So does hubby he is 55 in March but according to Wii fit,he is 43 so we heard that every day"Guess how old I REALLY am?43,Wii says so!"
I am no way getting on that thing until everybody leaves the house and I can save my details in PRIVATE!!! |
Quote: okay, once I get, but TWICE. The only consolation is that the drops they give him to treat the damage really really sting...)
I think I must be a very evil woman but this just cracked me up. I LOL. Not sure whether its just 'cause in my world that's such a guy thing (apologies to all you clever guys) or because as a health care practitioner it drives me nuts when patients do dumb stuff to themselves after I've warned them about it.
I have always asked my husband and brothers why if negative reinforcement works on pigeons it doesnt work on men (psych 101). So far no credible explanation to beat mine-birds are smarter than blokes. And yes girls I mean birds of both the feathery and human kind. |
| On the subject of my evilness and general lack of sympathy for my husband's self inflicted disasters:
After the second time he did it (and these are eyeballs!!!!!!!!!!!!!) he sent me a text message asking me to pick up his drops at the pharmacy. I went in, and the pharmacist's assistant remembered him from earlier in the day when he dropped off the prescription. She asked if I minded telling her how he did it. I had no problem saying, '"Yep, Einstein welded without his helmet AGAIN, and ended up in the emergency room AGAIN." She was horrified that this would happen twice. (And we shared a co-conspiritorial (sp?) eyeroll...)
When the pharmacist took me into that little room to go over the use of the drops, he said, "You'll have to warn your husband that these drops will, unfortunately, sting quite a bit." I snickered and said, "Have to?" He was horrified. I tried hard not to giggle. I explained that he's been through this before and with the same drops. He SHOULD remember they sting, but then again he SHOULD remember that welding glasses protect your eyeballs from broiling and falling out. And his entire face was more sunburned than you can ever imagine. It peeled for a month!
The pharmacist tried to convince me to warn him, and I said, "Okay, you've tried to convince me. I'm hoping that pain will be motivating, but I really do thank you for your concern." He used them at home, screamed (yes, they hurt, and that really was a shame) and then later said to me (thinking I'd sympathize), "I've used these drops before. Why didn't I remember that they sting so much? It shouldn't have blindsided me like that." I replied, "Well, if you couldn't remember frying your eyeballs before and your first trip to the emergency room for that, who can blame you for forgetting how painful the drops are?" He thought for a minute, and then said, "You remembered how painful the drops were, didn't you?" "You'll never prove that one in court sweetheart," I said. I'm hoping that he'll actually use this new welding helmet appropriately. So far it's been five days of him in his PJs chasing Portage around the house making the Darth Vader breathing sounds and saying, "Portage, I'm your father." He doesn't chase Hudson though. Hudson's never seen the movie and so he just jumps on Gordon's head. |
| Poor hubby!
In our Finch gift exchange I got a new bird feeder and bird house from my SIL who had my name (good gift!) My gifts from family were some jewelry from the kids, a Garmin GPS and the agility jumps that are coming in the mail! |
| Oh Tracie you are so funny
That chicken sounds great. I think I would have the same level of sympathy for my other half should he burn his eyeballs twice  |
| Still waiting...I got a card from the neighbor and a card from an old girlfriend. |
| My fiance is a self professed horrible gift giver, but he out did himself!
He got us tickets for a Red Sox game in May with a whole weekend getaway in Boston planned(yeah, my favorite city!)...and he paid for my plane ticket to go to Florence in Feb. while he is there on business. I don't think the dress coat and every season of Rescue Me (he's a vol. fireman, it's his "soap opera") I got him seemed as impressive |
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