Jayne said:

I'm sending Hubby to your house Georgia!  He thinks we have too many.  I'm not sure we have that many. 

I have too much.  My goal in the next 5 years is to downsize and make sure these boys take some of their stuff.  I told the oldest to take his the first time he was married, now I'm glad he didn't.  She walked off with what heirlooms he did take, including the toybox my dad made for him with his name and birthdate on it.  (like she'll use that again??)

We have two trees, one is nothing but Green Bay Packer ornaments, green and gold lights, tinsel, etc.

:J

HA and one of ours is of course ornage and white LONGHORNS!

Thanks Bee!  Although it's been a few years since their divorce, Daniel has spoken to her and she has agreed to give him the wooden toy box back.  She doesn't live here in town anymore, but has family here, and says she will bring it back.  I still have lots of stuff for him, even somethings my dad made.

Anyway this is supposed to be a happy post, let's get it back to happy!

:J

I never plan on cutting back, getting rid, paring down on my Christmas collections!  I want to be a creaky old grandmother on a ladder decorating my trees.  (My kids have their ornaments that I've collected over the years - but because I loved them (the ornaments) so, I bought two of everything.)  I am not sharing how many boxes and totes and bag I have - I toss anything looking “used” at the end of the season - but the ornaments don't get tossed.  I don't put a lot of the decorations in attic storage - so I have a Christmas storage room.  Everything is organized to the point that I've driven myself crazy.  I just find it easier to put it all together - and take it all down - if I have organization.  I don't decorate so much with lights - having lived in the Williamsburg, Virginia area, I decorate more naturally.  (I do put lights on the trees - it makes them pop.)  Family and friends love to come to our house for the holidays - and I wouldn't have it any other way.  My children let me know when I've changed something - and I do change it up every year - but some things stay the way they always have.

I will never lose the spirit and meaning of Christmas.  I don't talk about what I do regarding giving to others - to me it loses some of the magic when you talk about it - I just do it and keep it to myself - it gives me a warmer feeling.

So, don't judge me - or anyone for that matter.  What you see on these boards and imagine in your head isn't always how it is in reality.  That isn't directed at anyone - just everyone keep it in mind on any and every post you read.

Back to the stocking stuffer subject - I buy useful items - because otherwise, they just make waste and get tossed - however, a little “fun” is allowed - and I feel should always be allowed not just during the holiday season - but all through the year.

Believe - not talking about your religious beliefs and the true meaning of the season (this in itself lifts me up) - but believe in Santa and in the magic of the season.  Become a child again.  It will make you a better person - and lift you up out of Scrooge-like behavior.  Smile - not just now - but smile every day.  There is always, always something to be thankful for!

Stick some magic in your own stocking - underwear - pocket.  Carry it with you every day.

I just have to say - the reason for the season, the celebration is not Santa Claus and what we can get but what we give because God first gave to us his Son.  It is the birth of God in the world that we celebrate through all of our traditions.  God came to us - as we are- selfish, sinful, tragic people to show us how to live with God and with others and what is really important.  It is not money or gifts - it is the love and respect we show for all of creation, the earth, the animals and all persons as we are able.   Without the birth of Jesus there would be no celebration in December.  I think we forget that and let the manufacturers of decorations take over.  I too decorate up a storm, but I would hope we all would be extra giving ans sharing this season with those less fortunate than ourselves.   The world watches, people watch to see how it is done, how we act, how caring we are when it is difficult.  I would hope we all would find a place to volunteer in our community to help others and make our world a better place for all people, creation and animals.  The mark of a truly great society is how it does that.  my soap box for today. 

My husband loves cashews..so I put a can in his stocking…I prob. put chocolate in mine..

I always stuff a big bag of Peanut M & M's in hubby's stocking, that's his favorite.  One year I bought the big bag at Sam's, but then there was no way to fit it in his stocking, LOL!

GeorgiaZ said:

OH Jayne I want you to stuff my stocking…thats my favorite too!

Now Georgiaz…don't be lieing..you KNOW your fav is “Snickers bars with Nuclear waste” LOL LOL LOL tee hee hee

Yeah, Jayne..come stuff MY stocking…I have to do my own…LOL

Oh dang Bee I forgot! Maybe if you the snickers in nuclear waste the M&Ms would stick to it! Now THATS what I'm talking about!!!!

No need for anything nuclear!  I think our stockings are stuffed enough!

:J