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Christmas Decorating Ideas
As the holidays approach, it is time to start thinking of how you would like to decorate your home. As you will probably have numerous friends and family during the holiday season, the sooner you start to consider you Christmas décor the better. The...

Christmas Decorating Ideas
The time has come to start putting up Christmas decorations. But, before you rush off to your local store to buy this year's collection of baubles, wreaths and garlands, think carefully about your decorating theme. Christmas themes can vary...

How To Buy Christmas Presents And Not Break The Bank
I have kids that are 16, 13,10 and 6 years old. We all know that when kids get to this age that they want gifts that are expensive. All their friends have new mp3 players, high tech video games, cell phones, etc. As working parents we know how...

I'll Be Home For Christmas
Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 29, 2004 I have been married 25 years. We come from completely different backgrounds. I grew up in a large family in a small town, and we were poor. My husband is an only child, privileged,...

Living A Guilt-Free Christmas
By Catherine Franz Do you have feelings that you didnˇŻt do something as well as you would have liked this year? With the intention to solve this by the end of the year? Many of us desire to begin the new year in a new light in our...

 
How to Organize Christmas Toy Shopping

It's so easy to go overboard when shopping for kids this time of year. We want them to enjoy all the things we
didn't have growing up. It's important to set limits though.

1. List all the children you'll buy for this Christmas. Don't forget an extra toy for your local shelter.

2. Set a firm budget for each child.

3. Note individual interests, hobbies and collections.

4. Ask them what they want for Christmas. You may think Will needs more Legos, but all he really wants is
a caboose for his train set.

5. Look through mail order catalogs and internet toy sites for ideas and note them on your list. Place an
order if you find the perfect


toy.

6. Look through your local phone directory for a list of toy stores in your area. There might be some you
aren't aware of.

7. Go shopping with list in hand. As you make purchases mark them off your list. Keep track of how much is left
in each child's budget. If you are tempted to go beyond the budget simply write down the item as a future birthday
gift idea.

8. Buy paper, bows and tags if you don't already have them. Spend an evening or two wrapping gifts. You did it!



About the Author
Barbara Myers is the author of Your Complete Guide to Organized Parenting. Enjoy a FREE "50 Ways to Manage Your Time" tips booklet at http://www.ineedmoretime.com