You all are going to think I'm really obnoxious, but I've pretty much finished my Christmas shopping. In fact, I've already shipped several packages to family out of state, with their wrapped gifts. I like to do things early. I'm early for everything. Do you know what else I like to do? I like to give holiday themed gifts with notes for people to open them on December 1st.
I blame my Mom. When I was 12 years old, she handed me a wrapped box just after Thanksgiving, and told me to open it. I got to open a gift early?!? What was this? I opened it to find a beautiful glass nativity - one I still have today (although I haven't displayed it in 6 years, because of the boys). I was able to enjoy the new nativity all through the holiday season, and for many years since. I always remember this, and try to pass this joy on to at least one person each Christmas, with a little note for them to open the gift early. This year both my sister-in-law and my nephew have 'open-early' gifts. I hope they will enjoy them.
If you're looking for a gift for a child that would be perfect for opening early, I have a suggestion! VeggieTales has released The Ultimate Christmas Collection on DVD. It's a Veggie Christmas marathon! The collection includes It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, and Christmas Singalong Songs. Plus, it includes a 25 favorite Christmas songs cd!
So if you're looking for a special gift for a little one that he or she can enjoy throughout the holiday season, be sure to look for the VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection! It has been very popular with my boys, who love the catchy songs and the humorous vegetables. I know they'll enjoy watching it all the way through the Christmas season.
Disclaimer: I was sent the VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection on DVD for review purposes. The opinions stated above are my own.
What sweet faces!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of giving an 'open early' gift, methinks I shall have to give it a go.
I've got most of my stuff wrapped too... I also like to get it done early so I can enjoy the other aspects of the holiday!
ReplyDeleteOh Lisa that is the perfect gift to open early. Love those costumes. You are such an awesome Mom. B
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful video to share with JDaniel.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great gift idea indeed. How cute are they watching the video in their costumes!
ReplyDeleteOh how fun! My kids love Veggitales! Looks like they are enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteMy girls grew up with Veggie Tales and I just LOVE them. What neat ideas you have in this post.
ReplyDeleteOh How Fun! some of my best childhood memories are of my Mom, Dad, me and my siblings watching the Christmas specials! Thanks for a walk down memory lane :)
ReplyDeleteI love your tradition of "open early" gifts. What joy that must bring to the those receiving the gifts.
ReplyDeleteLisa - that is the best thing money can buy. Andy is kind of old now, but as they came out when he was younger - we bought each and every one. Still have them. Love, sandie
ReplyDeleteWe're shopping early this year! Mostly because our little one is due around Christmas and we want to focus on that. That's great you're almost done with your shopping. :)
ReplyDeleteMy hats off to you for finishing up your Christmas shopping already. Your two boys look adorable in their costumes watching Veggies Tales Christmas. Thank you so much for stopping to visit me.
ReplyDeleteyou are an inspiration for christmas spirit. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great pair of happy engrossed little faces, love their outfits. Sounds like a Fab set of DVD's .
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes Sheila
Oh no way! Chanukah is December NINTH and I'm not even done with that. I'm awful this year!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a good idea. I've been known to start buying gifts in July (mainly because Christmas time stretches our budget beyond our means if I don't get a jump start on it)
ReplyDeleteI actually purchased 5 Veggie Tales dvd's for my nephew for Christmas a few months ago - 2 of them were Christmas episodes. Reminds me, I need to get them wrapped. :)
I give a lot of early gifts. I found poinsettas on sale and bought a half dozen to share with friends and neighbors.Yesterday I got a van load of food for the food bank and filled their empty shelves again.
ReplyDeleteYour boys are adorable in their costumes. Made me smile which I definitely needed today. And what a wonderful tradition with the early gift giving. Love that.
ReplyDeleteThat is a sweet tradition.
ReplyDeleteI think it's wonderful that you have your shopping done. I read on Marissa's blog that you made many of your gifts, that's great!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the story about your special nativity, thanks for sharing!
We do very little gift giving any more, I really only buy gifts for my 2 sons.
Wow, that's impressive! I haven't made my lists yet. I do normally wait until the last minute though haha. Trying to get better! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a present to open early. My mom gives us stockings to open early :)
I think the giving of an early gift is a great idea too! Those lucky recipients!
ReplyDeleteThis year I bought a vintage silver candelabra that holds 5 candles, that will stand in for a traditional Advent wreath, and Amy and I are going to try to celebrate the Advent season every day until Christmas. I haven't done that since I was a kid, but it always felt like an early gift, and I remember that the anticipation for the big day-and the opening of all of my other gifts was almost more than I could stand:)
Your boys are just too darn cute Lisa!!
You're done! Yep, I kinda hate you:) LOL but seriously, my DDs used to love those veggie tales movies!
ReplyDeleteMy grandchildren love watching VeggieTales. I need to check this new colledtion out. I like giving early gifts. Most of my family do not agree on early gifts.
ReplyDeleteWow! you are on the ball...nice to pass on Christmas traditions to your boys too
ReplyDeleteI think everyone should theme dress according to their viewing. So darn cute, and I love your early holiday gift idea. :)
ReplyDeleteDone? Are you kidding me? Good gravy we won't even get the "lists" until Thanksgiving!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great gift, Lisa. I love the message from Veggie Tales. Kids can enjoy it--but they also learn something important during their enjoyment....
ReplyDeleteI never ever opened a gift early--until George and I got married. We started a new tradition just for us. We exchange one gift on Christmas Eve with a glass of wine (or eggnog)...
Hugs,
Betsy
No, it is too early for me to think about Christmas shopping, my head will hurt.
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm really impressed! I have a few gifts, but I usually shop til the last minute...it can be fun! lol
ReplyDeleteI'm almost finished with Christmas for the kids. Just need a few little things. Mine are getting older and don't need the toys type stage. It does make it harder but in some ways easier to buy for them. It's been awhile since we watched Veggie Tales. They loved them. The boys look cute! You gotta love they have their own little minds and know what they want to do!
ReplyDeleteOh, that is so fun. I want to do open early gifts for my grands! Thanks Lisa!
ReplyDeleteVeggie Tales are so cool! I love how they teach morals and entertain all at the same time.
The boys look adorable in those outfits!
ReplyDeleteI know what I'm getting, but waiting for black thursday or friday -- those outfits are too much! ;0
ReplyDeleteThose costumes crack me up.
ReplyDeleteCort and Reid are really in the spirit! I'm sure they can't wait for December 25th!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThose outfits are really cute.
ReplyDeleteI make a big basket up for my Daughter, Step Daughter and Grandson. Each day after Thanksgiving, they are allowed to open one gift untill all the gifts are gone. This is the last year I am doing that because it takes up so much space in the house.
Way to go on your shopping. I'm working on it. After 24 years of buying wrapping and shipping I now do all gift cards to everyone out of town. Other than the six of use everyone is out of town. So most shopping and wrapping will be here at home. Waiting for the wish lists from our adult kids!!! Most will be done online. I do get them other gifts of my choice which I have already bought. Sounds like your mom started a fun tradition. Veggie tales are awesome.
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