Christmas shopping has begun!

Normally, my Christmas shopping begins pretty much as soon as Christmas is over.  This year though, that just didn't happen.  Christmas was immediately followed by closing on the sale of our old house, from which we drove directly to my in-laws.  We returned from my in-laws just in time for the new year and for January to be COLD.  It was a tough, tough winter, and I just wanted to think ahead to warmer weather, and not the next winter!  In the last two weeks though, I am very pleased that I've managed to get going on it.  Not only does it keep things from being so incredibly chaotic at the holidays, but it helps to spread out the expense as well.  I've already purchased the puzzle that we always buy for my grandmother, and I've also purchased the ornaments that we will give to each child.  Obviously many thing have to wait to see what the kids might want each year, but I love getting a jump start on the buying!