What To Do With Christmas and No Money?

[Kathianne]

Bake! I'm making bread and cookies for everyone. They have been warned, just have no way of buying gifts. Oh I did get one for the baby, but that was all of $11 and right now, that's a lot.

I have everything set in the kitchen, coming to room temperature. My eldest son should be over shortly and then we're starting on the cookies. Seems like he's planning on doing cookies for presents too! <a href=http://www.thesmilies.com><img src=http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/christmas/gingerbreadhouse.gif border=0></a>

[chloe]

he he I thought you were asking for possible ways to handle it and I was gonna say pull the atheist card :laugh2: but baking is a better alternative:salute:

[Trigg]

Bake! I'm making bread and cookies for everyone. They have been warned, just have no way of buying gifts. Oh I did get one for the baby, but that was all of $11 and right now, that's a lot.

I have everything set in the kitchen, coming to room temperature. My eldest son should be over shortly and then we're starting on the cookies. Seems like he's planning on doing cookies for presents too! <a href=http://www.thesmilies.com><img src=http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/christmas/gingerbreadhouse.gif border=0></a>

Everyone loves food for Christmas. I know plenty of people who give cookies, pumpkin rolls, etc as gifts.

I'll always give cookies, and different treats to friends instead of gifts and I always take treats to family get togethers.

Have a great Christmas Kathianne!!!

[Jeff]

Bake! I'm making bread and cookies for everyone. They have been warned, just have no way of buying gifts. Oh I did get one for the baby, but that was all of $11 and right now, that's a lot.

I have everything set in the kitchen, coming to room temperature. My eldest son should be over shortly and then we're starting on the cookies. Seems like he's planning on doing cookies for presents too! <a href=http://www.thesmilies.com><img src=http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/christmas/gingerbreadhouse.gif border=0></a>

We don't have it like we do most years with me out of work, but yes my wife is baking every night and will cook a beautiful Christmas dinner, but most of all we will fill our house with Love, after all Christmas is not all about spending money, a house filled with love is a rich one

[Kathianne]

Everyone loves food for Christmas. I know plenty of people who give cookies, pumpkin rolls, etc as gifts.

I'll always give cookies, and different treats to friends instead of gifts and I always take treats to family get togethers.

Have a great Christmas Kathianne!!!

I've always baked a ton of cookies, now though I'll give them some and say, "Merry Christmas!" Luckily I didn't have to buy any ingredients other than more flour and that was on sale for .77 cents! Woot!

[Kathianne]

My oldest son came over to help me. We made and/or baked Snickerdoodles, Lemon bars, chocolate chip, oatmeal nut, peanut butter. Yeah, I'm tired. I've 3 sets of measuring cups, 5 sets of measuring spoon, 6 mixing bowls. All needed hand washing numerous times.

Some are chilling, I'm not addressing them until tomorrow.

[Little-Acorn]

What To Do With Christmas and No Money?

Get some of your friends together, and start going from house to house in your neighborhood, singing Christmas carols at each.

Your neighbors will freak.

Cost: $0.00.

If you can get a few people who can carry a tune in the group, that's nice, but not strictly necessary. It's the thought.

BTDT.

[PostmodernProphet]

we had our party on the 19th because my daughter went to Florida for Christmas....I got what I wanted.....a new shoe horn....

http://www.westsky.com/shoehorn4.jpg

[Jeff]

The wife just called and told me they have a van that has been sitting at the health department for a few weeks, she called a police officer we know and he ran the tag, it belongs to one of her clients, seems when the family came out after there appointment they had a flat and couldn't afford to fix it, Laura ( my wife) called around and got 2 used tires for them, all the employees at the health dept where set to chip in a couple dollars a piece , when they talked to the tire shop and explained he donated 2 tires, I understand this is not what the thread is truly about but I thought this was truly a Christmas story yall might enjoy

[CAPTDASH]

Well I can honestly say I have more money than in my recent 3 Christmas's. I am not spending one red cent on Christmas, except for gas money to go eat at my mom's. I have bought a new front door-500 bucks, another rifle I don't need, 550 bucks, a lift kit for my truck 600 bucks. I bought 6 new blinds for my windows. I am going to buy some new windows next week. I think I may buy another rifle too.

I am spending money on my house to get those tax credits and increase the efficiency of my house. I am working on a plan to charge the electric company instead of them charging me. don't worry, I will let you know.

Christmas sucks. I hate all the commercial, keeping up with the Jones shit. I just like to spend it with family or go somewhere. I think I may ride to Ft Lauderdale and buy that rifle, and see my cousins, and hit the beach this weekend. Who knows? That is the advantage of being single and having to answer to NNNNOOOBBBBOOOOODDDDDYYYYY. I never was good at answering anyway.LOL, probably why I am single.

I hope all of you folks have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[Kathianne]

What a morning! Made toffee squares, peanut butter cookies, made the dough for chocolate crinkles. Gotta make the cherry pies, start on bread. Need to make another batch of snickerdoodles, kids ate the last one. Sigh! :laugh2:

[SassyLady]

Made a gingerbread house with grandkids today!!! What a mess, but what FUN, FUN, FUN!

Grandson said he loved it and can't wait to do one next year. It's building memories like this that make Christmas special.

Then, we made sugar cookies .... and they decorated....very interesting artwork. :laugh::laugh:

Kathi....love snickerdoodles. Daughter and I made homemade cranberry sauce and butternut squash soup today in preparation for tomorrow. Got all the veggies cut for the appetizer trays....made some White Chocolate Candied Cherry Macadamia nut cookies ... not very many left, though.

Here's the recipe:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/white-chocolate-cherry-chunkies-recipe/index.html

We used red and green cherries ...

[Psychoblues]

The wife just called and told me they have a van that has been sitting at the health department for a few weeks, she called a police officer we know and he ran the tag, it belongs to one of her clients, seems when the family came out after there appointment they had a flat and couldn't afford to fix it, Laura ( my wife) called around and got 2 used tires for them, all the employees at the health dept where set to chip in a couple dollars a piece , when they talked to the tire shop and explained he donated 2 tires, I understand this is not what the thread is truly about but I thought this was truly a Christmas story yall might enjoy

I think charity and good will towards men is ALL of what Christmas is about. Thanks for that good news, Jeff!!!!!!!!!

[Psychoblues]

Bake! I'm making bread and cookies for everyone. They have been warned, just have no way of buying gifts. Oh I did get one for the baby, but that was all of $11 and right now, that's a lot.

I have everything set in the kitchen, coming to room temperature. My eldest son should be over shortly and then we're starting on the cookies. Seems like he's planning on doing cookies for presents too! <a href=http://www.thesmilies.com><img src=http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/christmas/gingerbreadhouse.gif border=0></a>

Kath, cookies, bread, etc. are PERFECT for Christmas gifts and encompass the feelings of warmth and goodwill that Christmas is all about, IMHO. When I was in Desert Shield/Storm there was a lady from up there close to where you are that sent boxes and boxes of oatmeal raisin pecan cookies. When the mail came in I would go through the pile of packages. I could spot one of hers from 100 yards!!!!!!!!!!! That is one of my best memories from over there!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas, Kath, to you and yours from me and mine.

can I?

Love :laugh2:

Psychoblues and Lil' Red

[Kathianne]

Kath, cookies, bread, etc. are PERFECT for Christmas gifts and encompass the feelings of warmth and goodwill that Christmas is all about, IMHO. When I was in Desert Shield/Storm there was a lady from up there close to where you are that sent boxes and boxes of oatmeal raisin pecan cookies. When the mail came in I would go through the pile of packages. I could spot one of hers from 100 yards!!!!!!!!!!! That is one of my best memories from over there!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas, Kath, to you and yours from me and mine.

can I?

Love :laugh2:

Psychoblues and Lil' Red

And a Merry Christmas to you too! Happy New Year!

[PostmodernProphet]

Chloe's new avatar just reminded me of something else a wife can give her husband for Christmas that doesn't cost anything......

[Kathianne]

Made a gingerbread house with grandkids today!!! What a mess, but what FUN, FUN, FUN!

Grandson said he loved it and can't wait to do one next year. It's building memories like this that make Christmas special.

Then, we made sugar cookies .... and they decorated....very interesting artwork. :laugh::laugh:

Kathi....love snickerdoodles. Daughter and I made homemade cranberry sauce and butternut squash soup today in preparation for tomorrow. Got all the veggies cut for the appetizer trays....made some White Chocolate Candied Cherry Macadamia nut cookies ... not very many left, though.

Here's the recipe:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/white-chocolate-cherry-chunkies-recipe/index.html

We used red and green cherries ...

Oh my, you've been the busy elf! Those cookies sound scrumptious, but macadamia nuts aren't budget friendly around here. LOL! Got to find a friend coming back from Hawaii!

Gingerbread baking smells like Christmas in the oven!

[CAPTDASH]

I think charity and good will towards men is ALL of what Christmas is about. Thanks for that good news, Jeff!!!!!!!!!

So true. I am headed to help the local humane society handle 20 dogs that they just got in today. They have nowhere to put them. I have a cheap solution, just gonna take all day to do it. So you ladies and gents have a great day.

Sassy, these sound good--White Chocolate Candied Cherry Macadamia nut cookies. Never heard of these, but I love regular Mac cookies.

OK, never heard of this either, butternut squash soup , but like eating the squash.

I hope all of you have a great day & weekend with your families and friends. :beer:

[Binky]

Homebaked bread and snickerdoodles sounds awesome. Just thinking of the scents coming out of the oven makes my tummy growl.... :laugh2:

[Psychoblues]

So true. I am headed to help the local humane society handle 20 dogs that they just got in today. They have nowhere to put them. I have a cheap solution, just gonna take all day to do it. So you ladies and gents have a great day.

Sassy, these sound good--White Chocolate Candied Cherry Macadamia nut cookies. Never heard of these, but I love regular Mac cookies.

OK, never heard of this either, butternut squash soup , but like eating the squash.

I hope all of you have a great day & weekend with your families and friends. :beer:

I'm a bit confused and taken aback about your remark of a "cheap solution". But, welcome to the board, Captain!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!

Psychoblues

[Kathianne]

Homebaked bread and snickerdoodles sounds awesome. Just thinking of the scents coming out of the oven makes my tummy growl.... :laugh2:

Thank you! I hope everyone likes them. Right now meatballs are in the oven, got to remember to grab them out in a couple of minutes. Next is the cream cheese mixture for the roll-ups. Then a batch of brownies. Then go to my brother's. Come home and chop onion and celery and make the dressing. Peel the potatoes. LOL! I feel a tad overwhelmed! Still need to back the chocolate crinkles too!

[SassyLady]

Thank you! I hope everyone likes them. Right now meatballs are in the oven, got to remember to grab them out in a couple of minutes. Next is the cream cheese mixture for the roll-ups. Then a batch of brownies. Then go to my brother's. Come home and chop onion and celery and make the dressing. Peel the potatoes. LOL! I feel a tad overwhelmed! Still need to back the chocolate crinkles too!

Sounds delicious!!!

Everything is pretty quiet around here. I'm babysitting the little one while the rest of the clan is next door getting ready to open Christmas presents. Son-in-law's family open their presents at midnight and we open ours Christmas morning .... after Santa has a chance to deliver.

Speaking of cooking ..... we had horseradish/sea salt encrusted prime rib; babybib lettuce salad with bacon, honeyed walnuts, and raspberry dressing; green bean casserole; candied yams with marshmallows; homemade cranberry sauce; yukon mashed potatoes; a spiral ham; eggnog cake; pumpkin pie; pecan pie....for dinner. And this is just what my daughter made....we have a family member who is from Romania and brings quite a different type of food ... can't tell you everything but one thing was schnitzel (?).

Anyway ... I had two spiked eggnogs and ate way toooooooo much, but had a great time. Then everyone went off to Mass and I put the little one to bed so he can be rested a little bit before he needs to get up and go next door.

BTW .... it's very, very hot here. At home it's in the high 30's at night ..... we had to turn on the A/C today!!!

Anyway ... hope everyone got plenty to eat and had a great time with family.

[chloe]

Chloe's new avatar just reminded me of something else a wife can give her husband for Christmas that doesn't cost anything......


a hug:laugh2:

[Kathianne]

Sounds delicious!!!

Everything is pretty quiet around here. I'm babysitting the little one while the rest of the clan is next door getting ready to open Christmas presents. Son-in-law's family open their presents at midnight and we open ours Christmas morning .... after Santa has a chance to deliver.

Speaking of cooking ..... we had horseradish/sea salt encrusted prime rib; babybib lettuce salad with bacon, honeyed walnuts, and raspberry dressing; green bean casserole; candied yams with marshmallows; homemade cranberry sauce; yukon mashed potatoes; a spiral ham; eggnog cake; pumpkin pie; pecan pie....for dinner. And this is just what my daughter made....we have a family member who is from Romania and brings quite a different type of food ... can't tell you everything but one thing was schnitzel (?).

Anyway ... I had two spiked eggnogs and ate way toooooooo much, but had a great time. Then everyone went off to Mass and I put the little one to bed so he can be rested a little bit before he needs to get up and go next door.

BTW .... it's very, very hot here. At home it's in the high 30's at night ..... we had to turn on the A/C today!!!

Anyway ... hope everyone got plenty to eat and had a great time with family.

Oh to be warm! :cool: We went to my brother's house, way too much to eat. Came home and trying to thaw a still partially frozen turkey! Around 9:30 realized that I was not going to midnight mass. Went to bed around 11 and the kids woke me at 2, with return from mass. Opened presents and had some coffee, tea, cocoa-depending on likes. Me? :coffee:

Got the onions/celery cut, going to make the dressing and chill it. Hell, if I could get the giblets out of the turkey, I'd put it in piping hot. I kid, I kid; not going to kill guests.

Your dinner sounds so good! I love prime rib.

It sure sounds like you are having a marvelous, well deserved holiday! So glad!

[Psychoblues]

a hug:laugh2:

You are the best, chloe!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Christmas and Merry New Year

Psychoblues

[Binky]

Thank you! I hope everyone likes them. Right now meatballs are in the oven, got to remember to grab them out in a couple of minutes. Next is the cream cheese mixture for the roll-ups. Then a batch of brownies. Then go to my brother's. Come home and chop onion and celery and make the dressing. Peel the potatoes. LOL! I feel a tad overwhelmed! Still need to back the chocolate crinkles too!
Yep, it does sound a bit overwhelming, but you'll do just fine. If I had spotted your thread before yesterday, and though of it, I'd have said to buy a bag of choc. chip cookies and some ice cream, then spread the ice cream on a cookie and put another one on top. Walla, an ice cream sandwich. The kids would've loved messing around with that stuff as well. Oh well, you can always do it some other time. Happy holidays.

[Kathianne]

Yep, it does sound a bit overwhelming, but you'll do just fine. If I had spotted your thread before yesterday, and though of it, I'd have said to buy a bag of choc. chip cookies and some ice cream, then spread the ice cream on a cookie and put another one on top. Walla, an ice cream sandwich. The kids would've loved messing around with that stuff as well. Oh well, you can always do it some other time. Happy holidays.

I've always loved cooking and hosting Christmas, I seriously rock at it. I've come to realize though, it's a whole lot easier to do when money isn't the primary consideration. I mean if one buys beef tenderloin and is a good cook, pretty hard to go wrong. LOL! Same with buying premiere hot appetizers and making a few of my own. This year, had to really think and used as much of what I've in the house as possible. Rather than buying garlic salt, I found it's a 1:3 ratio and made my own. Saved 4 bucks that way.

Adding up all the receipts, I spent about $48. That's a dinner and appetizers, deserts for 10. Now I didn't have to buy the turkey or ham, saved at least $70 with that. However, it's always cost about $350-400 in previous years. Last year I also didn't have, because of the flooded house. I'm really hoping a year from now is better! Truth is though, this became a real challenge, I like challenges.

Merry Christmas to all!

[CAPTDASH]

I'm a bit confused and taken aback about your remark of a "cheap solution". But, welcome to the board, Captain!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!

Psychoblues

Why are you taken back? I had the materials to make some dogs houses to keep the dogs warm? I am actually going to finish helping them today, because we didn't get finished Friday. It was a cheap solution, because I already had the materials, and didn't have any money tied up in them. I bet you were thinking of bullets or something, right? BTW, my Black LAB has been missing since last Sunday, and it doesn't look like he is coming home. Not sure what happened to him. I live in the country where my dogs can roam around, but he has never been gone more than 3 days. I hope for the best. Thanks for the welcome.

[SassyLady]

Why are you taken back? I had the materials to make some dogs houses to keep the dogs warm? I am actually going to finish helping them today, because we didn't get finished Friday. It was a cheap solution, because I already had the materials, and didn't have any money tied up in them. I bet you were thinking of bullets or something, right? BTW, my Black LAB has been missing since last Sunday, and it doesn't look like he is coming home. Not sure what happened to him. I live in the country where my dogs can roam around, but he has never been gone more than 3 days. I hope for the best. Thanks for the welcome.

Sorry to hear about your bud....and thank you for helping out the Humane Society by building some housing. Maybe you'll find your guy there....if not today, maybe soon. Don't give up hope yet!

[CAPTDASH]

Sorry to hear about your bud....and thank you for helping out the Humane Society by building some housing. Maybe you'll find your guy there....if not today, maybe soon. Don't give up hope yet!

I spent the evening looking for him and putting up signs and talking to people. I got a tip about an hour ago that I am going to check out tomorrow. It was too dark awhile ago when I got it to go tonight. Maybe he is OK.