OT: Holiday stuff--whatcha got going on??

So what does everyone have on the agenda for Thanksgiving and beyond? Do we have crazy Black Friday shoppers amongst us? Are you on the quest for the hot gift items of the year? I'm so thankful my kids have yet to ask for that needle in a haystack gift. I'm not into fist fighthing pregnant ladies for cabbage patch dolls, but if duty calls...LOL! 

I'd love to break from tradition this year and go out to some awesome restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner. It is like a wedding--tons of work then it's over in a hot second and you barely get to enjoy it--and the dishes--oy!  But with Thanksgiving you've gained 11 pounds! 

This weekend we have lots of holiday kick off stuff happening. Tree lightings, parade of lighted boats, which we are heading to tomorrow night and then an awesome event at a local winery called Soup in the Cellar on Sunday. They feature 13 different wines to taste and these amazing soups and artisan breads all topped off by being serenaded by a hot Indy rock band! Fun! 

Do tell, what's on your plate this weekend--literally or figuratively!

Have a great weekend! 

Denise

Things have been going crazy for our family recently, so I suggested to my husband that we just go out to eat for Thanksgiving and he said that is fine with him. 

I am ready to start looking at the black Friday ads and making my lists.  I usually go with a friend shopping, but her husband is going with her this year so I am going solo.  Kinda bummed about that, but I can understand.

My kids want an Xbox.  Guess they are tired of their Playstation and Wii.  So we must now have an Xbox.  That is the big item I am looking for.

Sounds like you have a fun weekend in store for you.  I hope you have a fun time - and get to show off that new and improved bod!

Sounds like a great week, Denise. Enjoy yourself!! I don't really like traditional Thanksgiving food, so I found a steak house that is open Thanksgiving day with their full menu. Score! I can have steak for Thanksgiving!!

On Saturday we'll be doing a big family Thanksgiving meal at our house. So eating and lots of football is on our schedule this week. Can't wait!!

Laura

Well, I finished all my shopping and wrapping of presents before my brachio as I wasn't sure about how much I would be able to do with my arms. Bonus for me!  Since I feel good, we'll be enjoying a visit from one of my sisters and her daughter .my brother-in-law is working in Phoenix as that nasty old economy took his job away from home and they want their daughter to finish high school at home.  They are frequent visitors and my 6 year old son LOVES when they come.  We'll be joining my other 2 sisters and their families for the big dinner. Luckily EVERYONE is watching their weight and we will be redoing recipes to be very health concious.  The rest of the weekend will be spent decorating and just enjoying time with family.  though I am going to try to milk the recent surgery thing to get out of helping with dishes.  (I am the youngest and have always tried to get out of wih the dishes. Lets see if it works this year!)

Thanksgiving is at my house this year, but I took the easy way out and ordered EVERYTHING from a restaurant. Turkey, ham, dressing, gravy, potatoes, green beans, rolls, pies, the whole she-bang. My SIL is bringing a few more pies, deviled eggs, cranberry sauce and Chinet. I always cook all day, and I'm never off work Wednesday, and I'm always exhausted by the end of the day. So happy not to be doing that this year!!! All I have to do is clean my house a bit on Wednesday when I get home, at least the downstairs.

No Black Friday shopping for me. My kiddos are getting one big gift each (iphone for one, laptop for one, TV for one) and I am just filling in with a few small things. Hubby and I are buying a new flat screen for our bedroom and some new workout equipment for "us." The only other thing I have to worry about is buying for the family name draw and that will be easy. And stocking stuffers.

I used to really, really stress myself about the holidays being perfect. I am so over that. I am just going to wing it and try to keep losing weight.

I do have to say I am happy I can eat Thanksgiving dinner. When I had my surgery back in March I pictured myself NOT being able to eat over the holidays and wondering what I could or couldn't stomach. I plan on sampling a little of everything I like, including the pie.

Thanksgiving- Probably going to my mother in law's.. I am not cooking a big ol turkey..and I dislike going to restaurants now..I find most of the food too salty.. or to oily.. I already decorated my house for Christmas due my surgery in december..

I think staying home and getting some quality family time sounds awesome.. I have to pick up a bike from my son.. I already bought some leap frog electronic thing.. maybe an Ipad for him but thats all...Hubby- gets clothes ...he's happy with that.. not much of a toy person..

I saw breaking dawn with my Hubby last night and went out to dinner.. It was great.. There was such a buzz of excitement.. I cant wait to part 2.

This weekend probably going to the outlet mall to pick up some clothes from Polo for the hubby.. have breakfast at our favoriite breakfast place...I am going to cook some beef stew in a crock pot. I may take my son to see happy feet 2.. We will see how the weather evolves..

Michelle

Low key holiday season for me.  I'm going to the same place I always go.  There are about 15 people there and the hosts totally support the way I eat now.  I'm hoping for a nice hike on Black Friday.  No shopping for me that day.

I'll be in Mexico for two weeks in December having surgery so Christmas will be spent on the couch catching up on TV and movies.  I'm looking forward to being out of the Christmas food fest in my office.  I will be out of my office from 12/8 until 1/2 so it's perfect timing.

I just treated my son to four days in Napa Valley where he was showing a short film that he made.  Rather than Holiday gifts we vacation.  This year was Napa and two weeks in Spain last June. I gave him an iPad2 on the Spain trip.  He got things like new shoes when he was home last week so that's it on the gifts.  I generally just get him things during the year that I know he'll like which takes the pressure off the holidays!

I'm going to spend my holidays this year focused on the gratitude that I have for the life that I get to have and the friends that surround me.

Ooh, are you adopting??? Napa Valley--dreamy. I love the idea of travel in lieu of gifts--hard to sell the 5 year old on it! Glad you will just be able to kick back, relax, and get well.

Christmas has gotten so hectic and commercialized. I hate that part of it. I've really tried in the recent years to get back to the basics of spending time with loved ones, which is what it is all about. Of course there will always be the shopping and wrapping and such, but I must have time to sit back and reflect on our blessings and enjoy all my peeps!

Sounds like you really have it all figured out. Happy Holidays!!

Thanksgiving is not at my house - I'm just taking a big bowl of fresh fruit (my request - so I could avoid temptation of sweets).

I am decorating for Christmas, currently.  I'm taking a week to do it.  I'm almost 6 months post fleur de lis TT and brachioplasty and my belly still hurts.  All this reaching, cleaning, lifting, etc. really has left belly sore (above & below belly button).  My arm scars are "stiff" but don't hurt.

Christmas Eve entire family is at our house - so I though I'd get things done early and just enjoy the season a little more.

I don't like big crowds and don't do Black Friday.  I have most gift buying/making done.  I still do Christmas cards with a letter.  I have plenty to do but going to drag it out a little.

I'm a bell ringer for Salvation Army later today - that is my good deed for the day.

Sorry you are still hurting. It is sure taking a while for me too. I just vacuumed and realized it didn't kill me or my implants, so that was exciting! I'm not a fan of the Black Friday crowds. I just don't need anything that bad!

Good for you for volunteering!!

Happy Holidays!!