I used to be a shopoholic. Christmas was my season because I could shop and not feel guilty. I live for finding bargains. Nothing makes me happier than getting that $65 pair of jeans for $5 bucks or getting a tank top for free. Bargain shopping can be time consuming. Before we moved, I spent a lot of my time in the stores, in the mall, shopping, shopping & more shopping. Mostly for clothes for the girls - they have an abundance. I like them to have nice clothes, trendy clothes and to fit in. I remember how desperately I wanted those Jordache jeans when I was 12 - the kind you used pliers to zip - but my Mom refused. She eventually gave in and I got a pair for my 14th birthday - I wore them everyday. I don't want my girls to feel they don't have the right clothes. Which I know, is superficial and not a good life lesson, but tween and teen years are hard enough, I just want them to feel good about what they are wearing - in case you forgot, girls are mean.

Since we moved, I have been overwhelmed by just how much stuff everyone has - and as you may remember from previous posts, I don't like stuff. I have been weeding out and sorting. I have a big pile going on ebay after Christmas. Yesterday I went to the mall to do some Christmas shopping - I really haven't bought anything for anyone except the kids and Christmas is 10 days away. I so did not want to be there. I did not enjoy myself one bit. I had my coupons and was ready to go. But when I got there, I didn't like anything I saw! I left the mall after 2.5 hours with a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt for my son. That's it! In past years, my kids got everything on their Santa list and then some. I usually get so caught up in the season, that I just go overboard. Not this year - the desire is just not there to go crazy. Everyone is pretty much getting everything on their list. A few small extras and that is it.

Today I am off again - this time to find gifts for my brother, sister and their spouses- plus MIL and SIL, oh and hubby who doesn't want anything (me either) but I think needs to have something to open Christmas day. I am so done with shopping - something I never thought I would ever say.