I was done in Sept. other than the cooking and freezing of meals we did for the in-laws. That was done two weeks ago.

I was done before Thanksgiving. Thank you internets.

Me. I really only have to buy for my sister and one or two others. My sister I sorted out when I visited her the other week. We went shopping and she chose her own gifts.

The only thing I still have to get is a couple of trays of cat food for the local cat shelter, and while I'm in Costco buying those, I'll pick up one of those tower of treats things (chocolates, mince pies, pannetone, etc.) for a friend. They're only £9.99, but look a million dollars, all beautifully boxed and ribboned together.

I'm re-gifting a couple of things this year. The photo frame my sister gave me this year is too fussy for my taste, but I one of my cat-sitting neighbours will love it. And a year or two ago someone gave me a pendant and earrings made of abalone, which doesn't suit my colouring, so I've never worn them. But I have a friend who has blue/green eyes and wears a lot of aqua/turquoise shades, so I'll give those to her.

Last year when I was in Ohio I visited a friend just before Christmas who'd been given one of those big trays of fruit, chocolate cherries, nuts, etc. She was going away to a hotel for the holidays, so she gave it me to take back to the farm, where it was a big hit with Diane's kids and nephews. So I've ordered one online for delivery to her just before Christmas.

And that's it. Done.

The only thing I have to do is cards. I'm hoping the return address labels I ordered the other day arrive soon, so I can get the cards all written and posted in good time for last posting dates.

The Great Brain books are BRILLIANT. Well chosen!

Christmas? Is it Christmas-time already?

Me!

Everyone's getting cards or letters, and I just went and got a whole heap of stamps from the post office.

A few special snowflakes will be receiving some photos as well, which I've made into a photo book and have ready to order and be shipped.

Yay holidays!

WTF. I have not started.

I actually buy Christmas presents the whole year round (I have heaps of people that I buy presents for, plus we always sponsor needy families in the area - for no more altruistic reasons than that I enjoy buying things for other people. Altruistic materialism?). I am not done yet, but I am nearly there. I just can't figure out what to get for my son. He pretty much has everything he wants. I have gotten him tons of books, but I know that come Christmas morning, and all he does is open up book after book, I am definitely going to get that "Mom, wtf?!" stare from him for days afterward. I guess there is this game, Mass Effect that he wants. I just need to wrap the whole lot and complete my Christmas cards. Goddamn! I loves me some Christmas!

Your type really makes me sick ;)

Or, what typewriter said.

The Great Brain books are BRILLIANT.

You're right about that - after I bought them, I flipped through a few pages at the bus stop to see if they were as good as I remembered, and quickly turned back to buy my own copies.