The day after.

[DRG]

Christmas is done and over with, for the most part, for another year. I'm sure, with the economy being what it is, there were many disappointed people this year. Paula and I did not exchange gifts this year and Michelle and the kids are at Disney World for Christmas.

Now that it's over some people will be struggling to figure out how they are going to pay for it. I think that is a darned shame but it seems to be the way we are conditioned. Christmas means buying gifts for people. I know as a child my parents always saw to it that I had a nice Christmas.

It's now time for a lot of people to start thinking about the coming New Year, evaluating where they are now and where they want to be this time next year. I know for Paula and I there were good spots in 2010 and some really rough ones. But we made it this far.

I don't know what 2011 holds for any of us but I do know that we are the ones in charge of that. We may have to cut back some more, watch our finances a little closer and not eat out as often.

Perhaps I won't buy as many models and supplies as I did this year.

It may even come to shutting down the internet and satellite TV.

But this time next year we will still be here, God willing.

[oldscool]

I work at a retail store (not Walmart!) and it saddens me to see how much people allow themselves to be stressed out by Christmas. Even though all the commercialism helps to keep me in a job, I wish we could get back to the true meaning of the holiday.

Edited December 27, 2010 by oldscool

[Jon Cole]

The holiday is way too stressful. This year I was running around looking for what amounted to worthless trinkets just so I could fill the wifes Christmas stocking. Why? Such a hassle. We have no kids, but my wife loves Christmas.

I already suggested to her that next year, we are doing a "3 & 3"... three wrapped gifts under the tree, and three items in the stocking. She agreed. Yeaaa!

[Agent G]

MrsG and I are drinking coffee, and discussing all sorts of mundane topics this morning.

We did not exchange gifts per mutual agreement. We took care of the kids and grandkids (spoiled).

Tomorrow is her birthday, she wants NOTHING, but I did obtain a card for her.

Commercialism has spoiled the season, therefore we look inward and thank God for our lives together and the blessings we have.

G

[Greg Cullinan]

The day after is the best day.

Everyone is much more relaxed,

kids are enjoying their gifts.

Didn't have to wake at 4:30 to open presents

We have a winter storm coming that they are making a huge deal about

so maybe I'll have another day to enjoy the family.

[parki]

Times are indeed hard at the moment. I did not buy nor receive any gifts this year as I just couldn’t afford it at all. So I told friends and family not to buy me anything also as there all struggling too. Hopefully next year will be better.

[imatt88]

The Misses and I are just relaxing today.

[Nova-ss]

My sweetie and I are just resting from christmas day.the miss's loves christmas....I don't care for the stores view on it and will not subscribe to it.but we did things different then we have in the past and sweetie likes it better this year then the others...so that what we will do for now on.I'm thankful for what health that sweetie and I do have and be able to eat and have a place to rest in.our three daughter I love more then any words could ever descibe....so things are just fine.thanks,Chris

[Clay]

We always say to get nothing for each other and just focus on the kids. However I always, for some reason, get her something. Next year, will probably be the same thing. I will try harder not to get her anything. No promises though.

[Eshaver]

Hey folks, not meanin to brag, I've received two offers from a meuseuem in California to do exibits for the comming year , one proposal to do a four part article on building the Revell 1949 Custom Mercury for the magazine and then, I'll be producing some new diorama accessories for a noted member here on the forum. I spent waht I had on my son and my wife ,everyone knew I was n't looking for anything except to see the joy from me seeing their joy upon opening some real thought on suprises for them . yes , I spend all year picking out things here an there for folks too. hey, I got coffee and I got most of the use of my body even though I have severe health issues . Life goes on . "See Ya on the Road folks " Ed Shaver

[mikemodeler]

The day after here in Charlotte saw about 2 inches of snow at our house. Got the call early this morning that church was cancelled so we hung out at home. My teenage kids looked around for friends and their winter gear to go out and play in the new snow before it melts (calling for 60 degrees by Friday!).

I headed upstairs to the model area and worked on some projects for most of the afternoon while I watched/listened to the Bears/Jets game. The family kind of went their own way throughout the day and we got together to eat dinner at 6 PM.

I didn't get much for X-mas and that is fine as I have been blessed to have most everything I need. My birthday is this Tuesday and I really do not need anything. My wife is saying how she HAS to get me SOMETHING and I remind her that I don't need a thing. I would rather spend the day with them or tinkering on my hobby desk than to get another T shirt or pair of socks.

Like so many others have stated, I have plenty and really need to simplify my life. I have discussed with my wife the need to cut back on our spending and start saving more, and reducing our holiday spending is one area we agree on. She found some great "day after" deals online today and she is proud that she has about a third of next years' X-mas shopping done and saved 50% in the process. While I wanted to argue that we shouldn't spend the money 364 days ahead of time, she was able to convince me to do it and save the money now.

She has a hard time some days with my model building because I am content being alone "in my own little world" while she craves for interaction like playing a board game or cards. It is a hard balance to achieve as there is something to be said for marital harmony!

[Junkman]

I'll never eat again. Ever.

[Aaronw]

My wife and I usually just give each other token gifts for Christmas / Birthdays / Anniversaries. As with most adults we buy ourselves what we want throughout the year so finding a a real "gift" is not that easy.

My son's birthday is in May so we have January - May to buy his birthday presents, and June - December to get his Christmas presents. We don't wait until the last minute, we spread purchases over that whole time which greatly reduces stress and avoids those big shopping bills. It also means he usually gets more than he would, because we often forget how much we already have for him until it is time to wrap them.

Hey folks, not meanin to brag, I've received two offers from a meuseuem in California to do exibits for the comming year , one proposal to do a four part article on building the Revell 1949 Custom Mercury for the magazine and then, I'll be producing some new diorama accessories for a noted member here on the forum. I spent waht I had on my son and my wife ,everyone knew I was n't looking for anything except to see the joy from me seeing their joy upon opening some real thought on suprises for them . yes , I spend all year picking out things here an there for folks too. hey, I got coffee and I got most of the use of my body even though I have severe health issues . Life goes on . "See Ya on the Road folks " Ed Shaver

If the museum deals go through make sure you let us know when and where. If I can I'd like to go see the displays.

[Dave Ambrose]

It's been an unusually frugal Christmas for us. But you know, I think that's OK.

My wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I couldn't think of anything I particularly needed. The things I really wanted were activities; being out in the surf break with my kids, going on hikes, going stargazing, fishing, and of course, building models. You know, stuff that doesn't cost a whole lot of money, but has me with my family doing something fun.

We might be on to something good here. I have plenty of models in my stash; don't really "need" anything for a while.

I guess a job would have made a nice present, but I did get some good leads just before the holiday.

Despite the tough economic conditions, we still have plenty to be thankful for.