Christmas? When Did That Happen?

I don't know about anyone else, but I can't even wrap my head around the fact that it's December 4! Of course, it's cold as all get-out here in Richmond, finally. And yes, we did travel to Massachusetts for Thanksgiving - as long as I've been alive it is exatly one month before Christmas.

Not sure what's up except that we have had a very busy, bustling, joyous, hectic, gratifying, trying, growth-filled year! Don't get me wrong: I LIVE for Christmas typically! I'm looking forward to baking like mad throughout the coming days. We have an open house on Christmas Eve every year and typically have between 60 and 70 friends stop by for a few minutes or a few hours. Then we go to the 11:00 candlelight service at church.

Let's see, my husband's step-dad passed away this summer. My daughter's September wedding literally took the first 9 months of the year for planning and preparation -- in wonderful and beautiful ways. We gained a great son-in-law (and we adore his family). My son began college and we finally got some definitive answers about some learning issues he's been dealing with. The list of activities goes on and on and I won't bore anyone with all the minor ups and downs and all we've learned and rejoiced in, grieved and lived and learned.

Long, long way to the point of this post! Christmas shopping for me is becoming an emergent situation! I'm figuring that may be the case for some of you as well. In the past year or so I've written four articles about gift-giving for various occasions and for different people. I thought the information in the articles might be helpful, especially if there is that one person in your life for whom you can never think of anything new to purchase.

Here are the links to the articles on Associated Content:

10 Best Christmas presents under $25 for a woman 

A different twist on giving gifts 

Unique inexpensive gifts for the hard to buy for on your list

Thoughtful gifts for college students.

Hope this information will be helpful. I would love to hear from you your suggestions along these lines as well.  Let's all help each other out!