This year I'm actually having an easier time with my girl age 8 almost 9. She seems to be working away from crappy little toys that just get broken or pieces lost. she is moving towards being a girly girl. I have a new skirt and blouse for her (though I must say it is getting harder to find clothes that are not meant for the "Pre-teen slut"), her very own hair dryer, some real make-up (she is not allowed out of the house wearing make-up, but she and her girly friends like to play dress up at the house), some real spa items like a manicure set, and the often scoffed at socks and underwear that every child in our family for generations receive from Santa Claus.

This year is tight though. Hubby is unemployed right now (anyone know a good executive level IT head hunter?) and I have been a mostly stay at home mom. We will manage, but Christmas will not be what it's been in years past, that's for sure.

Merry Christmas
Mary
http://www.fortheloveofbaking.com