Christmas Around the Corner

It's October!  And thus begins the happiest months of the year for me!  

School is going smoothly.

The weather is slowly changing.

I'm almost due and have an excuse to wear comfy pants at any time and on any day. 

It's the season of adding pumpkin to anything and everything.

I've been freezer cooking to stock my freezer for the weeks following this little guys' arrival.

I'm starting to Christmas shop (a little behind this year).

I'm finishing up my first ebook.

My kids are enjoying soccer.

My husband is as hot as ever. 

And I'm just generally enjoying life.

I'm feeling more prepared food-wise just because I've at least started to freezer cook.  But it's this whole Christmas thing that's got me a little bit worried this year.  Last year, we did an entirely homemade Christmas.  Almost every gift was hand made, and our kids enjoyed it.  I really don't want our kids (or us) to fall into the trap of needing "stuff" or the newest, coolest toy or whatever.  We kept it simple, frugal, fun, and personal.  

That being said, I have no clue what to do this year!  I love the homemade stuff, but I also love other little fun things, too.  It just takes a bit of time to shop for good deals and what-not so that Christmas doesn't come with a big price-tag.

 Last week, I found these antique jewelry pieces on Amazon for just $1.59 shipped!  They had a whole bunch of different styles to choose from, but I just chose one for myself and one for a gift.  It's just one thing, but hey, it's a start!

I shared last week about how I am using my Swagbucks to earn free Amazon gift cards.  If I keep my eyes open, I seem to find great deals on Amazon here or there, which are perfect for Christmas.  I also have Amazon Prime, so I get free 2-day shipping on almost anything, which really makes shopping online much more cost-effective.  If you've never tried Amazon Prime before, I highly suggest it!  They are offering a free 30-day trial right now (perfect to get some of those Christmas gifts shipped for free!) and it also includes access to their shows and movies (kind of like Netflix).  You also get a huge discount on diapers (20%, I think).

So basically, I'm clueless about Christmas this year and I have no clue when I'll have time to make stuff for my kiddos.  I'm stalking Amazon for great deals, and hoping my house gets decorated at the end of November.

Have you started preparing for Christmas yet?  If not, when do you start?