Very sparingly. LOL Normally, I don't step foot in a store without knowing what I'm looking for. I'm not really a "browse around" type of shopper...I'm a get in, get what I need, and get out type of girl. I will spend more $$ to buy something quickly and in a comfortable (ie, not busy or bustling) environment just because it's worth it to me. If I see an item I've been waiting to buy on sale somewhere else at a higher price, I'll get it - saving the gas and frustration is totally worth the extra $$, IMO. Making most of my gifts means I don't have to shop as much, which I like a lot. LOL This year I have a book I need to buy for a gift, and some little stocking stuffers for my mom (I've already bought the usual christmas coffee samples for it), and some small gifts like a gift cert. to the dog groomer for one of their dogs, cat and dog treats, maybe some candles or potpourri. Luckily most of the women in my family read, so books are always an option - I like bookstores, so that is an easy shopping trip (though I end up buying myself stuff too - expensive). If I have to *buy* the gift, it will usually be something small from a smaller-type store, rather than something from department stores or mall stores. I try to keep bought gifts under $25 or so, but I try to get something the person will really like and appreciate, not just a "token" gift (which is why actually *shopping* drives me nuts LOL). Handmade gifts are a different story - I think nothing of spending $50 on yarn for an afghan or sweater, plus the time it takes to make. ;-) I don't do much shopping online, really - just books if possible. But I don't buy for that many people, so it's really not necessary (there are about 10-11 people on my christmas gift list...that's it). When I do go to the stores, it's usually early Sat. morning or in the evenings...sometimes I'll take a half-day on a Friday or something to shop if need be, but I never shop the day after thanksgiving or those type days. I do shop after Christmas sales if I have the $$...normally they aren't too busy, and it's a great time to find stuff for next year. :-)

Having children playing with candles may encourage them with the idea of playing with matches, later. Not a good idea, as that's the cause of many house fires. Maybe a good Thanksgiving/Christmas gift with which to endow yourself might be to give up smoking - remember how many house fires are started by people smoking - especially smoking in bed? Ruined clothing, as well - but then, your friends who can't figure what to give you wouldn't need to wrack their brain so much. Hey - what am I doing - giving you (even a thin) excuse to continue smoking - when you know how bad it may be not only for you but for others around you? A happy Holiday to all of you U.S. people. ole joyful

My neighbor switched to LED outdoor Christmas lights last year. What I didn't like was how puny the light was....toooooo dim. Big contrast between our C9 reds and his LEDs. We usually run four or five strands of outdoor lights 24 hours a day for the month. We turn off the regular outdoor lights for December. In the house, the tree and a lighted garland and a couple of small lighted things are the extent of it. Our electric bill doesn't rise that much...a couple of dollars from the lights. One of the keys is that we turn off our regular outdoor lamp post and garage light. Indoors one lamp doesn't get used during Christmas. It's a trade-off. We are slowly replacing all our incandesent bulbs in the house. I'll miss the warmth of the old bulbs, but the new energy savers are looking better and better each year. For now, the LEDs are staying in the stores. Someday....maybe..... Here is a link that might be useful: Creative Soul

Love that diagram, Sophie! I went halfway. I used a small "home services" firm that did the tear out, plumbing, electrical, wall repair, window, and other installations. I planned (with GW help), sourced and bought the cabinets, granite (with installation), hardware, sink, faucet, and light fixtures; decided on (at the last minute) to refinish the floor so found floor people; and did the painting myself. This approach saved me nearly $10k over the quotes from both full service companies that would include plans and contractors who would execute my plan but source and perform all. Note that my remodel was not extensive, was in a smaller space, no change in footprint, just repositioning some appliances which did require moving the gas line and adding a window, lights, outlets and switches. There were delays due to me, about the floor decision and getting that scheduled, and changes in the planned counter material which the home service company was able to work around (thankfully). My only complaint in the end was with the counter granite installer -- who came highly recommended, but didn't do the quality of work that I'd seen here on GW, but who did fix what could be fixed. Still, saving $10K was worth the mild disappointment IMO.