gearing up for Christmas

yes. in september. don't judge.

the thing is, i really like buying people nice gifts. my soul sister lauren says it's cause i'm materialistic and i like to receive gifts so much. while, i do enjoy a nice present, i must disagree with the materialistic thing. i just like for me and those around me to have nice things! is that such a crime?

so here is how, more than three months in advance, i am already preparing.

1. i have started buying my service christmas gifts. at church, we have the opportunity to buy specific gifts for needy families in our area. there are four families my ward is responsible for so i took four items to buy, all dresses. i took them early and i took dresses specifically because i am avid shopper. this does not mean that i am avid buyer. i check particular places at least once a week for their sales. target for example. i look at target at least twice a week because they have a 75% off rack. sometimes, there are AMAZING things on that rack, and i buy stuff. more often, there are not and i don't buy things. it's very hit or miss. but to find those amazing things, you must look often. well, i looked today and found the cutest modest dress for an 11 year old in her size and i bought it. 1 down 3 to go.

2. i bought my sisters Christmas gift. this is entering into unmarked territory. i have never purchased a Christmas gift for a family member this far in advance. let me just say, i am proud of myself. i cannot give to many details but i will tell you this much: i COULD NOT pass this up. not that it won't be there closer to Christmas but why wait? seriously the most perfect gift from here. they were however in no way on sale (and no, they won't go on sale) so now matt and i have 1 down, cause this gift will definitely be from the both of us.

3. i bought all the ribbon i'm going to use to wrap my gifts. again, i am a major sucker for a sale. i went to carolina pottery and there was all this beautiful ribbon in huge quantities for $2 a spool. i couldn't pass it up. now i'm on the hunt for beautiful and Christmassy gold wrapping paper because the ribbon is a spool of deep pink and deep purple. let me know if you find any at a good price!

4. i am handing out Christmas recital music to all of my students this week and next. this means i have been playing a lot of Christmas songs on the piano and of course, singing along. this is more out of necessity than desire. i want each of them to play 2 songs, 1 spiritual and 1 fun, and i expect them to memorize them so in order for those to be realistic expectations of 5-12 year olds, they need time. i'm really excited about it though. it's going to be an excellent evening! (more details to come)

hopefully i keep this trend of being proactive up! it's not only exciting now but it will be really exciting when i avoid all the craziness that is december shopping. now... if i could only think of what to get matt early i could get that gift out of the way.... got any ideas for an awesome Christmas gift for a husband? let me know!