That time of year again!

I had lost my love of Christmas as a teen, I never got anything I wanted even my mum asking me what I wanted. I never asked for anything major, something only costing about 60 dollars. Or I would just say anything as long as I have lots of things to open. Things like a new diary, new bag, note books, clock etc. I have always (and still am) very easy to shop for.
Now Im a mum, and now my son is getting older I love Christmas again! From this year on Im going all out in decorating and the chance to make Christmas magical. For me, Christmas isn't about the religious side of the holiday. I dont make a big deal out of pressents, but I do like to give them things to open. I love gift giving with the family (Ok...I like reciving as well but dont get much of that), there is something about giving people gifts that make me all tingly inside.

So for this year toy sale's I have printed out a sheet for the list of people. I have written down the kids names, Ideas, accual, location and paid. Im also putting them in layby buddy sets. We have 3 kids birthdays in November. So that will all get laybied (???) together and taken off before the first kids birthday that month.
One boy has a birthday October, so his will be layby on its own or I may even get it straight away... Seeing as BigW has a no deposit layby.
We have a friends kids birthdays both in December, so their christmas and birthday pressies will be buddy upped and taken off together.
Also have an older boys birthday in October...So Im not sure about him because I probably wont get him something from a layby place...Im thinking National Geographic...Unless I can get him console games.
Then I will group our boys lot together and the rest of the family's together.
So its only 3 people I have up until Christmas from other family, I most likely will get it off sooner.  Plus my kids will be on and that will be up to as close to Christmas as I can get.

Its a bit of a screw around, you might think. For me though its alot easier. I cant leave this until last minute. Neither of us are working right now, so the income is shocking. We have to plan ahead and although we dont spend a fortune on it, this way its alot easier on the wallet!


So, how do you make the silly season easier on you? Im *trying* to start up one year putting money on a gift card each shop. Then next shop, spend that card on your (food) shopping, and put that money plus another $20 (or whatever) on a new card, rinse and repeat. However I never got around to that this year, fingers crossed for next.

Feel free to share what you do!