I hope that everyone had a lovely day yesterday! We did, and for that, I am grateful.

We joked about shopping off and on all day yesterday. The number of ads that came with the newspaper was unbelievable, and I must have gotten 20 emails with the subject heading "Free Shipping." Those retailers are desperate, but times like these just make me want to save more.

I did use the opportunity of spending the day with family to discuss the next holiday. My husband and I already discussed Christmas with the kids and the kids agreed that they would rather save money for a trip, so we're not doing much in the way of gifts. My younger children did ask for new pajamas and slippers, which I can do. And all the kids will get something from Santa, but we decided as a family that none of us really needed much.

So I talked to the grandparents, and I let them know that we would be giving them stocking stuffers... a few little treats, but not much. I asked them to do the same for us, but we'll see. I threw it out there, at least, and warned them not to expect anything huge from us.

I'm excited to get planning on the stocking stuffers and ways to be creative and frugal with the kids. I have a present box that I use to stash cool items that I find throughout the year for the kids, and there are a few things in it.

I feel really great about this. My kids, husband and I really don't need anything, save some new batteries and a new roof (not that Christmas-y, though!) We can always wear more clothes, but we don't need them. We can always read more books, but we don't need them. We can always watch more movies, but we don't need them. We have so much compared to so many.

One daughter has been saving for an electronic item for a few months, and with the sales that are going on today, she has enough money. Lucky for us, it's at a smaller store that is close by, so we won't have to be heading to malls or shopping centers. My husband has volunteered to take her, so I plan to stay home and work on Christmas projects.

We are planning to cook a turkey tomorrow. It will roast while we decorate the tree! I was amazed to read that so many consider mashed potatoes to be a favorite. Honestly, I could live without those! But I'm looking forward to the stuffing and sweet potatoes!

We made it through the day yesterday with no heat. When the pies were done baking, I left the oven open. With that, and all the people in here, it was 72 degrees when I went to bed. We're back to 63 this morning, but I'm pretty confident we can make it three more days!

And the kids are so excited because they KNOW we're going to win!! And I did break the news that there isn't a prize, and they're still motivated!

Have a great day, everyone!