Irene & I decided several years ago to skip the commercial Christmas and mainly spend on presents for the children (ours as well as the nieces and nephews). We usually have a big houseful of kids at my mom's place for Christmas eve and then one of the brother-in-laws dresses up as Santa and passes out presents.
Personally, I hate fighting the crowds, finding parking, etc. All the "normal" stuff of Christmas shopping. Its not romantic but I give Irene a big gift card from Metrotown mall and then she can do all her Boxing Day shopping without spending a cent of her money. Added benefit is that she doesn't complain about my going Boxing Day shopping at J&L and the other LFS.
The plus side of the Christmas season starting earlier is that we can take the kids to Mandeville Garden Works (the local nursery) and they have a huge section with Christmas trees and other decorations all set up already.
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If you see it, can take care of it, better get it or put it on hold. Otherwise, it'll be gone & you'll regret it!
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