I know it's a bit early, but I don't know when I'll have a decent amount of time before Christmas to play online. My parents are staying with us until after New Year's- when they will rent a condo. Once their house in VA sells, they will buy a house. Anyway, we are also going to Lake Tahoe for Christmas this year (my brothers arranged a family getaway- it should be interesting!) So I wanted to leave my holiday wishes with you all just in case I don't get another chance...

Not exactly Gatch...but these gave me a giggle... Nambu reindeer!

I like them all! Happy Holidays to all.

Have a great time and don't sweat the small stuff.

Have a wonderful time, Springie! Enjoy your vacation!

Love the pics Springie, hope you have a fantastic time over the holidays!

I hope you have a terrific holiday, Springie!

Enjoy yourself at Lake Tahoe, Springie. Merry Christmas to all.

Have fun, O Springed One!

You did me a great favor, Springie, as I was thinking of sending my own early wishes to everyone, too, just in case! I wish you and your family all the best and do enjoy your holidays! Many thanks for sharing your lovely pictures with us! Again, the very best of wishes to everyone and to all your loved ones! May all have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Life's been more than hectic for me these last few weeks, between increased cake work (following a small advertisement and due to the season!), family and Dad's commitments and so on, so it really means a lot to me, that of letting you know that, as the song goes, you are always in my mind! Am just looking forward for a small break, hopefully some day soon, in order to catch up with things here!

I'm glad that if things have been hectic for you, Marie, that it has been because of making cakes, and not other (more stressful) things. I hope you are able to take a moment to enjoy the season with your children, as I know you like to do. We are thinking of you as well.

Even though I really need a holiday right now and am looking forward to a few weeks off, I really feel like I don't have time for one at the moment. 13 days away and I have not started my christmas shopping. I imagine I am going to be one of those last minute shoppers this year in the store on December 24 hunting for things to buy.

Online shopping! It's the only way to go!

*hugs* Marie and Cloud, one step at a time!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Online shopping! It's the only way to go!

But they still need to give you some idea of what they want.

Originally posted by Becky Rock

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Online shopping! It's the only way to go!

But they still need to give you some idea of what they want.

Don't you use your awesome telepathic abilities?

Originally posted by Becky Rock

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Online shopping! It's the only way to go!

But they still need to give you some idea of what they want.

Exactly, and it is kind of hard to find a gift for 70+ year old parents who seem to have everything. I had thought about getting tickets to one of the theatre performances going on in town, but considering they are not in town over the winter that would not work. And who knows if the shows would still be playing in the spring when they return. Tickets are not available for that far in the future. For my brother it is a little easier since he moved into a new home just over a year ago, but it would help to know the colour scheme in his house. And since he rarely relays information of that sort (any information for that matter) it makes it harder. EW, at the moment telepathic abilities would really be helpful.

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by Becky Rock

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Online shopping! It's the only way to go!

But they still need to give you some idea of what they want.

Exactly, and it is kind of hard to find a gift for 70+ year old parents who seem to have everything. I had thought about getting tickets to one of the theatre performances going on in town, but considering they are not in town over the winter that would not work. And who knows if the shows would still be playing in the spring when they return. Tickets are not available for that far in the future. For my brother it is a little easier since he moved into a new home just over a year ago, but it would help to know the colour scheme in his house. And since he rarely relays information of that sort (any information for that matter) it makes it harder. EW, at the moment telepathic abilities would really be helpful.

We've got the same problem with the in-laws, so we're looking into giving them a weekend at a B&B in my father-in-laws home town for the next time they visit there. I suggested Jeff Dunham tickets as he'll be in Atlanta 9 Jan, but then they'd have to drive into Atlanta (they live about 40 miles north of Atlanta) and they hate to do that.

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by Becky Rock

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Online shopping! It's the only way to go!

But they still need to give you some idea of what they want.

Don't you use your awesome telepathic abilities?

I only write about telepaths, unfortunately.

Thank you, Springie! All the best to you and your family, and all the best to all you Gatchamaniacs, for a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Don't know about your family - but one of the items I consider every few years is reprovisioning the linens in the kitchen or bath.... Those items around my family tend to wear out and are low on the replacement list.... Better than dust collectible knick-knacks!

This year I sent a mixed fruit basket from Harry & David to both my folks and my bro and his family. I know my brother is trying to eat healthily, none of the food sensitivies or allergies in my family involve fruit, my dad has a lesser appetite due to chemo but loves fruit, etc. And if they don't like the basket they can use it later to give a gift to someone else. If people are having company, then something like that also provides noshes for everyone.

Originally posted by clouddancer Exactly, and it is kind of hard to find a gift for 70+ year old parents who seem to have everything. I had thought about getting tickets to one of the theatre performances going on in town, but considering they are not in town over the winter that would not work. And who knows if the shows would still be playing in the spring when they return. Tickets are not available for that far in the future. For my brother it is a little easier since he moved into a new home just over a year ago, but it would help to know the colour scheme in his house. And since he rarely relays information of that sort (any information for that matter) it makes it harder.

CD: Do your parents like to eat out? Do they have a favorite restaurant? Perhaps a gift certificate or a gift card might work? I know a lot of older folks tell me at that age, they like practical things--stuff they use all the time,etc. Most of the time they say "We don't need anything". LOL.

I found this list some time ago and it has proven helpful for me in selecting gifts for my parents! http://voices.yahoo.com/top-10-gifts-senior-citizens-best-senior-gifts-6988056.html?cat=12 And like Chris, I often resort to food gifts for people if I don't know what else they might want. The best part is, if they like it, you can send the same thing again next year!

I like the idea of an edible gift basket. Only I suspect, since I will be visiting, the food items will be given to me while I am there. Hehehe. Redbird I love the idea you had of a gift card to one of their more frequented restaurants. I can't say favourite since the one they enjoy going to all the time is an independent Japanese restaurant, located only in their town, so I would not be able to check and see if they have gift cards. I suspect they would not though. TJ - thank you for posting that link. I saw a couple of other things that I could also look into purchasing. Like puzzles or Sudoko books. And the mention of large print books made me think of prepaid cards (if such exists) for their Ereader.

Glad you liked the gift card idea, CD.

Originally posted by clouddancer I like the idea of an edible gift basket. Only I suspect, since I will be visiting, the food items will be given to me while I am there. Hehehe.

Hmmmm. Instead of doing a "traditional" gift basket, how about this: There is something called "Edible Arrangements". They look like flowers but they're made of fruit (pineapple, melon,etc.), cut into shapes like stars, or crescents etc. Some pieces are chocolate dipped. I've had them before, and found the fruit very good. They are a bit expensive, but they have a website if you want to take a gander. I also like the idea of puzzle books, and things like that. I did that once for someone and they really liked it!

Originally posted by clouddancer Redbird I love the idea you had of a gift card to one of their more frequented restaurants. I can't say favourite since the one they enjoy going to all the time is an independent Japanese restaurant, located only in their town, so I would not be able to check and see if they have gift cards. I suspect they would not though.

Don't write off the restaurant just yet. Try calling them. My mother-in-law has managed to get us gift certificates to our favourite sushi place and it's an independent that's only here as well. She calls from Ontario (we're in BC) and arranges it.

Originally posted by ChrisW *hugs* Marie and Cloud, one step at a time!

*hugs* CW!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I'm glad that if things have been hectic for you, Marie, that it has been because of making cakes, and not other (more stressful) things. I hope you are able to take a moment to enjoy the season with your children, as I know you like to do. We are thinking of you as well.

*Hugs* TJ! I know you are!

My holidays began today. In Ontario all teachers had an unpaid day today, so that meant I did not need to go into work and I went out and did my Christmas shopping. Tomorrow I will head to my parents for the holiday and will not return home until sometime between Christmas and New years. I may be able to visit here a little during that time, but if I can't get on, I hope everyone has a great time with their family and friends.

have a good holiday CD

Have a great time cloud!

I hope you all will enjoy great holidays in the true Christmas spirit of cheer and peace. (I wish I could see lake Tahoe too. Must be awesome) I've sent my last Christmas postcards today, but like Cloud I'll probably do a last minute shopping. At least I know what I'll get. New watercolours for my mum, some audiobook for dad (since he's wheelchair-bound and almost blind) and a new saw for my mom's boyfriend. I've already visited the urn with my brother's ashes, took him out and had a beer with him in the cemetery park (which earned me a cold). I was thinking about drawing some Christmas-themed Gatch picture, but I just can't think of anything. (I'm almost done with drawing Jun in a miko outfit though) Well, at least I've got plenty of wine. :>

Sounds like you've got yourself in a good place, Victoria!

Wishing you lovely and relaxing holidays with your family, CD! I know that I'd love to meet you here when you'd be able to check in! Victoria ... you seem that you have things sorted out well! Here's wishing you all the best, and some happy Christmas shopping, even though I think that you must have it all sorted out, too, at this point in time!

I just want to take a moment to wish each and every one of you .... Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays all.

Merry Christmas to all!

Wishing everyone here a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.