So far I have purchased 2 gift cards for my neighbor and roomate, and 3 gift certificates/cards for my sister and some of the kids. I have also purchased several individual samplers of belgium chocolate and items that they can't buy where they live to send in a box. I got myself a DVD for NCIS on sale.

I put up my tree, which is the same one I've used for years, and put up lights, and have been going to matins and vespers services. I feel so excited about the season.

I will send only a few cards, to out-of-town friends.

My Emergency Unemployment account is up to $4K. I'm so excited. My yearly billing account is up to $1000. So I am not just saving to pay off the ex-spouse, but to also provide for emergencies. I still have aways to go.

I paid extra on my mortgage and still haven't received credit for the additional principal. I am continuing to look for this. Definite follow-up items.

I did receive the $20 credit from my car repair that I argued for. I spent it on a sprouter and some herbalism items and some health food flours I use.

I notice now that I'm buying Christmas presents, I really have to stick to the budget or I would overspend. I see so many little things I would like to buy people, but I have to say no. Presents is only a small part of Christmas.

Sunday was the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas, who is the real Santa Claus. Do you know how the legend of coming down the chimney started. He was secretly helping people in his congregation, and in those days, if you didn't have a dowry you couldn't get married. One poor man in his parish had 3 daughters and was in such bad shape, he was considering selling them as slaves, which would have meant a life of prostitution.

So Nicholas snuck to their house at night and tossed a bag a gold down their chimney - it was enough for a dowry for the eldest daughter. He continued this till he paid dowrys for all three daughters.

Not quite the same as buying things you don't need with money you don't have, is it?