The huswife's guide to

Here in Canada, Thanksgiving came and went in October, and Black Friday has always been an American thing. We get Boxing Day sales instead. Over the past few year's we've also been lucky enough to get Cyber Monday sales over here. This year is different - not only will I be a short 3 hours from Fargo this year for these sales, but almost everywhere major retailer in Canada is offering some kind of Black Friday deals. Granted, they're not quite the same as the states, and we certainly won't get as many interesting trampling stories, but half priced EXPEDIT shelves from IKEA is very tempting. But of course, I'm on a budget so...

Black Friday is the "official" start to holiday shopping. Here in Canada we've been thinking Christmas since November 12th, out Neighbours to the South had to wait to give thanks. Now that they're so appreciative of what they have, it's time to go shopping! Seems kind of wacked to me, but then again, so is the Canadian "we just got a bunch of presents yesterday let's go shopping!" Boxing Day mentality. I typically only pick up wrapping paper the odd Christmas decoration for next year, but I digress. Black Friday occurs at a time of year where we're all motivated to buy.

You don't even need to be close to the stores to shop. Online retails offer free shipping and insane discounts with no lines. Most places have started posting deals this week to get you to order now, then again on Friday. They want your money.

So this year while you're being bombarded by the awesome sales and Black Friday marketing, remember these questions:

1. Do I really need this?
If the answer is yes, it's a real need, then maybe it's a good time to buy. Half priced mittens if you kid doesn't have any is a fantastic deal. If you already have three pairs it's a waste.

2. How badly do I want it (or will they want it if it's a gift)
If you don't need it move on to this.

3. What will have to sacrifice to get this?
Space? Money you don't have? Work more? Dinner out?

4. What will happen if I don't get this?
Usually nothing.

Just because the sales are short term, think about everything you're buying! Don't let the pursuit of stuff get in the way of your goals.

Better yet, don't shop at all. Don't look. Just spend time with your family.

Finally my kids have hit an age where they can handle kid movies that are not animated, hurray! We just watched Jumanji and are watching Muppet's Treasure Island tonight. Here are our favorite holiday movies that we'll be watching with our kids throughout December.

1. Elf
   

2. Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
   

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas
   
4. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
   

5. An Elf's Story: The Elf on the Shelf
   

6. Muppet's Christmas Carol
   

7. The Santa Clause
   

8. Jack Frost

9. Frosty the Snowman
   
10. Frosty Returns
    
11. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
    
12. The Year Without Santa Claus
    
13. The Santa Clause 2
    
14. Rise of the Guardians
    
15. The Nutcracker
    
16. Mickey's Christmas Carol
    
17. Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too
    
18. The Nightmare Before Christmas
    
19. The Santa Clause 3
    
20. The Polar Express
    
21. Miracle on 34th Street
    
22. Mrs. Santa Claus
    
23. A Christmas Story
    
24. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
    

This year I'm trying to tone down the usual craziness and limit the store bought gifts while remaining as frugal as possible. I've put much more thought into gift selection for my three kids this year. Here's what will be arriving under the tree:

Skylanders Giants and 2 extra Skylanders 

A Book For Each Kid

Super Mario 3D World

Second Hand Finds

Stocking Stuffers

It snowed buckets here in southern Manitoba this weekend! Here are some ways to keep the little ones outdoors during those not too cold winter days without much prep-work or involvement.

1. Snow Spray-Painting
   Grab some plastic spray bottles and fill with water. Add a few drops of food colouring to each one. Any colour will work but make one of each red, yellow, and blue for some colour mixing fun.
   
2. Shoveling
   My kids love to shovel. Have them see how high they can build a tower or dig a hole, or grab some bucks of various sizes for them to fill and dump. Use kid sized snow shovels or your beach toys!
   
3. Snow ShapesHave the kids make all kinds of shapes in the snow - snow angels, tracks, circles, elephants - whatever.
   
4. Snow Maze/Path
   Stomp out a maze or path for the kids to follow through the snow.
   
5. Pull Out the Sled
   Kids have fun pulling the sled around the yard and filling it with whatever they find.
   
6. Make a Snow Fort
   Kids of any ages will have fun building up snow walls and making a little snow fort or house.
   
7. Examine Snowflakes
   See all the different shapes they have.
   
8. Play Archaeologist
   See what you can unearth under the snow.
   
9. Look For Tracks
   Seek out animal tracks in your yard. Try and guess what made them.
   
10. Build a Snowman
    It wouldn't be winter without building a snowman!