meredith, i'm so with you. i'm almost 30, living in new york and struggling to pay off the debt i've accumulated over the last several years (partly from going overboard at Christmas!) and also saving for the future. Christmas is stressing me out big time this year, and i used to love it. i'm seriously contemplating a different tack this year - writing nice, meaningful notes/letters and baking cookies or making gifts for everyone on my list. i love to write, bake AND be creative, so i figure it's a win-win: hopefully my friends and family will appreciate the thoughtfulness (as opposed to a gift bought in a panic that they'll forget about in two weeks) and i won't lose my mind (and too much of my hard-earned cash!) during the holiday season. we'll see how it goes.... and tell matt to stop gloating.

mb

I like to make homemade food gifts when possible. What is your favorite holiday recipe?

Hi Meredith,
I just wanted to tell you how happy it makes me to see you every day on the Today show. You are a real woman - despite being incredibly gorgeous, you seem to reflect all of us. Thank you for that.

I also wanted to ask, what was that gorgeous purplish blouse you were wearing today? I loved it. Where can I get one!

Take care,
Julia

It's easy. First of all, Meredith, you have access to those items featured on TODAY'S gift segments. Right there is a wealth of ideas. Then forget the catalogues and shop online -- much more efficient and faster. Finally, holiday giving isn't an obligation; it's a time to surprise those you love and care about. While you received a magical gift last Friday at Radio City Music Hall, why not pass on that spirit/feeling in your own way.

And, no, I am not Pollyanna! ;o)

Hey Meredith, don't you just hate those early birds!!! I have tried to organize myself this year and will share some tips with you. Like you, I look at catalogs and mark things to get and they just pile up. I have to force myself to fill out the form and keep all the papers in a folder. I won't look at another catalog until I complete the first one. By keeping a folder with what you ordered in it, you will remember when it arrives what you ordered. Also, regarding Christmas cards, I do two a day starting now till Christmas and it does not seem as overwhelming. That one really works. I also enlist the help of others to wrap gifts!

You rocked as a Rockette. I loved it.
You really are the best and it is so nice to start the day with you. Your blog is awesome just like you.

Debby

If anyone will make you remember what the true meaning of the holiday season is, its Shannon Hickey - who will be on the Today Show next Thursday. I used to babysit her (and her mom used to babysit me) and this family has forever touched my life. The holidays are really about loving one another, spending time with the people you love, not about buying them the perfect gift (which is nice though, i can't pretend). The holidays are also hugely about giving back in thanks for all that you have, so that others who are not as fortunate can have a better life.
Shannon and her mom Kelly have taught me this through their charity- Mychal's Message. The selflessness that they have shown inspires me. I can't pretend that i'm nearly as selfless as them, but i can help them in thier goals and hope that one day i'll make a difference as great as the one that they have been making.

Since my nieces and nephews were born, I found that I like to spend the Christmas Craziness watching them enjoy and get ready for the holiday so it forces me to get my shopping out of the way. There is nothing more fun than watching a child trying to figure out what is in that big box under my tree that has their name out it. I found that using the one touch organization practice to gift giving. If I see something (no matter when) I get it. I should also say that all but one niece, has birthdays right after Christmas so I have to extra pressure during the season. Of course the Christmas cards still go out on Christmas eve.

Keep up the great job Meredith. Been enjoying both Today and this blog.

My daughter's birthday is the week of Thanksgiving and my mother's is the weekend following--I always have a major Christmas panic attack as soon as I have those two celebrations behind me. Then I realize that while I was doing birthday stuff the rest of the world has been making their list and checking it twice! :)

Well Meredith, I hate to admit it but I'm right up there with Matt---I also have all my Christmas shopping already done. I love the Season, it's my favorite time of year. But I hate the crowds when you're trying to find that special gift, so I usually start in July and when I see the perfect gift, I get it. The only draw back to this is having to store it for so long, plus you miss out on the Xmas sales. I still prefer this way and you don't have the expense all at once. Then in December I go to the mall just to experience all the hustle and bustle of the Xmas season without all the stress.

By the way, I loved it when after your performance with the Rockettes, Matt said, "you really hung in there, BABE!"

Can't wait to see what you write about tomorrow.

I'm in the same boat as you. No advice here, unfortunately. Just wishing you lots of luck. I need it too!!

I confess I've been scrutinizing your every move since day one. I also confess that I swore to stop watching TODAY when Katie left, but clandestinly I was enjoying the idea of seeing you work without a net. Now its to the point where I get annoyed when Matt zings you a bit too deep. My question: After all these years, is dealing with the scrutiny involved in show-business a no brainer? I think if I got past it my success would flourish. Any tricks? I mean, what is it you tell yourself when someone points out the TP on your shoe that keeps you walking with your head held high? Thanks for letting your guard down. PS: Tell Matt to ease up, its not as adorable as he thinks. (Who said that?)

I try to shop online as much as possible. I also keep a running tally of who is remaining on my list with any ideas that I have on what to buy them. When I don't use a list, I forget someone.

We make our son write down 10 things each year and pick at least a few things from that list.

I haven't started yet. Normally, I start shopping in mid-October to get a head start on everyone.

One thing that I do each year, is make a list of who I plan to buy gifts for and keep it in my purse. Each time I think of something for that person I write it down. When I've bought something for that person, I wrap it and tag it as soon as I get home so I don't forget it who it's for and I cross their name off my list.
I also hit all the after Christmas sales that I can get too. I buy my Christmas cards for the next year then and they get stored with all my Christmas decorations for the next year. My decorations are easily accessed so I can get to my cards before I actually start decorating.
I don't actually buy any gifts until the first week of December, but that's just a personal preference. I think each year the Christmas season gets started earlier and I really hate that! I don't like buying Halloween costumes with a 6ft. Santa Claus staring down on me from across the aisle.
Good luck with all your shopping!
I truly love watching you on the Today show every morning before work.

Awww, Meredith I feel your "pain". I'm usually a last minute person too, so no advice from me......Are you exchanging gifts on the show this year? Just wondering if it's a tradition that will continue.

On an unrelated note, I must compliment you on your stunning (and endless) wardrobe. I hope this doesn't sound shallow but you're always so very well put together. I love your professional, classic, yet casual and age appropriate style. My mom and I are always commenting on how nice you look in the mornings. My mom has also been trying to find some of the dresses you've been wearing. The turquoise dress you wore yesterday was absolutely gorgeous. You've become a fashion icon! I know this might sound funny to you since you've said over and over again that you're fashion-challenged. It's hard to imagine that you are, though. So my questions to you are does the show provide a stylist for you, and do you get to keep all the outfits you wear or are they loans from top designers?...I hope that's not too invasive!

Well, all I can say is that YOU ARE perfect. After a crazy day here, it's always refreshing to read your blogs & today it's about the only thing that put a smile on you're face :)

From your #1 fan.

I stress. I eat. I curse. I buy them all gift cards. The end.

Meredith, I too was a die-hard Katie fan and still catch her on CBS now and then. You have transitioned to the Today show with a delightful balance of charisma and humility. Here's to your success and happiness in balancing a very full plate!

Hi Meredith -
I used to work at a network and let me just say you are doing an awesome job at NBC. I don't even know you but I'm excited for you. A former co-worker turned me on to your blog.

Regarding Christmas, I don't know why it's so commercial now. Here in LA, it seems like you have to get EVERYONE something from the gardner to the mailman. I am not that religious but I feel like we've lost a sense of what Christmas really is all about and that bothers me a great deal.

I think commercialism is one of the things that is wrong with this country - it's making us all crazy and making us not pay attention to what really matters in this world.

Seriously, keep up the good work and again great job!!

Best,
- JON

Hi Meredith,
I bet you were glad Matt Lauer was not on TODAY this morning (Lester Holt substituting)....one less day of Matt's gloating about his Christmas shopping victories.
While I have no advice for you, just remember that the holiday season is all about our loved ones, family and friends. And I know there will be LOTS of love in your home and in your family. :)

Joe

I am so glad you joined the Today Family! This morning your segment with Martha Stewart making Thanksgiving deserts was the best ever! I haven't laughed so hard for a long time. Thanks for showing us that many of us are not alone in not being "Holly Homemaker"!

I'm very crabby and not itno Christmas this year. I guess it's because I've really had a god awful year. I lost 2 friends this year, and many more on my police memorial, my friends are over in Iraq, a bad employment year (temping) as I just moved back home to Chicago, etc. Bah Humbug. To make matters worse, Christmas items were filling store shelves before Halloween rolled around.

Although I must say I started Deb Macomber's "Glad Tidings." I love her to death. She always gets me in the holiday spirit.

What ever happened to the days of old of just having a quiet Christmas, listening to the quiet of a snowfall, the lights on the trees, drinking egggnog, and just being together? Where has that gone? That IS the perfect gift...

Make an annual shopping date with a girlfriend, meet for breakfast, get out a list and start writing down what you are getting people. Shop all morning, stop for lunch, get out your list and start crossing off the people you have just bought for. After lunch, shop some more getting the rest of the people on your list, keep going until its dinner time, stop and eat (and drink lol) and you will be surprised at how many people on your list have been crossed off. Its a great way to spend the day with a good friend and you get most of your christmas presents purchased. Good Luck.

i how are u,take a deep breath and let it out and write a list of the people you are going to get a gift and beside the name put their hobbies so you will know what you can get them. happy holidays.

This might help. I keep a page in the back of my notebook for gift ideas. On the page are listed each of the people for whom I need to shop. Since the notebook goes with me where I go, I know that at some point I will accidentally open it on that page to remind myself to start putting some thought into this. If I am lucky, this happens around September! You can also keep this as a to-do item on your calendar and place a reminder some months in the future so that you can start thinking about it.

I find it helpful to think far in advance so that I can start listening for hints and to let my brain think it through in between tasks and during errands.

Unfortunately, I do not end up running into the stores until the last minute ...

Good luck and best wishes,
Monique

I have the perfect solution, Meredith, though it's not one I would have chosen on my own! My husband's business fell apart a year ago and he built a few houses after that in hopes of making some money to live off of while we liquidated everything. Then, the housing market crashed in our city! We were stuck with three homes that cost $400,000 each - paying interest every month on them. Long story short - we're broke! Never dreamed I'd be this broke again - I think I was this broke my first year in college. Anyway, we are going to buy gifts but we have a limit - $25 on each one. Including our young adult sons and parents, etc. -

In a way, it's a relief. It really is. And, it's kind of a fun challenge. I'm thinking about what the perfect little gift would be for each of my people on my list and I am enjoying it. I used to spend $2000 a year on Christmas!! Now I have $200 to spend and let me tell you, it's making the entire season feel festive for me. Maybe blessings do come in odd packages.

Examine your list. Talk to everyone. Maybe they would like to give a combined charity contribution. Christmas shop on line. Create a folder on computer for information. Catalogues have websites. Use them. When you get "TOO WIRED", take a bubble bath. YES!! You do have the time! GOOD LUCK!! You are the greatest!!!

How much stuff can we have and use? To know that a gift helped another somewhere in the world is my best kind of Christmas! And there are so many from which to choose.

This year I am donating $ to various charities in people's names. I'm a bit nervous about this idea, but I think it'll go over well (and really even if it doesn't, no one would tell me so I can remain blissfully ignorant!)

I feel grinchier than usual this year because I can't afford to be as generous as I have been in years past, and somehow buying a lot of useless stuff seems empty to me--wandering through Crate & Barrel doesn't excite me the way it used to; things don't last, and only love and friendships can really make a difference in your life. I will say, though, that the best gift I ever received was a book of family recipes from my mom, written, illustrated, and bound by hand, because it represented something unique and involved her personal time and effort, not swiping a credit card. I still use it to look up recipes for dishes I love. Another great way to spread the spirit of Christmas is through an organization like Heifer International. Your gift comes in various denominations--heifer, goat, flock of geese--animals which are given to needy families worldwide, along with training in their care. Heifer Int'l stipulates that the animal's offspring must be passed along to others, multiplying the effect. Today show topic?

Meredith,

I decided to forgo the craziness of Christmas this year - the desperate shopping, the frantic tree trimming, the manic cooking - all of it. I decided to take a year off and just relax. Here's the scary part: when I sheepishly mentioned my plan to my friends and coworkers (believing they'd disapprove and call me a grinch), everyone reacted the same way. They sighed...then told me how much they envied me. Needless to say, it wasn't the reaction I expected. Now I'm thinking I'm not the only one who is tired of being told how to celebrate Christmas. Let's face it - to the department stores and malls, it's a celebration of the credit card, not a personal celebration with historical and spiritual significance for many.