Here are some tips for hitting after Christmas sales. We were in the middle of moving last year, so I didn’t post much about it, but I may be able to give better heads up this year.

*try to think ahead. Make a list now of things you were wishing you had as you were decking the halls this year: timers for lights, extension cords, miniature light sets, lighted trees for your front porch, address labels, how many Christmas cards, a storage bag for your tree, wreaths, bows, etc. so you know what to be on the lookout for and you will kiss yourself next year when you don’t have to go buy it at full price!

* Lowes begins their holiday clearance early…like now. My store is 40% off all holiday right now, and may go 50% right before Christmas. They have always gone 75% the day after Christmas. We got an awesome artificial tree at 6 a.m. the day after Christmas in 2007. It is my favorite store to hit early on December 26.

*If there is something you really want, buy it when it first starts going on clearance, save the receipt and if it is still around when it gets more deeply discounted, you can buy another, and then return it right away with your first receipt. Then you won’t be kicking yourself for not getting it if they are snatched up right away.

* Target goes 50% off the day after Christmas, then 75% off right about a week after that, and then around 6-8 days after that it goes to 90% if there is anything left.  Every store is different. You can call every morning and ask to be connected with seasonal or find a teenage worker who doesn’t care and see what he can tell you about what the markdown schedule might be that week. :) Let’s be honest, there isn’t anything I really *need* in terms of holiday decor, but I like to see what I can do with items left at 75-90% off.

These trees were left at Target 2 years ago at 90% off. They were sad and chipped, no wonder they were left.

You mean the milk is saying Christmas is over?? I’m not ready yet!

Borders Books has a printable coupon for 50% off of one regular price item in their store (good thru Thursday)

****************** JcPenney Wednesday deals are up…none of the codes I found have been working. If you find one, let us know what it is. I was contemplating that Cindy Crawford throw, but the reviews aren’t too hot…anyone have it?

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I’m late! For some reason, I had Nester’s party marked for Wednesday, but it was Monday.  So, I’m barging in 2 days late :)

adding in:

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... Some kits are as low as $7 right now!!!

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We got 2 Tennessee plates!! Karla was so kind to send us this one:

and Brenda from Chattanooga sent us this one

oh, and that’s not all. She sent me 5 Chattanooga choo-choo train whistles for my kids. They *love* them and I love them when they blow them down in the basement :) Thank you so much, Brenda!