'cause i've got you baby

I can promise you that buying for teen girls is hard too. I have a tween and a teen, and they're both difficult. They'll tell me they want one thing, and I'll be so proud of myself that I got it, and then they'll be like 'ugh, dad, I don't like that anymore.' And it's like, how did you change your mind about something so quickly? I will say that I started shopping a while ago because my girls gave me a list a while ago, and I'm hoping they still like what they put on their lists, but it's stuff that's still in style, I think. I say that like I know what's still in style, because I'm pretty sure I'm very much an uncool dad that doesn't know anything. But still, I like to believe I'm going to get them everything they want for the holidays, but we'll see. How old is your son, though? Because my girls are 13 and 12, so it's just the start for me. I'm doing pretty good though, currently filming a very dark project, so it's very fun, and I'm loving every moment of it. Oh, I'm really looking forward to the holidays, I love Christmas. Especially Christmas in London, which is where I'll be spending mine.

You poor thing, though, having a tween and teen at the same time. I bet there are tons of different emotions going on in your household right now, right? But I get what you mean because my teen daughter is the same way, normally. But this time around she's had the same desire for something for 6 months now and hasn't changed her mind, so I'm lucky. It's the boy that's being the troublemaker! I hope they like what you've gotten them as well, but I have a feeling they'll like it no matter what because you bought it and you love them. I'm the same way with not knowing what's in style, so I get you. And I know I'm an uncool mom that doesn't know anything, so we're alike, you and I. My son is 19 and my daughter is 16, though your kids are 12 and 13? I can't believe you have kids that old, Aaron! What dark project are you filming right now? Can you tell me more about it? And Christmas in London is gorgeous, I've done that once in my life, and it was amazing. So I'm a little jealous that you'll be spending your Christmas there.

Shopping for anyone, especially kids for me is a lot. Changing minds and needs to finding new things. Mostly in kids it does tend to change a bit. I usually end up spoiling for that reason as I'll hear my kid say they like one thing, then another so I follow and but — then they have like so many it's crazy to keep in mind for all parties I think. However they're grateful and the smile on their face easily makes my day. Thanks for the warning, mine tend to have some changing minds, but not too often. I'm doing well and very much looking forward to them and spending time with the people that matter to me the most.

See, that's exactly how I feel! I love shopping for my kids, don't get me wrong, but their constantly changing their minds drives me a bit nuts. However, my daughter this time around has stuck to wanting the same thing, which I love her for, so she's making it easy. It's just my son that's being the most difficult right now. But no matter what I get them, it's like your kids, they're grateful, and they always smile and say thank you, but I still want to make sure I'm getting them what they want. But I'm sure you've got a while before yours are teens, right? So I've given you a really early warning! I'm glad you're doing well and looking forward to the holiday. And that's why I love the holidays myself, it's my time where I get to spend time with all my family, where we take the time from our busy schedules to just slow down and be with each other. It's perfect.

Changing your mind on what you like every two seconds is just the way for teenagers to go. But really, it's cause they're trying to stay cool with their friends. Can't be too surprised about that, right? I'd say that whatever you get for them, they're probably going to love. Secretly. I don't have any kids - so I guess my future is looking bright? Is that what I'm getting from all of this? I'm looking forward to Christmas - it's always a magical time at the David household.

I'm starting to understand that, though his teenage sister has been solid on what she's wanted for 6 months, so I wish he'd take a page from her book. And staying cool with their friends makes sense, and I can understand them wanting to do that because I was their age once! I remember wanting to be cool too! And that's what my ex said too, that our kids will be happy with whatever I give them, but I still want to make sure I give them what they want. You might have kids some day, so now you've been warned! Especially when they're teenagers! I'm mostly just teasing because being a parent is amazing most of the time. Is it really? I love to hear that. Do you guys have any special traditions?

Just making me pretty thankful I don't have kids right now, especially teenage kids, because that sounds like a struggle I don't want to have. Though, I guess part of me would just throw money or gift cards at them and be like get what you want, but that lacks being a personal gift, right? Or is that something that's considered okay to buy for a teen? I'm doing pretty good though, currently filming a new project but will be winding down soon and will be enjoying some holiday time at least. I'll admit that sometimes I'm hit or miss when it comes to the holidays, but I am looking forward to them this year. Buying my dad his dream car this year for Christmas, and I can't wait to see the expression on his face when I give it to him! Trying to win all the son of the year points, you know?

It's kind of an awful struggle to have, I'll give you that, but I will say that even with the struggles, having kids is fantastic, so please remember that even if I am scaring you. Even if it lacks being a personal gift, I'll be honest and say that I'm thinking about going down that route too, it seems like it'll be the safest way to go! Glad to hear you're doing okay, and you know I have to ask, what project are you working on? Also glad you're looking forward to the holidays this year, it's always fun when you're excited for them! Okay, that's the sweetest thing I've heard in a while, and I love that you're buying your dad his dream car. What's his dream car? Is it something new? Or a classic? You're going to win son of the year with no doubt with that kind of gift. I'll say that right now because that would work on me if my kids did that.

you just described teen boys like they’re subscription boxes—new interests delivered every 15 minutes without warning. i honestly don’t think they even know what they like most of the time. it’s like they wake up, spin a wheel of hobbies and opinions, and that’s the vibe for the day. meanwhile, you're just standing there with what was yesterday’s perfect gift thinking, “what do you mean that’s not cool anymore?” i don’t have teens yet, but i’ve seen it with my friends’ little brothers and cousins, and it’s crazy, really crazy. you think you’re speaking their language, and suddenly you’re outdated—no warning, no memo. but starting christmas shopping after thanksgiving feels right. you get the turkey out of the way, and then you enter the holiday arena, ready to track trends like a detective. hopefully your son sticks with one interest long enough for you to make a purchase. i’m definitely looking forward to the holidays, though. can’t wait to just spend time with the family and eat a lot.

I love the way that you worded that, and now you've got me thinking that teen boys are like subscription boxes! You just described my son pretty much, because he very much sticks with the vibe for the day, and that's why I'm left floundering trying to get the perfect gift for him. I'm always confused about what's cool anymore too, and I'll say words that I think are still cool and then I'll get that look of I can't believe my mom is so lame, and I know I've messed up. When you have teens, you'll be prepared; you're welcome. I think that I'm always going to be outdated to them too, especially now that I'm in my 50s, they probably think oh here comes my uncool mom again that doesn't know anything. Which I feel like might be true, because I don't really know anything when it comes to what's hip anymore, and don't laugh, I know hip probably isn't a cool word anymore either. Some people suggested I get him gift cards, and while I know that's impersonal, part of me thinks that might be the way to go so he gets what he wants? We'll see. Maybe I'll just buy him that motorcycle I've been telling him he can't have and really shock him. I'm glad you're looking forward to the holidays, and you can never go wrong with family time and eating a lot. I always eat so much during Christmas.

Kathryn, this is both helpful and terrifying. Teens switching interests every fifteen minutes? I’m taking notes for future panic. I don't have kids my my girlfriend has a 5 year old. So right now she’s pretty straightforward, she’ll tell you exactly what she wants and then ask for it again ten minutes later. We’re doing good over here, though. Getting ready for the holiday chaos, trying to keep things simple and special at the same time. First real holiday season all together. I don’t know if this helps, but teenage boys pretend to be complicated when they’re actually pretty easy to crack. Headphones are usually safe, the kind he can brag about to his friends. Hoodies from whatever brand he’s into that week tend to be a win too. Sneakers are basically their love language. And honestly, if his interests are changing every time you blink, a gift card to his favorite store does more for your sanity than trying to guess it yourself. You’ve got this, though. If anyone can navigate the teen-boy minefield and come out triumphant, it’s you.

I'd say I'm sorry, but I think it's one of those things that people should know, teens are scary. I miss that age, 5 was such a good age, and that's when kids are still excited about Christmas too! I miss when kids were excited to wake up Christmas morning, and now my kids don't wake up until noon. I'm glad to hear that you're doing good, and sometimes keeping things simple but still special is the way to go. Plus, it's always magical when it's your first real holiday together as a couple. I remember the first holiday my ex-husband and I shared together and how amazing it was. That does help, because I was looking at some fancy headphones because I know he loves to listen to music and ignore the world around him. And that boy LIVES in hoodies, like it'll be hot out and he'll have a hoodie on! But thank you for these suggestions, and the gift card idea crossed my mind too, because I just want him to have what he wants. My daughter, though she is a teen too, has stated what she's waited for the last 6 months, and it's not changed, I love her for that. Thank you for having faith in me, Austin! I just want my babies to have a good Christmas, even if they're not babies anymore.

Gift cards and going through their closet to figure out what clothes you can get rid of are always a good idea. As a dad of one male child, it's much easier, I find, to give gift cards. Hell, even Visa gift cards, because then they can choose. If they are into video games, getting PlayStation or Xbox gift cards. I don't mind the holidays, but I miss the young days. Having a twenty-five-year-old and a twenty-one-year-old makes the holidays great, but not as fun as when the magic of Christmas existed.

I had been thinking about going the gift card route, because I had a feeling that might be the best way to go, and that way he can get what he wants and be happy. And he's really into video games right now, does the whole Twitch streaming and everything, not that I really know much about that stuff! See, I miss the young days too. Remember when they used to be so excited to wake up for Christmas and open presents? They'd wake you up at 5am and be all excited about Santa coming, and now it's lucky if you can get them up past noon. At least that's how it is with my kids! If I weren't in my 50s, I'd be all about having another little one.

Oh, teen boys must be terrifying in some ways and simple in others. Like, I think they'd be happy with something they could destroy, but that is too stereotypical, isn't it? My mom would always do a trick with the family where she would take us out to a store, say it was for someone else, then go back and buy us what we said we liked. Well, given I might not have that forecast, you have terrified me and made the future less glimmering. I am kidding! I very much am. Not jsut cause I am working with Macy's for the holidays, but because I am a Christmas fan. I want everything on those Christmas fun lights done at least once.

You're very right about that. Sometimes I think everything is so easy with him, and other times I'm like what did I do to deserve this kind of torture that comes with being a teen boy mom? What your mom did was genius, though, and I think that might be something I'm going to do, because I love that idea so much! And I would apologize, but I think everyone should be warned about what having teenagers is like, just so you're fully prepared. I'm glad that you are, and I saw you for Macy's, and I loved it! You were so adorable. And I'm a Christmas fan too, always have been, and I love looking at lights so much. Do you like to drive around and look at all the neighborhoods? Because that's one of my favorite things to do.

So, I was watching The Studio last week. I'm so late to the party, I know. I just need to confess that every time I watch one of your scenes, I immediately want to quit my job and then reapply just so you can mentor me. How are you this effortlessly brilliant and unhinged at the same time? / @kthrynmhahn

The way I see it, as long as you're watching it now, that's all that matters, even if you're a little late to the party. But really? The fact that you'd want me to mentor you makes me smile big, I'll admit. Plus, anyone that calls me effortlessly brilliant and unhinged is someone I would die to mentor, really. I love being unhinged too, and when I get to play someone that's truly off the wall, it's my favorite thing in the world.

i have to know when people start getting ready for christmas, because i want to make myself feel a little better. i'm not about to say when i start getting ready for christmas, though, until i hear what others have to say, because that way i'll know if i'm crazy or not. so tell me, when do you start getting ready? do you start right when halloween is over on november first? or some point in november before thanksgiving? or after thanksgiving? because this is a big debate between me and some of my loved ones, and i got to know who else is on my side here and who else is either as crazy as i am, or worse than i am. ( @limelightblvdstarters )

I have a feeling you're one of the people that start on November 1st, don't you? And I don't mean that in a bad way, I'm just getting the vibe because of how you worded this. I don't start to get ready until the Saturday after Thanksgiving, because the day after Thanksgiving is for shopping. But I know a lot of people that like to start getting ready on the 1st of November, so if that's you, I don't see that as a bad thing at all or crazy. You just like Christmas, right? And want to enjoy it for as long as you can!

What is everyone doing for this upcoming turkey day? Any exciting or fun plans or are we just making last minute on the go decisions like I'll probably be doing. Also, who has already started their Christmas shopping? @limelightblvdstarters

I'll be spending the holiday with my kids and my ex-husband. It's the first as being divorced, so it's going to be a different one for sure, but I'm hoping it all goes well. And then the next day we'll spend the day shopping like we always do, and that's when I'll start my Christmas shopping. I usually don't start until the day after Thanksgiving, unless I see some really good deals.

There's a part of me that really wants to know why the Uso's aren't invited, but I don't want to be invasive. My holiday plans are the same every year, I feel like, with my kids and my now ex-husband. This is the first year we're doing it as a divorced couple, though, so that's going to be an experience, but hopefully it all goes well. I'm very excited for turkey and sides, the sides for Thanksgiving are always my favorite. I love a good stuffing, but my favorite dish is always sweet potatoes. Especially with marshmallows on top.

Okay, so, if you don’t have Thanksgiving plans, might I suggest a little existential romance to pair with your mashed potatoes? Our new film, Eternity, comes out on November 26. And if you do have plans? That’s fine. Bring the pie, eat the turkey, then go see Eternity anyway. Not for me (okay, maybe a little for me), but for Callum Turner and Miles Teller being devastatingly charming. I play a woman stuck in the afterlife with just one week to decide where she’ll spend eternity, with the man she spent her life with… or her first husband, who’s been waiting for her since he died decades ago. No pressure, right? So come see it. Cry a little. Judge her choices. / @limelightblvdstarters

I do have Thanksgiving plans with my family, but my kids are older, so they only have so much attention span anyway, which means I could probably get away with going to see a movie after all the turkey day stuff is done. I've seen the trailer, and I already knew it was a movie I wanted to see, it looks so good, and I'm a fan of all three of your work, so you know I'll love it. Though mostly a fan of you, let's be real honest right now. Not to mention, who doesn't love a good story like that? And I can't wait to see who she chooses, or if she doesn't choose anyone and just decides she wants to be alone because she doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Which is probably what I would do. But I promise I'm not feeling any pressure, since it's a movie I want to see, and I just know it's going to be a good one. But now that I think about it, I should probably go and see it before I eat turkey and get sleepy!