CHRISTMAS PANIC IS SETTING IN
By Jennifer Rawlings
Ten days ‘till Christmas ….. my tree is up BUT there are still no lights on it and the decorations are still in the attic. I have no problem with traveling to war zones but I am terrified of seeing a spider the size of my face – so the ornaments, garland, and nesting wooden Santas will remain in attic isolation until my husband goes and retrieves them. I am not sure if we even have spiders in the attic, but I am taking no chances.
There is a gallon (or two) of homemade Limocello brewing in the garage for our Christmas party on Saturday. I plan on giving a mason jar full of the homemade hooch to our guests as a little party gift. That is if I don’t drink it all trying to clean and organize my house getting ready for the party.
I haven’t purchased a single Christmas present yet because I have no idea what to buy anyone. Do my kids really need another video game? The answer, of course, is no. They have already caused enough permanent hearing loss as they scream at each with glee each time they kill one another with the controller. They sound like politicians, only louder and slightly more coherent, as they fight over the XBOX. My boys don’t want clothes for Christmas. They wear the same outfit every day, or at least it looks the same to me: jeans hanging off their butt, a crumpled t-shirt and dirty mismatched socks.
My teenage daughter is easy to buy for; she wants cash. This is a tough one for me, because I see how she spends her money. Her debit card is linked to mine so I review her transactions: $2.47 Starbucks, $5.68 Taco Bell, $3.18 Starbucks, $4.25 Starbucks, $3.35 Starbucks…..and so on . I am not so sure she needs cash as much as she needs a detox from sugary coffee.
My husband is impossible to buy for not because he is difficult, but because I forget what I have already given him. In the last three years I have given him FOUR blue sweaters….maybe five. I like blue, it looks nice with his eyes, but we live in California so the sweaters don’t even wear out. I have given him cuff links twice, and the same book repeatedly, as well as the same tie. Last year I needle pointed him an ornament knowing for sure that it would not be a repeat gift…the needlepoint is still on the canvas waiting to be finished. I wonder if finishing it counts as a new gift or a repeat?
I exchange gifts with a handful of friends. This year I was going to buy them all the Nichlos Kristof, Sheryl Wudunn book “Half the Sky”. It addresses turning oppression into opportunity for women worldwide. I clicked on Amazon.com this morning to order the books…. That title won’t be shipped until after Christmas…how oppressive.
I don’t think I will ever be ready Christmas in terms of trimmings and trappings but I will continue to work on my Christmas spirit by smiling at all the other confused and befuddled shoppers that are surprised by Christmas being on December 25th this year…who knew.
Recent Posts By Jennifer Rawlings
- THE FAMILY DINNER CIRCUS - August 31st, 2010
- MY HANDS MAKE A GREAT TOTE BAG - August 24th, 2010
- SCARY BIG BOOB FOOD, SCARY FOOD CHAIN - August 17th, 2010
- I AM HAPPY WITH MY SMALL HOUSE.....REALLY!!! - August 10th, 2010
- THE PAIN OF CHANGE - August 3rd, 2010
Jennifer, I love your blogs. I don’t think I tell you that enough, but I am today because I feel like I am in your boat also.
I look a the calendar today and it says December 15th, but its just not registering to me. It’s cold outside, there are Christmas decorations everywhere (well in all fairness, they have been up for two months already), I am listening to holiday music on the radio, the office is full of holiday treats, but its just NOT sinking in. I have to wonder why and I know, I am just not ready and I am living in denial. But when people ask me that ever present question “are you ready for Christmas?” I too just smile back and say “I will be” LOL. I am one of the belief it will all come together. Of course that is the procrastinator talking in me, but it always does so I am not sweating it.
I did see this morning my local Starbucks is open on Christmas, so I am keeping that in mind for last ditch efforts. I too have caffeine addictions in my family!
Hope you have a great Holiday!