That Time of Year
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For the first time today, I had a second to myself. A second to browse through some blogs and the thing that interested me the most was some lady talking about her holiday planner. I am the biggest geek. Of course, I already have a holiday binder that I keep yearly. It covers who I buy gifts for, what was purchased and the cost of purchases. I also have recipes for holiday treats and menus from Christmas’s past. Her planner was decorated. I may have to do the same. Maybe give the Baby Hulk a cutting exercise so we can decorate the cover.
Thinking about a holiday planner makes me realize that I have done almost nothing for the holidays this year. Most years I have purchased everything by the end of October, with the exception of a couple of difficult people on the list. This year, as with most people, I am scaling down on gifts. It might mean gifts just for the kids, only one big gift, I’m just not sure. I do know that I want meaningful gifts and not just a bunch of crap. I am not busting my ass getting rid of toys right now just to add more to the house. I hate to sound like the Grinch, but I just want things to be meaningful. I want them to see the wonder of having a new baby in time for Christmas. Besides gifts, the day in general will just be more low key. I’ll have a new baby and that means our only outing will be Mass that day. We’re not having a big dinner, and Lance has already said that Trulucks probably won’t happen on Christmas Eve. It’s such a pain to work around a gimpy wife who has to pump every few hours. (Things would be so much easier if I actually just breastfed the baby. But since I’m about what I want to do on that front, I can live without Trulucks or big functions this year.)
I am psyched about getting my lists going for this year. If there is one thing I love it’s a good list. Right now, I have three people crossed off my list. I don’t expect to be finished shopping anytime soon, but I hope to have a meaningful list by the end of the week.
From Shea:
I cut WAY back two years ago. Sent an email to coworkers that (in the nicest way possible) said that I'd gotten so overwhelmed with the gift aspect of Christmas and that year I was getting back to enjoying the spirit of the season. I told them the best gift they could give me would be to reciprocate. Then last year I cut back some more. Just the kids and Clint, Clint's mom, and we drew names in my family. This year my family decided to skip drawing names because we're all working on big costly projects, have everything we need, and would rather focus on the meal and the time together.
I'm telling you, I'm so liberated. It's not about the money saved. In fact I probably spend as much but on "experiences" during the holidays now instead of gifts. It's about having one less "chore." If the holidays are all about chores and to do lists, you've missed it. Now I relax and enjoy the holidays, and it's back to being my favorite time of year.
From Nicole:
I love giving gifts, but it just feels like too much lately, always worrying about getting the perfect gifts. Honestly, I would rather exchange gifts for everyone but my immediate family at birthdays over Christmas. I never thought I would think like that, but I do. Now it's the telling…
I love all of our Christmas traditions. I love the fact that Squirt talks about Trulucks on a very regular basis. He is not happy that it might not happen this year. I really try for the kids to experience Christmas, in more than just Kodak moments too. I am hoping with the baby coming I can get by with going easy this year so I can enjoy the new baby as well as Christmas with my main men.
I love a good list though, so
From Shea:
What's Truluck's?
As for the telling–want to know how people responded when I told them? RELIEF. I think everyone would rather simplify but no one wants to be the "Scrooge."
Do it, you won't regret it.
And I still manage to have a good list.
My current dilemma: Cookie Exchange or not?
From Nicole:
I have cut five people out so far…and I still have 30. Goose's teacher didn't make the list. If I have to contribute to a class gift, she doesn't get any extra for me.
Truluck's- stone crab place.