Wrapping up Christmas

I dislike this time of year. There's something sad and lonely about taking down the Christmas decorations and putting the tree away. The house seems so cheerful and happy during the holiday season - I start the day after Thanksgiving and just now took everything down.

Upon dismantling the tree this year, I decided that next year I may get a new one. That in itself is kind of sad because I love my tree. We've had it for more years than I can remember, but it is getting kind of shabby. And the box.....well, let's just say it's seen better days. I had to actually use strapping tape to put it back together after putting the tree inside. It barely made it down the stairs to the basement for yet another year of storage.

So, now the house looks bare again, and not quite as cheerful. I think I'll keep the red cinnamon scented candles a little while longer, though. They smell so good and add a nice bit of color to the kitchen. 

Maybe I should begin decorating for Valentines Day already? 

You Can't Tell Them Anything

Kids.

They don't listen.

I don't know why I even bother.

Tristan, a "starving" college Freshman, living in another state, just informed me that he has bought Christmas presents for every single member of the family. And not just us, his immediate family. He bought for EVERYBODY!

Grandmas and Grandpas. Nieces. Aunts and Uncles. Hell, I don't even buy for most of these people.

I tried to tell him it wasn't necessary. That just having him home was gift enough. "There's no need to spend money you really don't have," I said.

"That's OK, Mom. I really don't have anything else to spend my money on."

Yeah, nothing else to spend his money on.

Then why the hell does he call me every other week asking me to transfer money into his account?

What to Get?

Uh oh! Christmas is just around the corner and I'm not ready! To be brutally honest, I haven't even shopped yet!

No need to rush into anything, right?

Actually, I'm the ultimate procrastinator. I never do anything ahead of time. What is the point?

So, what to get for all the wonderful people in my life? To be honest again, I haven't really thought about it. I mean, what do they want?

Maybe a personalized baby gift basket for my best friend's new baby? That seems easy enough. My kids are always asking for iPods or iPhones, or i-something. I think that could be arranged. Mike likes tools. I always get him tools, but he always seems to use them.

I don't know. It just seems like too much work to think about it right now. Maybe tomorrow......

Again With the Christmas

It's all I have on my mind for some reason. I mean, it's only December for the goodness sakes! Christmas, sheesh...

But it's true. I have so much to do, and no ambition to do it. It's like this deadline, looming over me, and I'm afraid I'm not going to get it all done in time. It happens every year.

I think the biggest obstacle this year is the lack of funds for gifts. I mean, isn't that always the case? Of course it is, but this year it seems to be more of an obstacle. I'm sure everything will turn out alright in the end. It usually does. I'm probably just stressing over it too much as usual. That's me!

I was thinking I might check into a payday cash advance, but I don't know. Although they are convenient, the interest rates are somewhat high. I suppose for someone needing to repair their car or whatnot, but for Christmas? The jury is still out on that one.

Christmas Shopping

The older I get, the less I like to shop. Especially for Christmas. People are crazy out there, I tell ya. My body just can't take the bumps and bruises anymore.

Seriously, when I was younger, I could keep up with the best of them. You'd find me shopping Black Friday with all the other crazy, desperate people. I'd be standing in line for hours before the store even opened just to get my hands on the latest fade that had hit the nation. It was insane!

But now, I'm content to stay at home and let the crazies have their day. Frankly, I don't see what all the fuss is about when I can sit right here in my comfy chair, push a few buttons, and like magic, buy whatever I want online, usually for less than I can get it in the store. And, it comes right to me!

Genious!

So, I think I'll just sit back this Christmas season, in my comfy chair, and shop till I drop, online. I found some great abt electronics coupons I think I'll use to buy the kids a thing or two. You know kids. You can't go wrong with anything electronic.

Speaking of which, if anyone is thinking of buying yours truly a gift for Christmas, I too enjoy electronics!

Rudolph in HD

On our way to Walmart:

Mike: We have to hurry. I have to get home to watch my show.

Me: What show?

Mike: Rudolph!

Me: eyes rolling

Mike: It's in HD for the first time! I'll be able to count the hairs on his neck!

Me: more eye rolling.

Christmas is Just Around the Corner!

Don't shoot the messenger. I'm just reminding you that it's coming. And very soon. Are you ready? Have you gotten all your shopping done, everything wrapped?

No? Why  not?

Who am I kidding? I don't have anything done. I haven't even bought ONE gift! I'm a procrastinator. I procrastinate. I love procrastinating.

Actually, I hate it, but it's my nature. I just can't get myself motivated. And it's not just Christmas. It's all the time.

Procrastination aside (hopefully), I did find this really great site for buying personalized baby gifts. I especially love the personalized "Cookies for Santa" plate they have. It's adorable and perfect for setting out milk and cookies (or beer and buffalo wings) for Santa on Christmas Eve!

I'll Strangle That SOB!

A little background first:

Mike and Tim are HUGE Brett Favre fans. Mike more so than Tim. They are both Packer fans as well as Vikings fans. There's none better.

Tim: I know what I want for Christmas this year.

Me: What do you want for Christmas, Sweetie?

Tim: A laptop.

Me: Well, I don't know about that. That's a pretty expensive gift, don't ya think?

Tim: Santa can make it happen. Or, if I can't have that, I want a Drew Brees jersey.

Mike: What?! I don't think so.

Tim: Santa will bring it if I ask for it.

Mike: I'll strangle that son-of-a-b***h!

Another Christmas.....

has come and gone. Whew! Thank goodness. After two days of wrapping presents, visiting relatives, eating rich foods, and taking pictures, I'm glad it's over. I was kind of disappointed with Christmas this year. It was nice visiting with family that we don't see very often. The food was excellent. But, I think the kids were kind of disappointed. Money was tight this year, and Santa didn't bring tons and tons of gifts. When they got done opening their gifts, Tim looked at me and asked, "Is that it?"

We just cannot keep up with the other parents in the community. They all have beautiful houses, nice cars, and kids dressed in the best brand names. The kids come back to school with stories of getting gaming systems for Christmas. Ipods, brand name clothing, cell phones, and digital cameras. How in the world do you spend hundreds on EACH child? I just don't get it.

I don't usually let my disability get me down, but at Christmas time, it's hard not to be a little sad. If I didn't have this disability, I'd be able to work and contribute to the household. Christmas wouldn't be so skimpy. I know, I know. Christmas isn't about the presents. I try to teach the children that, but try remembering that, when your best friend is carrying around the Ipod that you've wanted for months.

Anyway, this feeling will soon pass. It usually doesn't stick around for long. The kids will be happy with what they got, and life will return to normal.