Christmas shopping (without benefit of mania): $700+…..well, OK, a little more…..and a little more than that
Lunch out: $12.50
Being DONE with Christmas shopping a full week before Christmas: Priceless!
Well, I have a lot less jingle in my jeans, but I’m singing a happy tune tonight because I got my holiday shopping all wrapped up with a shiny red bow….and with a whole week to spare. No frantic last-minute efforts to find that elusive Super Nerf Blaster Thingie for the grandson or a model airplane for the hubby. No hasty fast-food meals in the car going over the wish lists AGAIN. Best of all, I didn’t get too frustrated or too tired this time, and I made some really good decisions.
This isn’t as simple as it sounds. Most years when I’m nearing the end of my Christmas shopping I become frazzled and start buying impulsively, spending way more than I should and not getting people the gifts they actually want. As much as I love retail therapy, shopping at Christmastime tends to make me crazy, what with the rush of traffic and other shoppers crowding the stores, but this year I did a little at a time and then finished off with a five-hour marathon today.
So I spent a little more than I’d planned. OK, quite a bit more. I always do—I build it into the budget—and I’ve never once regretted it. Seeing the delight on everyone’s faces on Christmas morning makes it more than worth all the hassle, and this year I think I did better than ever. I pretty much stuck with everybody’s lists, although I did come up with a few clever items that they didn’t ask for, but hopefully will be delighted with. You gotta love those “This is the coolest thing I never knew I wanted!” moments.
I even managed not to buy much for myself. A pair of thermal underwear and a thermal Henley shirt were all I got, because a) all I really want is to be warm, and b) Will decided that I was a good girl this year despite being sick for so much of it, and used a good portion of his Social Security check to buy presents for me.
What HE doesn’t know is that I got him something he won’t believe I actually bought, as it was expensive as hell and something I wouldn’t ordinarily have purchased. But he’s been a pretty good kid himself this year, and he deserves this…..and oh, so much more. He continues to do well and look good, his attitude remains positive, and I’m so damn glad he’s here to celebrate this Christmas with me that I’d give him the stars if he wanted them. Even if I had to climb up on a ladder to reach them. 🙂
bpnurse 