I was watching a shopping channel on TV this morning and the host mentioned that there are only 21 shopping days left until Christmas! Please do not focus on the fact that it was a shopping channel that provided this valuable information. So, I occasionally partake of a little TV commerce. What’s the problem?Sure, there are other more educational shows I could be watching while cleaning the kitchen like “Dr. Phil” or “Cake Boss” but I am a bonefide skincare/makeup junkie and enjoy watching beauty-themed shows. There, I said it.
My strange television viewing habits aside, do you comprehend what I am saying? Twenty-one days left until Christmas. What?!?!? Where in the heck did the Fall go? I swear it was just a couple of weeks ago that I was noticing my bikini sunbathing days were coming to an end. (Okay, so it was bermuda shorts and a turtleneck, but you get the picture.) And now they’re giving us the “only 21 days left to get your shopping done” with the undertone of “you’re totally never going to get everything ready.”
You know, I don’t need this kind of stress. I’m the type of person who hoards gifts in my bedroom closet all year long because I hate the idea of not having enough time. I have nightmares over people opening empty boxes and then looking at me like, “you are a pathetic excuse for a gift-giver.” Ilike to know that I am 100% ready for the upcoming holidays with not a thing left to do but overindulge in food and drink. Admittedly not a great planbut one I purpose to uphold…every year.
So, after hearingthe dreaded news, I decided to make a list of everything I’ve already bought so that I can better organize for the time I have left. Only 21 days. Seriously. QVC said it. Sensing a panic attack in the making I told myself, “Self, you know you already have a handle on everything. You’ve been shopping all year longand probably only have a few odds and ends to worry about.” I approached the closet with sudden satisfaction that I am undoubtedly already covered. No worries. I even gave myself a little pat on the back (actually shoulder, because last time I tried to pat myself on the back I was laid up with a pulled muscle for two weeks. Sexy.)
I started pulling out bags and boxes, ready to take inventory for the plethora of gift-giving opportunities already efficiently organized in my closet. Okay, not so much organized as shoved intighter thana duck’s behind. I’veessentially built a barricade up against Jer’s part ofthe closet. And he really loves that, let me tell you! Jer’s been wearing the same 3shirts for the past monthsince he can’t access about 4/5’s of his clothes.Why not my side of the closet, you may ask? Because things would get pretty ugly if I was the one unable to access my clothes. Trust me. It’s better this way.
Once I moved everything out of the closet I got inside the bags and boxes, pen in hand and ready to makemy list.
oh, crap.
Where’d the “plethora” go? I mean, I got nothing. Sure, I’ve got most of the obvious gifts covered. The ones my kids have been clamoring for all these months since toy companies have been advertising. But, that’s it. The easy stuff. Where’sthe “difficult to buy for” stash? Where’s the “just in case someone brings me something” pile?
I’m screwed.
Stress…welcome in and enjoy your stay. Introduce yourself to Bloating andPimples. Please feel free to visit the complimentary mini-bar and partake of some festive food and drink. There’s plenty to goaround!
Mindy
I have a friend who sent out an announcement via email that she (and her family) had all agreed to buy each other only 1 gift each and that the adults in the extended family agreed to draw names and do only 1 gift as well. My family does something similar. We draw names of the children so each child receives only one gift at our holiday dinner. We used to do a white elephant gift exchange for the adults, but we don’t even do that now. It certainly relieves the stress of the holidays at least a little bit. I admire your organization. I’m always one of those people running out at the last minute buying stuff. You’ve inspired me to get on the ball. Even though I don’t have a lot to buy, I do have some. Why not create a list and get it under control now! Thanks, Mindy. You’re a lifesaver!
We have tried to center Christmas around the kids but decided us adults love getting/buying gifts so much we reinstated our exchange. It’s fun, but yes, it’s stressful. Hey, lists are an awesome place to start and a lifesaver in my house! =)
Mindy
You are waaaaay ahead of me. I have purchased exactly two presents. And they aren’t even very good.
Somehow I am not stressed though. Denial? Repression? Possibly.
Good job on having a stash.
Hey, embrace the denial and repression and enjoy the holiday season! Jer is hating on the stash…can’t get to his clothes. They’re overrated, really. =)
Mindy
I make a lot of the gifts we give so I’m seriously under some creative pressure here. I went through my “craft stash”, which sounds suspiciously like your “gift stash”, except that hubby and I have seperate closets. And then went shopping yesterday. Now I just have to find my paintbrushes and fire up the sewing machine!
I can’t believe it’s so close either. Astonishing.
♥Spot
Oh, God. If I attempted to make anything I can guarantee you this blog wouldn’t exist! It would have to consume EVERY minute of my day…I have no crafting skills. None. I can screw up a pre-fabbed gingerbread house. Props to you, though! =)
Mindy
I can’t horde a stash. I get too excited and gift prematurely (what a bummer THAT is), then I have nothing, and they have nothing. It’s a vicious ugly unsatisfying circle! Heh!
I have three gifts so far.
But I have to do Christmas the 18DEC because Sydney is flying to Mississippi on the 19DEC. Not to mention….I came up with a brilliant plan to gift Jason a little something EVERY DAY of his birthday month (this month) because he always gets rooked, since his birthday is New Year’s Eve. I’ve got two weeks covered so far. Yikes!
Hiya stress, can you make that a double of your best stuff?
My hubby’s birthday is in the beginning of January and he always complains about how people conveniently “forget” about his birthday due to all the holiday hub-ub…or include his birthday with Christmas to make things easier. Cool idea to have a birthday month! Not sure I can handle the extra stress. Maybe next year.
Serving you up a double as we speak…
Mindy
Back when I had money, I also had a stash.
I bought hubby two gifts, that he has already recieved. I have two more to do, cause the family drew names. Those will have to be bought and delivered by the 13th. I am dropping off presents and thats it, I’m done!
Holy heck! You’ll be done by the 13th!? That must feel nice! I find it easier to shop all year long because it doesn’t feel like such a crunch on my bank account in December. I can’t say that anything in the stash is that great, per se…
=)
Mindy
Ugh, lots of pressure. I need a t-shirt to wear all year that says “dont buy me christmas presents so I dont have to buy you one”
Amen to that! =)
Mindy
*I* don’t personally do xmas, and neither does my Husband. However, our families do. And my Son still likes presents. A couple of years ago, things started getting crazy with too many neices and nephews, so we all decided that the only people we’d buy for would be the kids, and our individual parents. Siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. get nothing for each other. A huge relief, for sure! Especially when finances are bad.
Now, here we are, a couple weeks from the holiday, and not one present has been bought. We’re not financially able to buy anything … not even supplies to MAKE anything. I think I’m going to suggest to Hubby that we officially boycott xmas this year. He’ll agree, but the “family guilt monster” won’t like it. *sigh*
Well, you know what? If the family gets all in your face about it, remind them that Christmas isn’t *about* them. Finances ebb and flow, for sure. Enjoy the season and don’t let yourself get guilted by all the commercialism of it! =)
Mindy