The snow is falling, and friends are calling. Children are singing and sleigh bells are ringing. It's that time of year when Old Saint Nick comes a' callin' and small pine trees are decorated. Ring a bell? It's Christmas! The end of the year is renowned as the happiest, as ski resorts open their doors, school ends for the year, and old family and friends return once again! Grandparents arrive at your door, arms laden with bakery goods and gifts! Gifts, gifts, gifts...
...And more gifts...
Now, don't get me wrong, I love me some Christmas gifts! I love the thrill of uncovering the hidden, the joy of exploring the gift. I love both giving and receiving gifts.
The problem is finding the ones to give.
Now, I'm an indecisive person. I'm terrible at making on the spot decisions, and once I've made the decision, I worry that I'd gotten it wrong. This is amplified when it comes to Christmas gifts. Normally, I don't mind shopping, quite enjoy it, really. But shopping for a gift is a whole different animal. I don't know how it's possible, but fretting about Christmas gifts gives me a superpower, called "Wandering Pointlessly." Minutes stack up, and I keep darting between shelves in Wal-Mart, comparing one nice item to another, surely both things the receiver would like, but a gift that has to be perfect. Panic sets in, the crowds are getting to me. I have to make a choice! But what if he doesn't like it? What if he's disappointed? I couldn't stand that! More minutes tick by, my companions getting frustrated, my frustration building off of theirs. Finally, I can't stand it anymore, and I quickly choose a gift. One down. Six more to go. Repeat process.
In the end, after all this worry and time, they almost always love the gift, or at least pretend to. I am never justified in panicking, yet I repeat this year after year. Coming home, thrashed, sweat pouring from my brow, my prizes clutched to my chest. They are presented nicely, and are usually accompanied by hugs and kisses.
Now, if you'll excuse me, all this typing about Christmas shopping has made me need a nap...
...And more gifts...
Now, don't get me wrong, I love me some Christmas gifts! I love the thrill of uncovering the hidden, the joy of exploring the gift. I love both giving and receiving gifts.
The problem is finding the ones to give.
Now, I'm an indecisive person. I'm terrible at making on the spot decisions, and once I've made the decision, I worry that I'd gotten it wrong. This is amplified when it comes to Christmas gifts. Normally, I don't mind shopping, quite enjoy it, really. But shopping for a gift is a whole different animal. I don't know how it's possible, but fretting about Christmas gifts gives me a superpower, called "Wandering Pointlessly." Minutes stack up, and I keep darting between shelves in Wal-Mart, comparing one nice item to another, surely both things the receiver would like, but a gift that has to be perfect. Panic sets in, the crowds are getting to me. I have to make a choice! But what if he doesn't like it? What if he's disappointed? I couldn't stand that! More minutes tick by, my companions getting frustrated, my frustration building off of theirs. Finally, I can't stand it anymore, and I quickly choose a gift. One down. Six more to go. Repeat process.
In the end, after all this worry and time, they almost always love the gift, or at least pretend to. I am never justified in panicking, yet I repeat this year after year. Coming home, thrashed, sweat pouring from my brow, my prizes clutched to my chest. They are presented nicely, and are usually accompanied by hugs and kisses.
Now, if you'll excuse me, all this typing about Christmas shopping has made me need a nap...
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