Happy Holidays to one and all. Usually, I love this time of year. The holly greens, the ivy greens, the prettiest picture you’ve ever seen, snow crunching, kids bunching, its Santa’s big scene and all that jazz. I know, I know, but it’s all soooo commercial you say. Well, yeah, maybe it is, but I love it all anyway. I love it so much that this year I ran myself into the ground shopping, baking and hitting up any social event I was invited to. Believe me, I’m paying for it. Not only am I broke, but I think I’m on my deathbed.
There are two shopping days until Christmas, and I’m considering mailing it all in. I’ll send my cards out the 26th. My family should love me enough not to care if my house is not absolutely spotless when they arrive on the 25th. Surely I’ve baked enough. There are some great recipes online for homemade kahlua and bath salts. Those would make great gifts! Everyone loves a relaxing bath and some homemade hooch! My mother always said she loved the gifts I made the most.
I know it’s possible to enjoy the holidays without making myself sick in the process. I know it is possible to enjoy the holidays and not blow my budget as well. Why, last year my husband and I agreed not to exchange gifts with my beloved sister-in-law (Nikko) and her husband. We began a new tradition. We celebrated our friendship (who says family can’t be friends) over beer, wine and tappas. A night out together was worth far more than any gift we could have bought each other. In fact, a night in together is just as much fun (Nikko is a tappas Queen). The holidays should be about togetherness, right?
Even though I understand all of this I plan to be at Macy’s at 8:30 sharp just after my three-year-old boards his school bus for preschool. Hey, I have coupons that shall not be wasted! But, you know what they say. Do as I say, not as I do.
Happy Holidays friends,
Gemma