Christmas Shopping

Although I know people talk about unbridled consumerism and environmental impact and such regarding Christmas, I just can't let this one go. There will be presents, and they will be wrapped (sometimes in reusable gift bags.) I'm cutting myself some slack here because I save and reuse a lot of ribbon, gift trims, and boxes.

I'm trying to avoid things that won't be used, but it's just hard to know sometimes. It helps when I can fulfill specific gift requests, but I still like to retain some element of "magic" and surprise. I hate giving gift cards, but I know they're great to get (I love getting them!), but even sometimes that doesn't work out. After my mom died last year, my sister found a stack of unused gift cards and tried to give them back to whoever had given them (when that could be determined.) I also found a few gifts I had given her that I don't think she ever used, so they're mine now. When I do give gift cards, I'm going to try to present them creatively (like a wrapped set of hangers with the clothing store gift card inside the box.)

I don't mind if people re-gift if they think someone else will actually use something they won't, and I don't mind trades among my recipients (as long as I don't hear some obnoxious teenage [and sometimes young adult] rudeness like "Do you want this? I hate nail polish." Leave my house first before you audibly hate on my gifts. Yeah, I heard you.)

Although I sound a bit negative, Christmas Day is usually wonderful at my house. The negativity stands out because it is not the norm. There is good food and there are games and naps and movies and lots of hugs and kisses. I am looking forward to the part in which the majority of work is done and we can enjoy each other.

Happy Holidays! :)

I'm back!

Wow, I haven't posted in quite a while. Lots going on, including a chronic illness (probably at least slightly based on my over-consumption of food in addition to an anatomical issue). Another thing that has happened is that we now have a second home in a warm place, and of course, we have purchased stuff for it. Some of the things have been purchased in second-hand stores and thrift shops, but there is a lot of new stuff.

Traveling is one challenge. While we try to bring stuff from House #1, there is a limited amount of room in the car (especially since the dog and his crate require significant space.) When we fly, we can bring even fewer things. And, sorry to say, there is a bit of a boredom/loneliness issue in a new place, so I shop. (Fortunately, there are many wonderful thrift/second-hand shops here, but that's not always where I go.)

Christmas shopping is another issue, but I'll discuss that in the next post.