Gifts

The Holiday Season is in full swing right now. Our tree is up and decorated. The stockings are hung. We've even used the fireplace and played Christmas music in the background to bring us more cheer. The outside of the house is full of holiday nick-knacks ranging from the inflatable ornaments to random animals dressed in winter clothing.

Everything is ready for Christmas but one minor detail (said very sarcastically with eyes rolling). Okay make that two minor details.

Minor detail #1: I have yet to receive my Christmas cards that I ordered. Did I mention I just placed the order 2 days ago? I'm just hoping people will receive them before 2011.

Minor detail #2: I have purchased 2 gifts. Those gifts were purchased today. My Christmas shopping list seems as long as Santa's.

I understand that Christmas is all about being together as a family. I'm supposed to enjoy this season and absorb the love and joy. To be frank, people expect presents. Don't tell me they don't. If we're truly being honest with one another, when was the last time a member of your family was happy with a hug for Christmas?

Well this year, I'm this close (thumb and index finger 2 mm away from each other) to call it a wrap and purchase gift cards for all. With the few exceptions, being my kids, I'm so very tempted to. I can literally drive on over to my local grocery store, purchase the usual grocery items, and get a bunch of gift cards. That's it! The only major thought is to decide which type of gift card to purchase.

I, for one, love gift cards. I usually get a few different ones and place them in my wallet, so they're ready for action at any moment. I understand the pure enjoyment of ripping open the wrapping paper and avoiding paper cuts is kind of a bummer.

So tell me your thoughts on gift cards? Yay or nay?

Come Here Sweet Thang!

With Halloween now behind us, I'm faced with the reality of the upcoming holiday season. The time of year that seems to go by the fastest. It's as if Father Time pushes the fast forward button and all of a sudden it's a new year. Although every day seems like a whirlwind of chaos, there is something about November and December that adds to the craziness of every day life.

I do love the holidays, but they've definitely taken on a new twist now that I've become an adult. Don't get me wrong and I don't want to sound like Ebenezer Scrooge, but there's so much chaos during this time of year that the very site of Christmas items at the stores sends my blood pressure up, up and up.  

I. do. not. like. Christmas shopping!!!!!

I have to admit, I'm somewhat of an emotional eater. When the going gets tough, desserts and chocolate seem to call me. There cries of, "I'm here. Enjoy my yumminess. I'll make you feel better" become louder and louder to the point where I can no longer resist. 

It was just a few days ago that I noticed that I happened to enjoy 3, count them 3, Reese's peanut butter cups right before bed. I was a work and I lost count of how many "fun" size pieces of candy I ate. What's so fun about fun size anyways? I could probably go on and on but I've lost count. 

So I ask all of you this, how do you cope with the holiday season? Perhaps it's just me who become so overwhelmed. I'm open to suggestions. 

In the mean time, there's a dark chocolate Milky Way calling me. Yes, it's supposedly "fun" size. Let the fun of the holiday season begin.