- To start with I am physically not as perky as I was last year. Plus I have never known what to get for anyone and always feel like my gifts don't measure up to those of other givers in the room. I know that anything I choose is offered from the heart, regardless of whether it's expensive or from a thrift store.
- There is the economy problem which means that vendors want the most they can get while at the same time discount sales are at a high because no one wants to get stuck with a lot of stock.
- And there's a security issue too. People in desperate straits tend to be a little more bold these days. Stealing is an issue, so is car-jacking, identity theft, muggings, and more. I certainly do not want to be anyone's target! I fear I'd be a good candidate - my running gear has been in the off position for years now. So I am avoiding Malls like the plague this year. And poor Hubster is my new co-pilot for any excursion. Good thing he likes some shopping.
- Also, I guess I have a hard time because I'd like to get something I know the recipient would like to have. It's easy enough to go generic giving, by simply grabbing a shirt and tie, or sweater and nightgown off the racks; or even finding the perfect gift card. And even though my kids say just give money and I know they can use it...it still seems so lame. Hey, we can all use money! And what on earth does anyone in their 80s need that they don't already have or can get when and if they ever do need something? (I know not everyone can do that, but in my world, my peeps can get what they want when they want it).
Ah, the dilemma.
So how weird would it be if one Christmas we all showed up with neat little stacks of envelopes, no boxes, just envelopes? We could all sit around the big old beautifully lit tree that has nothing under if but more envelopes. I suppose, proportionally, it would be time to get a smaller tree, wouldn't you think? Big trees for big gifts, small trees for tiny gifts.
So picture that we've all arrived with our envelopes. The hugs are done, we're sitting in our respective places and we start opening our envelopes from each other. Can you imagine? We've all just exchanged gift cards to the same restaurants, bookstores, and coffee shops!
That will never happen, of course. But it is kinda cool to imagine. Well, I better get back to making my list and checking it twice. Christmas will be here before you know it! Good luck out there!
