I can tell that this Christmas season I am going to have a fight on my hands. It is only December 2nd and I sense this vague unspoken pressure telling me I am “behind” because I don’t have my Christmas shopping done yet (in fact I don’t even have a list!). I do have my tree up and the decorating done, we did that on Friday and Saturday while our oldest was home from college for Thanksgiving. I don’t know if I am doing it to myself or if the marketing powers that be have intentionally set out to make me feel this way so I will panic buy. But whatever the case, I am determined <\/b>not to cave – and to enjoy each day for what it is.<\/p>\n
Is there truly anything wrong about not getting things bought until right up until Christmas? Do we really think there will be “nothing good left” to buy? Surely I can find something that each of my loved ones will enjoy as a gift from me. Are our relationships so shallow that they will be damaged if I buy the watch instead of the scarf or the beach towels instead of the tablecloth? Will my kids love me less if I buy them the wrong video game or a shirt they didn’t ask for? Hopefully everyone on my giving list knows I am giving out of my heart. None of our kids are little kids anymore – no need for Furby <\/a>or Tickle Me Elmo<\/a> or Star Wars Lego<\/a>.Will they just appreciate the gift because I gave it?<\/p>\n