It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I saw it last night...the first Christmas commercial on television. It may not have actually been the first to air, but it is the first that I have seen. It seems that every year Christmas gets pushed earlier and earlier on the unsuspecting public. While I love Christmas...my favorite holiday...I prefer to celebrate Halloween before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving before Christmas, Christmas before New Years, etc., etc., etc. You get the picture, I'm sure.

I must admit that this year is a bit different. In just a few short hours I will leave the house to meet my daughter and off we will go to FINISH my Christmas shopping! I have never had my shopping done so early before. I stress over getting it done...though I have NEVER not been ready when the celebration actually begins. This year I started shopping several months ago. I had to get things done early this year because we are leaving on December 4th to spend the night in Galveston with 10 of our closest friends ::snicker::. Actually, the 11 of us are leaving the following day on a 7 day cruise to the Bahamas about Carnival Cruise Lines. If it wasn't a party cruise line before it certainly will be when we get on board. Headed out with us are BIL & SIL Glen and Carlene, neighbors Vince and Judy, neighbors Freddy and Kay, neighbors Joe and Timpy and niece Shannon. I am so looking forward to this cruise. But I digress... Suffice it to say that I would not enjoy one minute of the cruise if my shopping wasn't finished. I am a worrier. That's what I do.

Last year Christmas shopping seemed so easy because the kids all wanted money. For some reason this year seems even easier. Each close family member (i.e., son, sons-in-law, and daughter) gets one big gift and then a nice stocking filled with somewhat expensive goodies. Not the usual Target Dollar Spot stuff that I am accustomed to. My son and one son-in-law are getting...oops, I forgot that Scott may have access to this through Kristin's blog. Sorry to disappoint, Scott, if you do read this blog, but there will be no hints for you. The other son-in-law is getting a recliner. It's no big secret. It's what he asked for. He even found it at Overstock.com and sent me the item number. How easy is that?::chuckle:: I am fairly certain that he will not be surprised on Christmas. My only problem with that is "How does one wrap a recliner???" My daughter is getting the perfect gift. No, Kristin, no hints for you either. Dad and Dad-in-law (does that make him a dil?::he he he::) are getting Wal-Mart gift cards. White elephant gifts and close friends are wine baskets and I am making personalized etched wine glasses filled with peppermints for the staff at Quest. I have several gifts already wrapped. Yea, me! I am feeling pretty good right now.

As Kristin and I hit the stores today I will start AND FINISH Christmas shopping for both of my little boys. Being "old" I don't pay close attention to the toy market. It has become our habit for Kristin to pick out the toys, put them in my basket and walk to the register with me so I can purchase them. A hard day, right? LOL Not only do I get my Christmas shopping done, I get to spend time with my daughter..my best friend. I get to talk with her without interruption. I get to observe the beautiful and intelligent young woman she has become...though she will be "old" soon. Turns 30 on March 24th. Just kidding, Kristin. With your spirit you will NEVER be old. Again, digression. Anyway, this has become a very special and meaningful time for me.

When I leave Kristin and return home with a car load of goodies, I will drag out the decorations, drink a little wine, put the tree in place, drink a little wine, wrap the gifts, drink a little wine, Christmasize my house, drink a little wine and fall into bed with a sigh of contentment and a smile on my face. Once again, I will be ready for Christmas...only this time I will be able to relax and enjoy the season without the stress of last minute minutia.

Oh, my gosh! Thanksgiving is next week! What in the world am I going to fix for the family pot luck??? I'd better get to the store. But, oh wait, I have to make a list first...then decide what I am going to wear, then ................What are you laughing at??? I said stressing is what I do!

Happy Holidays everyone!!