Is it Christmas yet? (Or, Gift Cards don’t make as merry a Christmas)

It’s been a while since I really found myself looking forward to Christmas.  For years, it’s just kind of snuck up on me, and by the time I was in the Holiday mood, Christmas dinner was almost over.  This year though, I’m actually looking forward to it.  I don’t think it’s because of the early winter weather.  Believe me, I’m plenty tired of shoveling the driveway already.  In the end, I think it’s because I’ve been doing more of the shopping this year.  Like most years, we don’t seem to have a lot of money for buying gifts this year.  Because of that, I’ve put a little extra time into thinking about what the best gifts are, and into searching for deals on the things I think people will like.  We won’t be giving out many gift cards this year, which is another reason I have enjoyed the shopping.  It is just so much more fun picking out a present for someone than it is giving them a 2.5x3” plastic card.  I’ve also been able to do the vast majority of my shopping without ever leaving the desk.  Between my Amazon Prime membership and free shipping promos from some other websites, I’ve been able to have many of the gifts shipped directly to my door at little or no extra cost.  It sure beats fighting the holiday crowds in stores!

There are a couple of people I have had a hard time buying for, because nothing really seems quite appropriate.  I might end up going with gift cards for them, just because I can’t find ‘the’ perfect gift.  For the most part though, I think I’ve got presents that really fit the recipient, and that they will enjoy. 

I spent last night wrapping some presents, and have more still to wrap.  Anyway, Allison normally handles much of our holiday shopping and most of the wrapping, decorating, and other prep.  I think by getting into some of it myself this year, it has really helped put me into the holiday mood earlier.  It’s great to pick out and wrap presents for people that are just for them.  I just can’t wait for Christmas, to see people open the gifts I’ve picked for them.  I hope they enjoy the gifts as much as I’ve enjoyed picking them out!