Part of the magic of Christmas for me has always been knowing that there will be gifts–both to and from me–to open on December 25th, but this time around I seem to be much more fixated than I usually am.
In years past we have tended to go a bit overboard when it came to the gifting part of Christmas. I can’t help myself; I love coming up with gifts that I know David will go nuts for. Plus I really REALLY like wrapping stuff. And for David’s part, well he just really likes getting presents. So every year I end up buying and buying, and as he watches the packages pile up he starts feeling obligated to buy just as many things for me as I’ve bought for him, and before we know it we’re drowning in gift wrap Christmas morning.
This year I decided something needed to be done because we were getting out of control. I imposed some regulations to keep us in check: each person gets something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. Period. Done. Except then David kept saying there wasn’t anything he needed and I couldn’t think of anything he needed either and he didn’t even come up with a wishlist until like three days ago and I was getting frustrated at my inability to pin down the perfect present. So I came up with a new plan: we each get something to wear, something to read, and something fun. Three gifts instead of four. Easy enough.
When I suggested these updated rules to David, he said, “Sweet. So if I wait a little longer, will I only have to get you two presents? Or just one?” Which, I’ll be honest, irked me more than a little. “Nobody’s making you get me anything,” I told him. “If you don’t want to get me presents, that’s fine.”
Of course that’s not true at all. If he didn’t get me any Christmas presents I would be deeply offended. And he knows that.
But why am I so obsessed with the giving and receiving (and having…and sharing…) this year anyway? While I don’t feel like I’m ignoring the Love and Joy and Peace On Earth and Baby Jesus In A Manger-ness of the season, I’m certainly not focusing on it as much as I ought, and I can’t help blaming that on the fact that I have yet to find the perfect gift for my husband, which is kind of a stupid reason to be feeling so grinchy.
Sigh.
I need to sort out my priorities. And maybe get over my aversion to gift cards.
(A prize to the first person to correctly name the source of the title quote.)
Oh oh oh! I know this one! Friends! Right? Isn't it Joey who says it?
I also get obsessed with finding the right gift. It makes Christmas day way more exciting when you get to watch people open gifts you have spent hours picking out. We can't wait to see you guys!
'Tis indeed Joey. And I feel the same way. I just wish it would stop compromising my Christmas spirit. 🙂
Can't wait to see you too!
david has always been hard to shop for. what do you get the man who can not only buy, but make anything he dreams of?
The quote sounded more like Ron on Harry Potter. . . oh wait, he was saying Hermione needs to sort out her priorities. Never mind.
Emily: SERIOUSLY. It's frustrating.
Mom: I was totally channeling Ron with that bit about priorities. It always comes back to Harry Potter in one way or another.
Don't get me started on Christmas gifts. Bah humbug.
We limit it to one, unless someone instigates other regulations, and call it good.