I thought about this the other day, “What do I want?” Do you have a problem with this? It seems to be more difficult the older I get.
My son says it gets tougher because the things he really wants are expensive and he feels bad asking others to buy it.
I know some families that don’t exchange gifts with the adults anymore but everytime it’s suggested with our crew you hear, “But I LIKE opening presents!” Fortunately we’re in a place where we can all still do Christmas shopping but maybe that will change when there are more little ones.
Every year around Thanksgiving we spread the word throughout the family that it’s time to send out your list. I’m glad to say that just about everyone has this year except for my son-in-law, the Yankees fan, so he’s getting a Red Sox hat and be a Big Papi jersey.
I do have to admit the my new grandson makes shopping fun this year. What do you mean he doesn’t need that 4-foot bear or he’s too young for a drum set?
Every year though it seems to be a struggle for some of us older folks and it’s not unusual to hear, “_____ has a lame list!” It might say “Flannel Shirt” or “Winter Hat.” If there is something specific one of us usually rushes to get it then sends a group text to everyone except the gift recipient, “I got mom the ______.” One year we didn’t text and Sarah got two copies of the same book and my daughter-in-law Marla almost got two Instapots!
I suppose I could get cute and wish for world peace. I remember one year when the kids were younger that I actually said, “I’d be happy if you could all just get along for a day!”
It’s difficult as we get older because we usually go out and buy whatever we need. My mother used to buy me socks and underwear well into my 40s because that’s what moms do. I remember the first time I went out and bought myself socks. It seemed so weird.
I remember getting the thick Sunday paper and going right to the classifieds. Of course there was the Sears Roebuck Catalog and I do remember circling things in the big J.C.Penney book. I guess kids today take screenshots from Amazon.com?
It appears that the things I really want you either can’t buy in a store or, like my dream of a new Jeep, is a little far fetched. No one in my family has either purchased or received a new car with one of those big red bows for Christmas. I’d love to have my body no longer ache or to be able to run along the beach again. I don’t even think Amazon can order that.
So my list includes a couple of books I want, some jeans and a new pair of sneakers. The family always seems to surprise me with something every year and I don’t doubt they’ll do it again. One of the children even has a knack of picking out great gifts and he hardly ever goes by their list. He enjoys shopping and he’s really good at it. No matter what, Christmas morning always features plenty of wrapping paper torn or balled up on the floor.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas my friend and may your gift-giving list run out before your money does.
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