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December 22, 2004

Nog me

Lani, from the nog bowl...

Well, there's nothing like shopping for Christmas at the last minute, is there? Actually, I wouldn't know even if there was, because I've never done it any other way. I know, hard to fathom, me, being disorganized. But, hand to God, it's true. The thing is, shopping early, it's so frustrating because there's no excuse for not finding the perfect thing. Tie not quite right? There's time; keep shopping. Can't recall if your best friend is a closet Go-Gos fan? Give her a call, be crafty, suss it out of her. There's time. Gah. The pressure. Who can deal with it?

See, with me, there is a method to the madness. I know the secret to the holiday season, and it has freed me from endless hours of should I get the red sweater or the green sweater? and does anyone really need a silver-plated cheese grater? etc. And I'm about to share that secret with you.

Here it is: No one really cares what you bought them. Most people just want to hang out with you, unwrap a trinket or two, and have a little egg nog. Okay, so it's not exactly a Nobel Prize-worthy revelation, but it keeps me from getting in a cold sweat about Christmas, so it's a win for me.

Now, I realize this all may sound like a big justification because I'm lazy and unorganized and I do all my Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve. And maybe I'm just taking this attitude because I don't care what anyone gets me for Christmas, or if anyone gets me anything for Christmas.

I'm really just in it for the egg nog and the company.

Now, with kids, I'll admit, it's different. You gotta pay attention with kids and get them something you know they'll like, but let's face it - kids are notoriously easy to shop for. As long as it's a) expensive, b) loud, and c) has lots of small parts we'll be finding wedged in the vacuum cleaner for years to come, they're happy. Oh, and no underwear. No clothing of any kind, actually. And nothing home made. Outside of that, it's easy breezy japanesey.

But with adults, we agonize. We ponder. We wonder. We wander. Up and down the mall, twice, thrice, and still we can't decide between the electric shaver and the Marilyn Monroe tie that sings "Santa, Baby." And you know what? Doesn't matter. If they love you, they'll love it. And if they don't, they won't. So this year, buy a gift certificate and get nogged.

Of course, it occurs to me that if you're reading this on the 22nd of December and you haven't already done all your Christmas shopping, then pretty much, I'm preaching to the choir. Or you're not Christian, in which case, have a Rockin' Channukah, a Kickin' Kwanzaa, or a very nice and peaceful whatever it is you celebrate or refuse to celebrate at this time of year.

Now, go get nogged.

Posted by Lani at 9:36 PM | Comments (1)

Comments

Posted by: Michelle C at December 23, 2004 9:38 AM