Here it is, about a week before Christmas, and I have yet to start my Christmas shopping. That is so typical me. I have gotten crafty with my bff this year and made quite a few gifts, but I'm pretty sure my lil people would suspect something if they received one of my handmade gifts from Santa. Not such a good idea.
As with pretty much everyone, finances have played a big role on my last minute shopping. It seems since I moved in with my mother (to save money) I am more broke now than in recent years. Why is that?? Anyway, a few weeks ago, the counselor from school called me and said that a local organization wanted to help out families with Christmas gifts and could they get my two lil people some. Absolutely! That took a LOT of stress off of my holiday mindset. I picked up no less than than two garbage bags, a shopping bag, and a gift bag full of presents for the kiddies. Whoever this organization is... thank you thank you thank you!! They will be receiving a thank you card (by way of the school).
Of course, when Miss Thang saw them, she says "Wow. Thanks Mom." I told her I had nothing to do with it. So I concocted a story about how I had written a special letter to Santa and told him about our finances and could they help. Santa being the jolliest of elves, was happy to help and sent an elf on a special trip to deliver some pre-Christmas gifts. She looked at me and said "Um... Mom. I don't buy that story." She then said "I believe there's a Santa and elves, but really?? They only come at Christmas...not before." So, I tried to spin the lie a little further and convince her that was what happened. She still has no idea where they came from as she is still not buying the story, but... I giggle inside every time I think about it. I will tell her one day where they really came from. So she gets the importance and joy of "giving". I'm just enjoying the thought of Santa magic floating around at the moment.
I have been seriously working like a mad man this week. Normally at Christmas our office pretty much shuts down for a couple of weeks. Of course, this year, people seem to be waiting until the last minute to send in orders. I will probably have to work one day next week to wrap it all up, but hey... after that... It's VACATION time. Or should I say STAYCATION, since I plan on going absolutely NO WHERE! Ahhh. Just the thought of it is lovely.
Today we are going to my bff's for a Christmas dinner. Then after that, I'm hoping to take the kiddos to the speedway to see the lights. Tomorrow is major shopping. Oh... forgot one important story for the shopping trip. I got my paycheck yesterday (plus a week) to dedicate entirely to Christmas gifts. Which, of course, would make me broke for the next two weeks, but ya do what ya gotta do. Then out of the blue my friend Tammy called me. Ok, backstory... I was engaged... years ago. And when the relationship ended, I still had the ring. I tried to sell it. Numerous times. But, no one was interested. Not even second hand jewelry shops. The pawn shop just insulted me with how much they offered and I left there in tears, so I have had the ring all of these years. Then Tammy calls and says she knows someone who's interested. And just like that, it was sold! Sooo, now I actually HAVE Christmas shopping money. Don't ya love when things just work out?? I was feeling pretty lucky, so I bought a scratch lottery ticket and won $10. I gave up after that. No need to push Lady Luck, ya know.
So, needless to say I am feeling pretty Christmassy, what with all the positive energy flowing around me this week. It's time to pay it forward. I have no definite plans on what I will do to pay it forward, but it does make me feel generous and loving toward...well... pretty much everyone!
Merry Christmas everyone... or Happy Holidays... or Happy Hannukah... or whichever holiday YOU celebrate. Enjoy the season and don't let it get ya down. Remember what REALLY matters!
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