Whenever I hear that line, half way there, I immediately think “living on a prayer”. Can’t help it. But there’s a message in there, I think.
We got out Christmas shopping started last weekend. In fact, I figure we’re probably close to half way there. Sure, a lot of it was the things no one really puts on their list, but really is hoping shows up anyway. You know. Underwear and socks and things like that. We know they need them. But it’s not something that’s going to end up on any list. ‘Tis the magic of Christmas that makes them appear. And getting them early so you can find the right sizes.
But there were a few other things on the list that we did manage to find. They are now safely stashed away. Now the trick is to remember where we put them when things get really confusing. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve sat around on a Christmas morning, wondering what happened to a certain gift, since it failed to appear under the tree. Only to remember it was securely stashed at the back of a drawer, under a pile of other things, where I hid it from everyone, including myself. I hate it when my hiding skills are much better than my remembering skills. Which seems to happen more often.
We also spotted some possible other gift ideas, but decided to think them over a bit. Like Bob Ross Monopoly. I like Monopoly. And I like Bob Ross. I have not yet convinced myself it’s a good idea to buy a board game just so I can say, “I’m going to put a happy little hotel right over here on Boardwalk and then take all your happy little money.”
Or Scooby Doo Clue. I mean, you can probably guess right from the start the killer is the old man in the rubber mask in the lighthouse. And he would have got away with it, too, if it wasn’t for those meddling kids.
Those things may still end up under the tree. I’m just allowing myself time to convince myself they are silly gifts, before I finally decide I need them. Or, excuse me, my children or grandchildren need them.
And since we’re on the subject, why are there no Rocky and Bullwinkle games? Surely Moose and Squirrel deserve something? Or is that just me?
But that is part of the problem. We’ve got a good start on the Christmas shopping. Which means I can start to indulge the silly side a bit. Usually, I don’t hit that point until much later, when it’s too close to Christmas to actual do anything about it.
Shopping early can be good. But it also has it’s drawbacks.
