Afterglow
Well, I made it through Christmas and here's what I have to say: Every year it's the same...a big letdown. I don't mean to sound spoiled or whiny (I am...both), but it's just that I put so much effort into this celebration and it's over so quickly. And I don't know about you, but nobody ever gets as excited as I think they will at the gifts that I've obsessed a bit about. There's this giant build-up and...it's over. And every year I make the same mistake - I get up too damn early. You'd think I was 5 years old again. This year it was 4:45 am. WTF?!
This year, the theme of my gifts was this: broken and returnable. Yes, the karaoke machine (which was supposed to replace the first karaoke machine that broke) not only took two sweaty hours to assemble (thanks to my hubby) but then didn't work after all that effort. What a waste. Then, hubby's XM Radio is just not really impressing anyone by going on and off and never really getting a signal. All I can say is that I hope XM Radio isn't involved in the space program or those astronauts are really in trouble. So today was spent returning broken or poorly conceived gifts. At least that's over!
So here's my idea on Christmas. I think it's getting too predictable. First, it's the same time every year and secondly, the season is getting longer, thanks to retailers. I think we should change it up and give people little or no notice. Then there won't be time to obsess over it and it won't turn into a huge spending competition that can never be won. Give one person the job of announcing Christmas two weeks prior to the date. And there should be a rule that nobody over the age of 18 gets gifts. Think about it: Those are the only fun ones to buy and then we don't have to buy ridiculous things for people that don't need them. Yeah, it would kind of be a blow to the economy, but think of the money we'll have left for vacations! And finally, there's a rule that you can only decorate your house every other year. Yes, this is my best idea yet. Then the decorations will always feel fresh, even if they're a little dustier from sitting in the basement longer.
OK, I've obviously had too much egg nog and these ideas are probably downright unpatriotic to some, but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
posted by Karen @ 3:20 PM
13 Comments:
Thanks for visiting me and commenting :)
I kinda know how you feel. Each and every year I get excited about Christmas and I'm like a little kid... an hour or so into the day and it's not so good.
OK, I'm lubbing you again! You're getting into the spirit of "oh, this is the most ridiculous 3 months of planning and spending for 24 hours of family arguments and disappointing gifts" that I hope more people will realize. It's just plain ridiculous how overblown it has gotten, and not buying into it is the right thing to do. It's about family and friends and GIVING, not buying and shopping and returning.
Good for you!
Michele sent me.
Hey, that's what blogs are for! You're allowed to feel holiday-crabby sometimes! Unless we're talking about my birthday...in which case it's good cheer all the way!
I think your ideas are BRILLIANT!!!
Everything you said makes total sense to me and I vote for all of it, and you! Drink some more eggnog..you may come up with some even BETTER ideas!!!
Here from Michele and VERY Happily so....I truly agree with you and that the 'day' is over vefore you know it and there you are...BROKE! (lol)
It does tend to get less impressive every year doesn't it? Now that my kids are older it's not the same...I'm hoping that when I have grandchildren the magic comes back!
Here via Michele's!
I SOOOO relate!! The build up to Christmas seems ENDLESS, and then its over in the blink of an eye.
The commercialism and the length of the retail season has become ridiculous. I keep threatening my kids that ALL gifts to and from everyone will be HOME MADE. I just might do that next year....
Do I ever agree! I think it should be a law that stores (and private homes) cannot put up their decorations until after Thanksgiving!
Thanks for visiting me from Michele's!
Yes, I SOOOOOO agree with all your sentiments. All that build-up and fuss over Christmas preparations, buying presents, gift-wrapping (darn gift-wrapping for life!), then in a blink it's all over. And half of the people around you are fakely smiling at the gifts they've just opened. I had to wake up early also the next day to prepare for my in-laws' visit. The whole gift-giving, fake smiling process repeated itself... Sigh, I miss being a kid. Everything just seemed more fun then...
Ahh, bummer.
I know what you mean though. Such anticipation can be hard to live up to. It used to wear on me, but seriously, this year I focused outside the wrapping paper. Even though the kids didn't get quite as tickled by everything I thought they would have, we certainly all enjoyed our time together - which made it all worth it.
Inhale. Exhale. Sigh. The holiday season is what we make it. Don't let the hype and the tidal wave sweep you up. Push back and take it back.
Michele sent me
I'm back from Michele's! Helloo!!! :-)
I LOVE the idea of a surprise Christmas. I think I would change a few things though. I would only give 48 hours notice and for the gifts...hand to hand combat to fight for them. You can get your aggressions out too.
I agree 100% !
My father bought me a carbonated soda maker. WTF?
AND he went out with my son and bought us a chocolate fountain...again? WTF?
To me it was a huge let down, and noone got excited about what I gave them.... Next year? If there is a next year, ha! I will vow to do it all differently
Hi Karen! Thanks for visiting my "garden!" You mentioned you grew up in Chicago? Where about? I lived in Burbank, and left in '83 after high school. Small world, huh?
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home