Some years the Christmas card list is short, oh who am I kidding? Some years I haven't sent any at all. This was one of those years where I bought a package of 20 cards, wrote up my list, made out all the cards, and then figured out that I had left off 3 very important people. Guess who's going to buy a cheap box of cards tomorrow? Ugh!
Tonight I spent a few hours writing out the cards and wrapping the calendars that I'm giving out. We started out the evening watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (because who doesn't feel better about their holiday plans after watching that movie?) and I just kept wrapping and wrapping. After the movie younger step-son (who is now living with us when he's not at college, which is a joy) started playing Halo. So this year Christmas presents and WARTHOG! will be inextricably linked in my mind.
2008 finds us still celebrating Christmas, but in a much more conservative manner than last year. The economic downturn hasn't directly impacted us, but having 2 kids in college at the same time has. I've said several times to VPH this fall, "Thank goodness we have no money or we would have lost a bunch of it." Long story short, last year we spent almost $70 on a living tree, a bunch more on a rosemary tree and a lovely poinsettia from the good nursery, and I forced bulbs all over the house. This year we have a $15 fake tree and 2 poinsettias that were a total of $6.66 and that is it. There isn't another plant in the house (other than one really old houseplant that we inherited from my mother-in-law years ago).
The view from the couch after I finished wrapping:
There are several items of note above:
1. The $15 Christmas tree...better than you thought, isn't it?
2. Younger step-son's feet...anyone surprised he's over 6 feet tall?
3. The Wii Fit in the gaming section of the entertainment center...one of these days I will get around to trying it.
4. Halo on the TV...you know you're jealous!
The calendars will be in tomorrow's outgoing mail so I should be able to share the final photos with you on Christmas day. Until then, best wishes for sanity in this, the most stressful time of the year!
Heather: You are the Queen of economizing. Love the feet! Your items of note made me LOL. Happy holidays!
Posted by: Layanee | December 17, 2008 at 07:42 AM
I don't see a need for a Holiday to be expensive to be properly enjoyed. We take comfort in gathering our friends and family together to share our joy. The memories last longer than most of the gifts.
Posted by: Scott | December 21, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Layanee -- Glad I made you giggle!
Scott -- I just love buying the perfect present for the perfect person. I don't do well with budgets. My family is scattered all over the world and we opted not to host our annual holiday cocktail party due to lack of funds, and my office isn't even having a holiday party, so not much gathering and sharing of joy going on this year.
Posted by: Heather's Garden | December 21, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Hi, you have a nice site. Really good job! Respect :)
Posted by: zffsu | December 23, 2008 at 08:53 AM
I like the way you think! I'm sorry I missed this post *before* the holidays -- you've summed up how I feel about it perfectly. It doesn't have to cost a lot to be heartfelt. :) I hope 2009 is kind to you and yours.
Posted by: Nancy Bond | January 24, 2009 at 01:02 PM
Nancy -- There's that all important line between inexpensive and cheap though. Luckily I know that the calendars are on the inexpensive side, not the cheap one. Happy New Year to you too!
Posted by: Heather's Garden | January 25, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Wii Fit is worth it. You should try it if you want to burn calories.
Posted by: Sudoku Print Puzzles | January 03, 2010 at 05:24 PM