Disclaimer: Don't take this too seriously.
This time of year is a disaster. Don't get me wrong, I love shopping - absolutely love it. I could shop till I drop everyday of my life from now on and be happy. I love family, friends, giving and the all those mushy feelings that come with the holidays.
However, I do NOT love figuring out who to shop for and what to buy them.
I like giving people burnt CDs for Christmas. It takes almost zero effort and five minutes. However, you can only give so many CDs as gifts before people start to wonder why they put thought behind your gift as you sit on your butt, hit three buttons and claim to have gotten them a gift.
There's always that friend who remembers everyone and somehow has time to find a special gift for everyone ... or worse, she makes gifts. You know who I'm talking about. It never fails. You are sitting around drinking and she busts out gifts with some cheesy saying about how much you mean to her. You and your friends exchange looks that say "Uh yeah, this friendship is your Christmas present. And yours. And yours. We're friends but there's no way I was putting off studying for finals to go to buy presents."
Then you go back to drinking.
Then a fake smile is plastered on everyone's face and you say, "Thanks so much for your gift. I'll drop yours off tomorrow if that's okay, because it's not quite finished yet."
Then you to rush to the mall and buy ... drum roll please ... candles and lotion.
If one gift says I am only buying you a gift because you did, it's candles and lotion.
Maybe that's a tad harsh but, let's be honest people, it happens.
Then there are parents. They always say, "Don't get us anything; we have everything we want." Yeah right. Just tell me what you want and make this easier because I'm guessing Old Spice and a cookbook weren't what you wanted last year, judging by your looks.
And there's the relatives you see twice a year and are still expected to buy gifts for. How the hell do I know what they like? The only time I see them is when I hand them their gift and maybe at graduations. The only things I know about them is that we're related and they like the mashed potatoes we always have. I would rather spend money on my Santa Claus friend who I actually know than a relative I see once in a blue moon.
Despite the tone, I honesty don't turn into the Grinch when Dec. 1 rolls around, I just never know who to buy for and what to get. Once you decide to buy for someone, it's taking your relationship to a new level. Maybe the person you are buying for doesn't feel ready to move to that level ... or maybe I just analyze this gift buying thing way too much.
What do I want for Christmas?
Well, you name it and I'll take it. Besides candles, lotion and burnt CDs, that is.
But what do I really want? To sit around with my friends. Laughing and drinking - minus the friend who thinks she's Santa Claus.
Write to Jessica at jemohr@bsu.edu
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