By Staff
I'll admit I'm a little confused. That fact is probably not surprising to most of the folks who know me well.
What's confusing me these days is how I feel about the influx of Christmas music on the radio.
I love it. That much I am sure of. But, I'm not sure I'm quite ready for it 24/7. I realize that as you read this column we are three weeks shy of the big day. When you only have 21 days to prepare for the biggest holiday of the year, that gets pretty scary.
At this point, I have only purchased two gifts, both of which are for my son. I have a list of family members and friends I would love to give a little something to for the holidays, but my time is running out.
If you think I'm crazy, you may be right. Most folks wouldn't be in such a tizzy, because to a lot of people, three weeks is plenty of time to do the shopping, wrapping, cookie-making, tree-trimming, decking the halls, party-going and other stuff too.
That may be true for most people, but for me, not so much.
I love my job, but I do spend about 50 (sometimes more) hours each week doing what I do. When you throw in a little cooking and a little cleaning, a little laundry, a little spelling study, a little bath time and a few other things that might need to be done, there's not a whole lot of time for other things. Let's not forget that we go to church on Sunday and Sunday night as well as a little Christmas program rehearsal here and there and the free time seems to vanish. Forget a few hours for sleeping. There will be time for that Dec. 26 or after.
Those gift cards that I have found so impersonal in the past are starting to look more attractive as I get older. But, shoot, those things still have to be purchased at a store, so that means travel and time in-line at some cash register. And on top of that, you can't just hand someone a gift card, you'll need at least a pretty envelope to put it in or maybe even a special holiday greeting card. Another line to stand in and decide what the best card would be to suit that person. By this time, I'm thinking of going back to the bath accessories aisle and getting everybody a bar of soap. Sorry folks.
I am excited about the holidays, though. Even though I am feeling a little stressed, I do love Christmas and the things that I have come to associate with the annual recognition of Christ's birth.
It is a little commercial for my liking, but I like to get a gift as much as I like giving one.
So, no matter how white my knuckles are while driving to the stores, or how red my eyes are from lack of sleep, I will enjoy the Christmas music.
I'll just keep repeating it until it takes effect. I will enjoy the Christmas music, I will enjoy the Christmas music, I will