A friend of mine got me thinking about Christmas this year, and normally I get so excited since it is my absolute favourite time of year (and not just because my birthday is close to Christmas, which means more gifts for me :)) but this year my excitement level just doesn’t measure up.
There are a few things that are really stressful about the Christmas season. One is shopping for a guy, not just your guy but any guy, whether he’s your boyfriend, friend, brother or father, it’s extremely difficult. And this year I am finding that part to be the hardest. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I have NO idea what to get my boyfriend, my dad, my brother or my little nephews. What would make shopping this year so much easier is if throughout the year no one bought ANYTHING and just kept a list of the things they want so when Christmas rolls around I have a list to choose from. Instead all these guys in my life get everything they want throughout the year which leaves me guessing. How do you buy for someone who has everything?!?!?!
My sister is the easiest, anything I like she would like so I go out pretending I am shopping for myself and buy her whatever I would want for myself.
This year I have asked my boyfriend to drop little hints. Like if we are at the mall, maybe he could just mention “I like this” and move on. That way I have ideas of what he likes and would want and it would make my shopping experience a little less stressful. Too bad I can’t do the same for my dad.
Not only do I have to worry about what I am going to get the guys for Christmas this year, but where do I spend it? I’ve always had to choose between two families growing up (one of the joys of having divorced parents) but now there are three (thank god my boyfriends parents are still together, that would be like the movie Four Christmases). I think we have worked out a pretty decent plan so far. Christmas eve we will be volunteering then going to his dad’s family for dinner, Christmas day is still unknown (depends on what my mother and sister are doing) and boxing day has always been dedicated to my dads.
But what if you don’t like the in-laws? What do you do? Do you spend it apart, or suffer through it?
What are your plans for Christmas this year. And if you’re in a relationship, how do you plan on spending it with the two families (or three, or four)?
Amanalynn 