Random Thoughts on Christmas Shopping

I will admit that I am not a very good gift giver. I’m not the worst gift giver. That title goes to my grandmother. She once gave my sister empty decorated type boxes as a Christmas gift. Seriously. Boxes.  You know the kind you usually fill with a gift…Not to mention my sister was 14 years old at the time. Also I and my cousins were all given jewelry that same Christmas. She’s still bitter about that incident.  I don’t blame her.

Regardless, unless I know exactly what to give someone, I always feel this sense of anxiety about my gift choices. Try as I might, I don’t have much confidence in my ability to delight someone on Christmas morning.

Some people are easy. I know exactly what they want and I purchase it. My older nephew excitedly shows everyone what he wants for Christmas. I take notes, buy it, done. Other people, I have no clue what to get them. This year, I seem to be having problems with the easy people. Not the nephew.  He’s done. Usually I don’t have trouble finding my mom a gift, but I’m overwhelmed by the shopping choices before me. Where to begin?

At some point, I just out and out ask my family what they want for Christmas. Usually they give me a few items from which to choose and my stress level lessens. Worse comes to worst, I default to gift cards. Yes, I know it’s a cop out, but at least I know they will like the gift.

What I really need to do is realize that Christmas isn’t about the gift giving. It’s about spending time with people I care about and enjoying their company.  Christmas cheer is usually found when spirits are shared…of the beverage variety of course.  Maybe I should just hand out nice bottles of wine to the adults in my life. It’s something they probably wouldn’t buy for themselves and most of my wine drinking associates wouldn’t think to spend more than $20 on a bottle.  I could splurge for them…although what if they don’t like it?  Hello, anxiety again!