Presents

This has been a strange Christmas so far. We have no presents under the tree! We haven't put them there, because our niece would probably open them ahead of time. They are tucked away all over the house. This year has had some tough times, and here just days before Christmas, there's nothing that I really want. The gifts we do have, actually for everyone else! There just isn't any for me?!!?

The short version of the explanation is that between available funds for presents and the time and energy to get the presents, my wife just hasn't been able to do it.

Now we are a few days away and I can't really think of anything I want for Christmas. There are lots of things that would be nice, or maybe things that we would like, or need. Tools? I'll just go buy them anyway. Clothes? Don't need them. Elaine feels the same way, there's nothing that we just gotta have or really want to add to our collection of stuff. Got a few extra dollars, I'm stashing it away for later.

It is kind of refreshing, really teaches the virtue of giving: thoughful gifts don't have to be expensive. They can be relatively inexpensive, if thought and love are put into them.