Sorry, Santa . . . I just haven’t been able to come up with a list this year. Not only for myself, but — more importantly — for my family and friends.

I just don’t have a clue.

I have figured out what to send to the folks at a distance, which is lucky, because I can just order those and have them delivered directly to each one.

But the nearby family members are a total mystery . . . and not one of them has submitted a wish list this year. They’re all saying there’s nothing they need or especially want, which makes us sound as though we’re rich and spoiled, which we most definitely are not. Comfortable, yes; but rich?

And did I mention that I have expensive taste? I mean, for someone with a limited income, it’s really, really expensive. I like quality. So I am royally screwed this year, because . . . well, have you seen the prices of almost everything? A simple down jacket for $396? Seriously? Even sweaters — and we’re not talking about cashmere — are over $100. Sure, you can get cheaper ones, but I’m a firm believer that you get what you pay for, and I’d really prefer that something didn’t fall apart after a couple of uses.

Oh, and forget about electronics, which seem to be at the top of everyone’s list — those who have made lists, that is. (That’s a hint, family.) I remember when the only phone you had was a house phone, and the phone company provided that — free! — with your home service. You can bet that those days are never coming back.

The easiest one on this year’s list is the new baby in the family. She’ll just be a month old at Christmas, so she won’t know what’s going on anyway. I’m thinking a soft, cuddly toy and a month’s supply of diapers will make Mom and Dad happy. She’ll be more fun next year.

So, as I said, I’m stumped. If anyone out there has any unique suggestions, I’m all ears and eyes. And in the meantime, I’d better start leafing through all those catalogs that were jammed into the mailbox today.

But that brings me to the biggest problem of all. Many, many years ago, I somehow managed to develop a method of Christmas shopping that I call my “One for you, one for me” method. I’m sure I don’t have to explain.

And yes, it was a shock when those bills came through in January. But oh, what fun it was in December!

As you can imagine, that’s been a hard habit to break.

Anyway, happy shopping, everyone. And in all the rush of buying, wrapping, decorating, baking, etc., don’t forget the other joy of Christmas: the office party. Behave yourselves . . . because you have to face those same people on Monday.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
12/7/24