The Holidays
By Katy
Snow flurries fell around me this morning, and I started thinking that the major winter holidays are coming soon. Christmas, Chanukkah, Thanksgiving, New Year…a beautiful time to spend with family and friends. But it’s also the time of year where I tend to spend the most money. Whether I’m entertaining or going to a friend’s house, I spend money. I hate showing up to parties empty-handed. It makes me feel guilty, for some reason, and if I’m working, I tend to make up for the years when I’m not. I buy lavish gifts for my parents. One year, I bought them a large flat screen plasma TV. I usually give my brother cash because he’s the hardest person to shop for.
My closest friends in L.A. are really great at hosting dinners and making gifts. Since I’m not so crafty, I end up buying them things I hope they like! And oh this all reminds me…I need to buy a dining room table so I can host some dinner parties! What pressure we put on ourselves during the holidays! I never understood it as a kid. Sure, I wanted the latest Barbie doll and games, but I also just had fun. I didn’t worry about keeping up. I didn’t feel guilty if all I gave my parents were a card and a hug. Although Thanksgiving isn’t even here yet, do you feel the pressure already?
Tags: Chanukkah, Christmas, crafty, gifts, holidays, money, New Year, snow, Thanksgiving
November 9th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Well you know how I feel about pressure! I don’t normally feel pressure to buy, but I do love giving. And since we’re strapped for cash now, it’s gonna be the hardest thing to not give big gifts. I hate that. But I’m gonna come up with something. Make a craft maybe? I’m tossing around ideas for now. Remember that year when Amy I. made us lip gloss. She freakin’ made lip gloss and put it in those cute little tins, remember!? I’m gonna totally try that. : )
November 10th, 2009 at 7:10 am
I totally remember Amy making us all lip gloss. So crafty! So not me.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
I printed a recipe last night. I gotta figure out where the hell I can buy beeswax. I’m totally doing it! I’ll be sure to test it on myself before giving it out…so if it’s a success and my face doesn’t fall off, then check for a package next month…lol! Seriously. : )
November 10th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
I think everyone feels the pressure to “buy” during the holidays. I even know of people who avoid family during Christmas because they’re worried they won’t be able to afford gifts. I understand it, but the holidays are about celebrating each other and life and religious beliefs… not gifts. Maybe we should make this a “gift free” holiday (except for the kids). See how it feels to just “enjoy” each others company.