Why I Don't Do My Christmas Shopping Early

I am, by nature, a last-minute sort of person. I do my best work -- frequently, my only work -- under pressure. Especially when it is one of those tasks that seems impossible, like picking out a gift for your husband's grandparents and uncle. For some reason, my brain just will not engage enough to make a gift-giving decision possible before December 23.

In fact, I really wish that gift-giving among adults was outlawed, or at least considered taboo or something. Most of us over the age of 25 have enough junk in our lives already -- I'm constantly getting rid of things lest I find myself featured on "Hoarders" someday. It seems that our entire economy is based upon people buying "gift items" for each other; but I can't help thinking that the world would be a better place if we just baked each other cookies or something instead.

Anyway, one year I had a fit of organization-ness. I get these bursts sometimes; they are usually pretty short-lived. So, I purchased a nice frame for my husband's grandparents, and found a picture of the kids where they were all smiling (or at least not crying). I had a nice print made and put it in the frame, and then I (this is the amazing bit) went so far as to wrap it up, in Christmas paper, no less!

I was so proud of myself. I mean, gifts for grandparents are always my personal Armageddon. It's very hard to buy things for old people who have already had to get rid of most of their belongings in order to downsize to a small home in a retirement community. I usually end up sending them a flower arrangement or a fruit basket; I have no idea if they even like flowers or fruit.

I packed the wrapped gift away so my kids wouldn't find it and open it (they tend to do stuff like that). And then...I TOTALLY FORGOT IT EVER EXISTED.

Several months later, on December 23rd to be exact, I realized in horror that I had once again forgotten to get anything for my husband's grandma and grandpa! In a panic, I paid $50 to have a fruit basket overnighted to them.

The following summer, I was cleaning out our mudroom and -- I bet you have guessed where this is going -- I found the wrapped gift. I stared at it for a moment, going "What the...???!!!" Then I unwrapped it and realized what had happened.

I stared at it for a long time. Then I banged my head against the wall for a while.

And that is why I never do my Christmas shopping early.