by araby » Sat Dec 17, 2011 6:42 am
I knew something was wrong about seven years ago when I got an email from my Dad that said, "do not come home for Christmas empty-handed."
This year I wanted to tell the families, "we are not accepting gifts." I kept imagining myself saying it, but it never actually came out. On Thanksgiving at my parents' house, a list was passed around and each person was to write a wish list on it. My sister-in-law made modified copies of the list and handed it out.
I skipped writing anything on the list until everyone pointed out that I hadn't listed anything. I felt the pressure, once again, and thought of what I could really use which is a rocking chair. I wrote down something I want, so that means I have to give as well, and I know that this year, my money has been obligated since August to pay for things and Christmas gifts are a huge stretch. It puts me in a bind, I feel bad that I can't buy what I want for people, I refuse to use the Sears credit card we magically received (and promptly cut up) and just wish I could go back to Thanksgiving and make my announcement: "we are not receiving gifts."
In our home, family is very important and we all love one another very much, but this Christmas present business is getting out of hand. I am not pleased with the idea of being obligated to bring gifts but this is understood. If it were my way, we'd get the kids presents and that's it.
I'm sure you can imagine that hearing the songs too early and seeing the ads are just a dim reminder of what is for some people; the most depressing time of the year. Two weeks from Christmas, two months from tax time, and three weeks away from giving birth, the state of SC took 428$ from my paycheck and it stung. Well that was just yesterday and I'm sure it's still stinging. But that's how it goes for some people! At least it's paid, right? Sheesh. thanks, SC. Not to mention our governor is a piece of shit.