Christmas-y Shenanigans
Lately I’ve been listening to a podcast called Christmas Countdown. At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about it- it’s sponsored by Hallmark and I’m not a big Hallmark fan- but it grew on me. Driving around while listening to the recent “Top 5 Christmas Smells” and “Top 5 Christmas Sounds” episodes put me in a festive mood. In addition to the countdowns, the hosts play games like “This or That?” Gift bags or wrapping paper? (wrapping paper definitely, although gift bags have their time and place.) Skating or sledding? (neither in Florida, but if I had to choose, sledding- because I’m less likely to break multiple bones.) Ham or Turkey? (neither- our Christmas dinner is lasagna.) Anyway, today at work my manager asked me if I wanted to put my name in for the “grab-bag present.” Thinking it was a Secret Santa situation, I said yes- but then I found out we’re supposed to get a generic gift, and then we’ll each pick one. Arg. That means I have to get a gift that would be appropriate for any of my coworkers, and that includes twenty-year-old women and sixty-year-old men. I was baffled… until I listened to the latest episode of Christmas Countdown. One of the hosts (I’ll admit I still can’t tell them apart) was talking about his recent trip to Marshalls. He said he had a list of things to get but was waylaid at the “random doohickey” display, which he described as an amazing assortment of gadgets that would be especially perfect for gift exchanges where the price range is $20-$25. AHA! I know where I’ll be heading to find my grab-bag gift. On the subject of work… remember this? I decided to give it one more try, and applied it today before going to work. Nope- same sweet, sickening smell. When I got to work I was talking to my manager (about the grab-bag, actually) when he got a strange look on his face. And then he said “What’s that smell?” I knew exactly what he was smelling, but I didn’t want to admit I was wearing “spiked eggnog” deodorant. Luckily one of my coworkers said “I used coconut body wash… do you think that’s it?” He looked uncertain but said “Well… maybe.” Ha ha… no, it wasn’t coconut… it was eggnog. That’s it- I’m throwing that deodorant away. So if you’ve been reading for a while you’ve probably heard me complain about our weather- specifically, that we haven’t had any cooldowns yet this year. Lately it’s been getting down to 60s at night but it’s still humid AF. I’ve been waiting impatiently for that first cold, refreshing blast of air from the north… well, look at THIS: 42 degrees on Christmas Day????? That would be a Christmas miracle! I told my son I’ll believe it when it actually happens, because we’ve had similar forecasts that never came true. My son said, “Well, if it does get down to 40 on Christmas, we’ll go crazy!’ I’m not exactly sure what “going crazy” would entail- opening the windows? Building a bonfire in the backyard? Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion- will it really get down to the 40s? What will we do to celebrate? And- will I find the perfect grab-bag gift at the Marshall’s doohickey table? We’ll find out soon.