Serious Christmas Vibes
Well, today was an exciting day! I arrived home from work to find a stack of Amazon packages outside the front door. I knew they weren’t for me- they were all presents I had ordered for the kids- but there’s still something exciting about seeing a pile of packages. I was also very happy they arrived on this particular day (more on that in a bit,) After I carried the packages in, I went to check the mailbox and found FOUR holiday cards and a mysterious package… which turned out to be a book from Kyria. At first I wondered if Kyria was my Secret Santa, but no… she asked for my address last week, which she would already have if she were my Secret Santa. No, Kyria sent me Running Your First Ultra as a gift!!! I absolutely can’t wait to read it. Thank you, Kyria! A little later I heard a truck pull up, and ANOTHER package was delivered. Now what??? OOOH!!! It was my Secret Santa gift! And guess what… my Secret SANta turned out to be SAN herself! She sent me a mug, vegan cookies, and peppermint soap. OH YES. I love everything, and the mug is being saved until January. I always get so sad when I have to put away the holiday mugs, so San’s mug will ease the pain of that day. THANK YOU SO MUCH, SAN! Phew, that was a lot of excitement. And, tomorrow is my “elfing” day. I’ve done this for a long time but just recently heard it called that. I take a day when no one else is home to wrap the “Santa” presents. Just to clarify- my kids do NOT believe in Santa anymore (in case you were getting seriously worried about my family.) But they still enjoy some Christmas magic, so the Santa presents are hidden away and appear under the tree on Christmas morning. I use special, “secret” wrapping paper and try to make them as pretty as possible. On my elfing day I’ll get my favorite tea from Starbucks in a festive holiday cup, and spread all the presents, wrapping paper and ribbons on the living room floor, so I can wrap leisurely. I’ll either listen to Christmas music or watch something Christmas-y while I’m doing it. This is so much more fun than wrapping presents while crouched furtively in the garage (I’ve done that too.) And this is why I was so happy the presents arrived today. There will still be a few more trickling in, but the more I can get wrapped tomorrow, the less I’ll have to do later. Things are moving right along! Most of the presents have arrived, most of the outdoor decorations are up, and most of my Christmas cards have been sent. I do have one area where I’m lacking, and I’m hoping to get some advice. I realized I have NO stocking stuffers for my son. My daughter is easy- a scented bodywash, some stickers, a bracelet, some candy… done. Does anyone have any ideas for a 21-year-old male who doesn’t like candy, is very picky about his soaps and personal care items, and obviously is too old for toys? HELP!!! Do you like wrapping presents? Do you do it all at once on a special day, or spread it out? Do you like Secret Santa exchanges? – I love them! I did San’s and we’re also doing one at work.