December 22, 2007
Stop the Frenzy
It has been established, ad nauseum, that I love presents. Getting them, giving them, buying them, wrapping and unwrapping them. I just love the idea of fun things hiding inside pretty paper.
Which is why Christmas drives me nuts.
People, do you know why I start shopping in August? Because I put thought and often research into each and every gift. I invest time and money, just like everyone else. Maybe more.
Which is why I don't want all of you opening my presents at once! I want to see if you really like what I got! I want to make sure that I made you happy!
I also enjoy seeing what everyone gets from people who aren't me, in case I need to step up my gift-giving next year.
And when I open my presents, I want to look you in the eye and sincerely (or insincerely but convincingly) thank you; not just catch your eye and nod while you open your next present.
I just like the whole experience, and I hate it when months of preparation are over in a frenzy of tissue and boxes. Would the three wisemen have stood for that?
Do you think that Mary haphazardly ripped open the myrrh and threw it aside to grab the frankinsense? The wisemen would have been horrified! They wouldn't have even given her the gold! The shepherds would have looked away awkwardly and made some excuse about, "Oh, we gotta go. The, uh... sheep need... sheering."
Slow down and enjoy your presents. Baby Jesus wants you to.