Community Press, December 2002 
 
 
Annie's Corner
Holiday Mania
by Anne O. Stout  

Ah, Christmas, my very favorite and my least favorite holiday at the same time.  How is this possible? Let me explain. 

 I always start early with spirit and enthusiasm, shopping, decorating, baking, and wrapping all in preparation for the big day.  

 Ever notice summer goes right into Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and "bang" it's Christmas, all in what seems a week's time?  I mean the time just flies, and my calm organized start turns to a maddening rush to be ready. 

 My shopping, for instance, starts with me methodically going through the Christmas books that start filling my mailbox in summer, picking that special something for each and every person on my list.  By December, with only half the items ordered actually showing up, I end up running to the nearest "we have everything" store and putting the rest on layaway, and basically finishing in two hours as that is all the shopping time my schedule allows. Of course there are always the quick, last minute gifts for teachers, co-workers, and grab bags that were not on my original list. 

 The first items bought are carefully inspected, and then immediately wrapped in preparation for more, but there is always the inevitable pile once the lay away is paid off. 

 Decorating starts once Thanksgiving is over as we see and buy new decorations each year as the spirit hits, but ends with a scurry to decorate the tree, which was not acquired too soon as real trees dry out so fast.  Buying the tree is a trick in itself as one must look over each and every tree on the lot, and have you ever noticed it never looks as full or healthy once sitting in your livingroom?  It probably misses its friends. 

 Many people use a Christmas club to do their shopping, but somehow, whenever I managed to get one saved, an automobile repair had to be done, or a major appliance went down, and used that fund, so still found myself scraping and saving to attain those gifts.  Also a pat on the back goes out to all the women who buy all the Christmas presents for the whole family, including the second cousin twice removed, with no ideas from anyone else. I go around making phone calls, or sending e-mails, or just dropping by for a visit just to get some ideas as to what each person likes, would want, can't live without. 

 The few weeks before are nice with parties here and there, and the exchange of gifts, and the many programs at school and church all leading to the final big day.  Family and friends gather and share some special moments. It's a wonderful time, and then it ends.  A brief interlude to the everyday with New Year's right on its tail. 

 Suddenly it's a brand new year, and life must return to school and work, back to the every day. Meanwhile I must take down the tree and decorations, and find space for all the generous gifts.  Christmas, I love it but glad it is only once a year. 

 Oh no, I forgot to mail my Christmas cards. Oh well I can save them for next Christmas, one less thing on my list. 

 Have a Merry Christmas!


 The Community Press
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serving the Tioga County, New York, area
Copyright 2002 Brown Enterprise and Marketing