Season of Giving

I love giving gifts. To be honest, I really get more of a charge out of giving that getting. I tend to ask for practical gifts when pressed for a list.
That being said, my spouse tends not to ask for a list from me and strikes out on his own to get me the most practical gift he can find. Past gifts have included feed buckets for the horses, a tiller, a Spotbot, upright vacuum cleaner, and various other instruments of household fun. These gifts do not offend me as they would most wives. I know they will be used and appreciated.
He does listen to my few frivolous requests though. The lovely royal purple jacket that cost way too much for me to buy for myself comes to mind. He has bought me riding breeches, even though he does not care a whit for things equestrian. Last year he completely surprised me with the winter white outdoor swing coat that I had been eyeing in the catalogues for months. The sad part about that is that is was not cold enough to wear it last year so it remains in the closet unworn. I am hoping to wear it this year, or at least have an excuse to wear it somewhere nice.
We chose to focus on our son this year for gift giving. Because of the economy, and perhaps the fact that we have everything we need for materialistic happiness, we decided to have a price limit on the the gift we give each other. I have found his gift this year. I found two, in fact, and still stayed below the price limit. I have given him one idea for me, and yes it is practical but luxurious. I even gave him the Target flier when it was on sale a few weeks back. So if he laments the fact that he has no ideas of what to get me for Christmas, remind him of the king size ultra plush Shabby Chic blanket that I am dreaming of. But don't tell him I told you.

Parenting Faux Pas and other tales of the season

Christmas snuck up on us this year. Here we were finishing up Thanksgiving leftovers and Christmas let itself in the back door. I was doing all right with the shopping. We decorated in time for our neighborhood cocktail party. Got the tree and decorated it as well. Somewhere an extra week just disappeared.

What happened? Was it in the middle of my several rushed Christmas card shoots? Was it while husband was gone on assignment? Was it while kiddo was being spoiled rotten in NYC with the grandparents? I really have no idea.

No cards were sent this year. No cookies were baked this year. The packages that made it to holiday destinations were lucky. Everyone else gets a New Year's gift.

It is 2 days until Christmas. Kiddo is being an absolute pill. He does not want to get dressed, go to school, wear this shirt, eat breakfast.....

He wants to wrap gifts, put them under the tree, play with his Christmas train, make cookies, eat cookies, have hot chocolate with marshmallows. Can't say that I blame him, I would like to do all that too.

He wants Daddy home. Yeah, so do I. He wants Oma and Opa because they are not mean to him like Momma is. ( I am mean because I won't let him stay in his PJ's all day).

In my own frustration, I have become a terrible parent. He has cookies for breakfast, I bribe him to get in the car by promising him a donut (he also has to promise to be good until Christmas). I don't have the time to spend with him that I need. As he hesitated to go into class this am, I had to call work to tell them I would be late. I sat in the hallway of daycare, holding kiddo until he was ready to go into class. I know he wants attention and us to share in his holiday excitement. I want to as well. I think this may be a lesson to me that I should at least take off Christmas eve in the future.