I had to run some errands yesterday and as I went into one store I had to do a double-take as there, on the sidewalk in front of the store window was a display of Halloween items for sale. Halloween! How is that possible? Here it is, a sweltering August, with temperatures constantly hovering in the mid to high 90’s and stores are displaying fall colors and scarecrow yard art for sale. Now, while urge to enjoy the crisp cool temperatures of autumn is very tempting, isn’t it a little early to be thinking of October so soon?
I guess that means bargain hunting for pool toys and summer gear is probably nearly over. I’m always late for those sales somehow. So there I was looking for new shorts for the kids and finding them in limited supply. Well, at least the prices were pretty good. A neighbor mentioned they were in a home decor store in the mall and the store even had Christmas items on display. I was floored enough by the Halloween decor, so I’m glad I wasn’t the one to view the Christmas goodies.
Yesterday we celebrated Easter with our family at my sister’s house. Now, even though as adults we should know better, we still start the holiday digging into the kids baskets with them. Well, we actually eat some of the candy that didn’t make it into the baskets rather than taking their candy. It’s a bit of gorging of course, but we figure it’s only one time a year so why not. Then after we rest and read the morning paper, we treat ourselves to a big breakfast of French toast or pancakes with bacon and lots of syrup and juice. After Church it’s off to the big family get together, where we eat again.
So the family dinner includes ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes, biscuits, gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, and more. After sitting around chatting and stuffing ourselves we usually try to get some fresh air and make room for dessert- a perfect time for the kids to do an Easter egg hunt. Why do so many holidays revolve around food? Of course along with dessert there is usually a second round of Easter candy to go around. After all of the sugar and food, it’s no wonder we all crash early for the night.
Finding the perfect gift, isn’t that the hardest thing to do sometimes? Shopping for some people can be easy because you know what they really like and so it’s fun to head out to the stores and find something you know they’ll love. Sometimes choosing just one thing for someone like that is impossible! Then there is the person that’s hard to buy for because either you don’t know them that well or perhaps they seem to have everything already.
Some of the toughest people to shop for can be teenagers, especially if you don’t have a clue as to what their tastes are. You can always go with the gift card to be safe, but if it’s someone in your family or extended family it can seem kind of thoughtless. But then again, it’s probably better than buying them something they can’t stand that ends up stuffed in the back of their drawer or closet. If you don’t know what to buy someone, it can’t hurt to ask them or someone close to them what they might have on their wish list. This way you’re sure to buy them something they’ll enjoy and you won’t be throwing your money away.
Just when I thought I could put off thoughts of Christmas and Christmas shopping, family members who live out-of-state have started asking about gift ideas for the children. While I love that they care enough to want to give our kids a gift for the holidays, the very thought of thinking of the holidays starts my head spinning. I mean, I’m still adjusting to the fact it’s already November and that I’ll have to start planning a Thanksgiving menu soon. But I guess there’s no escaping it, is there?
I have some friends who do a really good job of keeping the gift-giving to a minimum. They feel that their children are always well-provided for and do not need to be inundated with gifts like that in one day. Plus it takes a way from the meaning of the holiday. I admire that they’ve been able to keep it to one special gift for each person since I have a hard time not wanting to load the tree with loads of beautifully wrapped boxes. But if you were to ask me what we got each other last Christmas I would have a hard time remembering. So I guess the trick is to not go so overboard but still make it special.
While we haven’t even had a chance to enjoy Halloween, people on the radio on mentioning how many shopping days are left until Christmas! Forget a mention of Thanksgiving - is it because there just isn’t enough money to be made marketing that particular holiday? Well I for one wish it would just slow down a bit and that the stores would stop pushing Christmas before we’ve had a chance to enjoy living in the moment and the current holiday.
Halloween is fun but Thanksgiving is probably one of my favorite food holidays and family get-togethers. I enjoy the big turkey and all of the delicious side dishes. And what’s not to love about all the yummy pies and desserts. While writing this I do realize it might sound like I love it most of all for the food, but truly it’s also fun to be with some of my favorite relatives and siblings. Especially when we cook together for the day - half the fun is messing around in the kitchen together. Cleaning it up is another story!
