I am not cut out for shopping. Especially when the malls are overflowing with people and I can’t find the things I want. I hit the mall again yesterday in the hopes of finishing my shopping. The mall was insane; I think every teenager in the city was there sipping on lattes from Starbucks and looking to spend their parents’ money.

I spent two hours and finally decided what I had was enough. Save for my best friend, I am done. This year I decided that the only thing I would get my nephew was clothes. He has more toys than he knows what to do with and I don’t know what books and movies he has. He outgrows clothes quickly so at least I know they will be put to use.

For my brother and sister-in-law, I avoided another mess like last year and just got them a gift certificate to Canadian Tire. It’s a pretty big store, they can use the certificate to buy a small appliance, tools, hockey equipment or whatever else they need or want.

My brother annoyed me when it came to getting a gift for our mom. I suggested getting her a gift certificate for some acupuncture sessions knowing it’s something she needs. Plus, being on a fixed income means she has to limit how often she goes. When I told my brother the cost, he balked claiming it was expensive and “money’s tight right now.” He got all cryptic about it and said that if we did get the sessions, he didn’t want anyone else to know. I’m sorry, are we hiding from the mob and I didn’t know about it?

I really couldn’t believe he was pulling the money card. My parents look after his kid for free all year round. In addition to watching him, they feed and bathe him and they’re the ones who potty trained him. If my nephew were going to daycare, they’d easily be paying $1000 a month. Chasing an energetic three year old for 10+ hours a day is not ideal for someone with severe arthritis. Needless to say, I was disappointed with my brother’s response.

Eventually, he came around and said he’d go halves with me on the gift. I bought the certificate last week and told him about it. I am still waiting for his half of the money.

For S, I picked up a few things for her stocking. Poor planning on my part means one of her gifts won’t be ready in time for Christmas; so she’ll have one to open afterwards.

I can’t wait until all of this shopping is done with. I hate running errands after work, especially when it means pushing my way through the crowds in a mall.

What I really can’t wait for is to be off of work. S and I will be off for just over two weeks. I don’t remember the last time we were off for that long. I will be working until early afternoon Christmas Eve and then I’m off until the second week in January. I plan on doing a lot of movie watching, video game playing and curling up with a book or two.

So, a few days away from Christmas (and S’s birthday!) and I’m just about there. How about you Internets, how are you faring?

Related posts:

  1. Pot Shopper
  2. The Telus / Rogers / Bell Rage
  3. Gearing up for Christmas
  4. Girly Girl
  5. Is it Christmas yet?
  6. The Little Guy
  7. Good Friday, Good Friends
  8. Setting up Bethlehem
  9. Mid-week Observations
  10. Birthday BBQ and A Day for Moms