Christmas Presents

I'm a the point in my life where I don't require much to survive and make me happy. What I need I buy for myself. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to get a present here and there, but it's not necessary.

To me, Christmas is about spending time with friends and family, drinking hot chocolate (with Bailey's, of course), decorating, and just being happy. This year, I'm going to the Nutcracker with my sister and nieces. That will be a lot of fun. Guys in tights? C'mon, who doesn't want to see that? We're also doing the Holiday Express the following day. It's a train ride from OMSI to Oaks Park. The train has Christmas lights on it, there's a santa, and you get to ride in old fashioned rail cars. The money goes to build a new home for the steam engines, so why not? My brother-in-law is involved with the organization raising the money. It's really a bunch of train-loving big kids who want to share their love of trains with everyone.

As far as presents go, I'd rather just buy for the kids, but my family is still into exchanging gifts among the adults. At least we picked names for my mom's side. I'm glad because that means I only have to buy for 1 person, not figure out what to get for 4 other people and stocking stuffers. The stress of what to buy and then going shopping takes the fun out of the holiday season. Kids are so easy and fun to shop for.

Christmas lists for adults? You've got to be kidding me! I have the hardest time writing a gift list for people. I'm 33 years old and I still have to write a friggin' Christmas list. I'd really rather the people spend $$ on their own children or donate the $$ to charity for people who don't get anything. Would it be so wrong to suggest this? Or, as a friend's family does every year, donate to Heifer.org (http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.204586/k.9430/Gift_Catalog.htm?msource=kw1966&gclid=CJ-HseXrpJcCFRNOagodoCAeDw)

I'll just chill out, drink my chocolate caramel chai tea (slightly spicy and very festive) and think happy thoughts.