the present lists.......

Every year right around this time, it becomes necessary for my little family to put together a list of needed items (or in my son's case: wanted items) for Christmas....and I have been warned to "just stick to the list" on one occasion. I used to think that the surprise was the best part of receiving a gift, but now I've become savy to my sons requests; after all, why buy something for him if he will get no further use of it than to collect dust. Since I am the "duster" in the family, the last thing I need is another item to wipe off once a week.

This years list is no different from any other ones he has put together in the past, being that it includes something way out of my budget... and could probably feed a small third world country for a year. (Personally, I think the fact that he doesn't pay rent, as he is saving money for school, is the best gift of all.... but he never quite sees things my way).

His one "special" item this year includes a new cell phone that costs upwards of $300.00. After I successfully pried my jaw off the floor over said request, I pretty much laughed and walked away. Who could possibly need a cell phone for that amount of money? Besides, what special features does it include? Does he even know that these wonderful features cost extra on the bill? I think not, or he would have rethunk the item in the first place. (He pays for his own cell bill, and I know extra costs would have an immediate effect on his budget ....so I just don't think he's really thought this whole matter through anyway).

In years past, it was batman caves, action figures and anything to build with... leading me to think that he was going to be some future architect in some important firm, building new horizons across the city. He moved on to computers and all the new games of building empires and Sim Citys. What a fortune was spent in that... only to have him tire of the games, which just recently became boxed up for the next installment to Goodwill. Of course, with technology the way it is, his computers had to be updated every minute (it seems) and a small fortune was spent in the three computers he has had already... all of which were Christmas presents.

I've never made out a list before... and always thought it to be somewhat condescending to do so. Besides, I do like the element of surprise. That is until I ended up with year after year of candles, candy and potpourri. One year is nice; but ten years of it gave me a whole new perspective on the re-gifting apsect. Since I am not a candle burner (always being too afraid that I would forget it was lit, then burn down the house with my carelessness), and candy does nothing for my 40+ "girlish" figure, I needed to take back some control. So I started to make out a simple list for myself.... needed things, and not too expensive either. Since I am from New England stock, my bargain gene is always active, and I always feel guilty when receiving a gift I know was too exorbitant from the giver.

Simple things always include silly items I use everyday, like pens. I love the black gel pens and probably write through two to three packs a year... not to mention the ones I loan out or just plain lose. So that is one item that will go on the list... and just the right size for my Christmas stocking; not the fruit that they usually put in there, as I am not a fruit person. (Put some broccoli or corn in there, and that would be fine.... but no fruit please!) Another item I go through a lot is socks. There is never enough of them even if I were to get dozens of pairs. Between the ones that the dryer eats, and the ones that wear out in the heels (oh so fast), I am constantly stealing them from my son. Otherwise, I am all set with everything I need... really!

So this year, I made out a reverse list: NO candles, NO candy, NO potpourri... under any circumstances. Tell me you love me, help with the garbage, and pick up a vacuum cleaner once in awhile... and I'll know that my Christmas list has been filled. That was simple wasn't it? And it really didn't cost a fortune either.