Only NOW is it appropriate to start in on the Christmas stuff

[trinityvixen]

Two weeks ago, I went into a store to pick up birthday gifts for a couple of people, and I was already commiserating with the lady working at Barnes and Noble about the fact that they had Christmas music playing. (And not just Christmas music, but covers of Christmas staples. Worse, covers by Mariah Carey.) I know this is a yearly complaint, but it seems like Christmas started ridiculously early this year. Well before that trip out to pick up presents, I swear I'd seen most stores festooned for Christmas before Halloween junk was even fully taken apart. (Thanksgiving says what?)

However, it is now December 1st, so I suppose I just have to get over it. Perhaps the insanely advanced onset of Christmas is part of the desperation with the financial situation these days. Retailers really, really, really want you to remember you still need to do your patriotic duty and spend money you can't afford to spend on junk neither you nor your loved ones needs. (At any cost, shop.)

I, myself, won't be participating this year. I really like shopping for friends and family for the most part, but I've decided to scale back. So this is me apologizing for not being able to provide Christmas presents per my usual. I'm going to do my best to make sure birthday gifts are even more wonderful to compensate as best I can. I don't know how to say this without sounding presumptuous, but anyone who was thinking of giving me anything should just save their pennies and wish a "Happy Holidays" instead.

In a weird way, I'm actually sort of hoping that, for the most part, this becomes the tradition. Like I said, I will miss not shopping for people, but I really loathe Christmas shopping season. I'd infinitely prefer to just hang out with people more and do fun activities in that space and avoid retail shops altogether (as much as is humanly possible, what with as many birthdays as I've got in the months of November-December). How's that sound?

Comments

[jethrien.livejournal.com]

OK, you and feiran are getting a present from us, but it's because we stumbled on something last week that we felt you had to have. You can consider it a birthday present or whatever else you'd like. (If we'd found it in August, we probably would have gotten it for you then - total coincidence that we found it now.) Basically a case of "OMG this is too awesome not to buy".

Anyway, this is why we usually give our friends cookies. Almost everyone likes cookies, they freeze well, they don't cost much, and people don't generally feel bad if they didn't buy something for you when you just gave them cookies (especially when you're as renowned as being addicted to baking like I am).

[trinityvixen.livejournal.com]

Well, I can always compensate you back with cookies, I suppose. Thanks in advance for thinking of us!

[ecmyers.livejournal.com]

I've never thought to freeze cookies. It always seemed more efficient to eat them as quickly as possible... :)

[chuckro.livejournal.com]

It only really matters when you're making a double batch or more; or if you're making a full batch for only two people. If you're making them for a dinner party or the like, they'll be gone before they can even get cold.

[jethrien.livejournal.com]

You have to realize, I make too many cookies for Christmas. Waaaay too many cookies. And I usually make them relatively early in December, but still want to be eating them at New Year's. Freezing them and then thawing small batches keeps them fresh.