Bet you’re winding down the holiday rush–or maybe just beginning–but in just 2 short days, we’ll be celebrating Christmas. And it all comes with a price-tag. Sigh…
Have you ever stopped to add up the costs of the festivities? I mean, really add up the costs? I’m not just talking gifts here, but all of the things you do for the 30+ or so days surrounding the 25th. Here’s a break-down of where I think my money has gone. Don’t ask how much I’ve spent, I don’t know and I really don’t want to. Ugh.
- Decorations. That includes the fresh greenery you picked up at the local farmer’s market and all of that “stuff” you bought at Michaels and Hobby Lobby.
- Cards. Add in postage per card, stickers, labels, pens for addressing them, etc.
- The holiday bash you threw.
- The dress/outfit/new shoes/accessories you purchased to attend that holiday party(ies)
- The hostess gift(s)
- Holiday attire you purchased for your kids. Yes, the cute hot cocoa shirt counts, even if it wasn’t used for photos.
- Black patent leather shoes for the dress your daughter will wear once but would look dumb if she wore her tennis shoes.
- Santa visiting outfits. Santa photos.
- Family photo to go in your holiday card.
- The new table linens you picked up because company is coming. Seasonal dishes you just “had to have.”
- Stocking Stuffers.
- Fresh flowers for the table.
- Gifts
- Teacher appreciation gifts/neighbors/mailman/hair and nail person
- Groceries. Things like sweetened condensed milk and powdered sugar can really add up!
- All of those festive drinks from Starbucks drive-thru that you needed to “get you in the mood.”
- “Adult beverages” for dinner, toasting, sharing, whatever…
- Gift wrap, ribbon/bows, extra tape, gift tags, gift bags…wonder how many trips I’ve made to Hallmark?! I’m almost a platinum member–really.
- Special places and outings you wouldn’t have done otherwise…plays, musicals, light festivals, carriage rides etc.
- The YMCA camp you put your kids in during Christmas break because they would drive you bonkers if you didn’t–priceless! Now that’s what I’m talking about : )
Holy cow. I know that you are probably considering turing into a Scrooge right about now. Sigh….really, I don’t want to make you feel bad. Hopefully, you are spending carefully and are keeping within your means, but I know it’s hard. Trust, me.
What it all comes down to is love. Now, I’m all about celebrating love and family and togetherness. Even if it costs a little more than I would like to admit.
As for the remainder of the week: A brief blog hiatus. Unless of course, I get the burning desire to plop down in front of my laptop and write away. Us writers are kind of weird like that. I may need some writing time between the baking and cleaning and wrapping. But then again, I may be too wrapped up (ha!) in everyhing else. If that is the case, I wish you all a wonderful and blessed holiday.
I plan to be back blogging by Monday the 27th.
Cheers–Merry Christmas–Happy Kwanza–Happy Channukah–and Happy New Year!
