Saving the holidays: Indulge in laziness this season, enjoy what you find

Published 12:25 pm Wednesday, November 25, 2015

This is the year. Things are going to be different this Christmas (the holiday we celebrate at my house). No procrastination this time, no feeling guilty that I frantically bought anything — anything! — just so my loved ones would have a gift or two to open on the big day.

To those of you who don’t already have all your gifts wrapped, packed and hidden away till the time is right,  I might be able to offer some encouragement, read on.  To the rest of you,  I know your secret.

I’ve done it before — found something special, even thoughtful, for everyone on my gift list, without breaking my budget and with time to spare. It was actually fun, which is something I never say about shopping.

How did I work this Christmas miracle? I got lazy and refused to drive anywhere – I lived right in the middle of downtown then, and backing out of a garage into a busy alley that I shared with the grocery store was not fun. No, I decided to walk and window shop to  get some ideas, because I had none.

I figured the holiday decorations and music would inspire me, and they did. Not circling a parking lot like a shark, not getting clipped by an overloaded shopping cart, and not standing in line with a bunch of other agitated people probably played a part, too.  Did I mention that I hate shopping?

It was a wonderful day.

I have no idea why I can’t seem to do that every year, but maybe I will find out this year. I’m going window shopping for lunch and being open to ideas. I’m going to smile at the bell-ringers when I put my change in their kettles. I’m going to the tree-lightings and, be warned, I might even join the sing-alongs. Maybe I will just give a donation this year instead of taking a tag from the Giving Tree, but I’m going to give to more than just my circle.

And I’m still going to feel festive, enjoying time with my friends and family. What I won’t be is harried and guilty and a tiny bit relieved when it’s all over. It’s that holiday spirit thing everyone talks about. I wish all of you the same.