It pays to be hip and fresh

I'm feeling a little more in the spirit these days and it could be because I've kept up with the buying and the wrapping this year so I'm not in a complete panic knowing that Christmas is only two weeks away. We're almost done and that's a nice feeling - both emotionally and economically. And I'm proud of how we've done things this year. We started planning and even buying a few things this summer, and we set budgets and sought after bargains and thought long and hard about what to get for everyone and what things really would mean the most to people. So I've crafted more this year and PJ and I have spent more time together shopping and looking and then thinking and talking some more about what to get each person on our list. It has been a fun December. And I needed a fun December. And I needed to put a halt to the over-spending at Christmas. It's a difficult thing - to know that others are spending way more on you than you are on them. Why do we have this natural inclination to keep up or out-do? And why do we think we need so many THINGS? I'm sure I'm not the only one who has let this get out of hand before...and I'm sure I will always be tempted to go overboard - especially with the nieces and nephews, but for this year, I can say, we did a good job of keeping it in check. And the best part of that? We didn't use a credit card for any of it. I'm sure we will be even more excited about that aspect of this Christmas in six months or so. And I'm betting no one will even notice a difference in our gift giving.

There are a few stores that I love to visit at holiday time, and I almost always buy several things from each of these places. One of those places is Urban Outfitters. When I traveled for work, we didn't have an Urban Outfitters in Alabama, so I would seek out UO in other parts of the country and load up with fun things to bring home and save until gift giving time. I realize that I'm a pretty hip 44 year-old since I like this place so much. Seriously, I have friends not much older than me who can't "take" the place and some who refer to it as "that horrible store my daughter likes." But me? I'm cool and fresh and well, you know. So, now we have one in Alabama. And so I go there every now and then and want to buy every single thing they have. Last week I was in there picking out stuff and charming all of the sales associates with my obvious "coolness" when I spotted an ornament tree. Now, the last thing I need is another Christmas decoration. I won't even tell you how many things I have stored in locations other than our own home, but this thing is CUTE. And it was on sale. And the girl told me they only had four of them left. (I later discovered she lied when I went back this weekend and they had about 10 of them right at the front door, but anyway.) So, I'm trying to decide if I should buy this tree, and I've piled all of my very hip and fresh things on the counter so I can pay, but I'm still undecided about the tree. (Remember the budget?) I'm thinking that I really do need the tree to display all of the funky and hip ornaments I have purchased. And really this tree will add a new element to my very hip decorating. Decisions, decisions. This same girl has been helping me and talking to me off and on throughout my time in the store. She was obviously impressed with me and my knowledge of all things cool and fresh...had thought I was picking out the best ornaments, best gifts, etc. I decide to ask her opinion, knowing that she will reinforce my need for the tree. So, I sigh and say to her, "You think I should get that tree?" She doesn't miss a beat and says, "I think so. I think you would enjoy it. My grandmother got one and she loves it."

I bought it. And then I brought my very old ass home to wrap all the other stuff I bought from that horrible store my friends' kids like. 

Comments

[o-no]

you ARE hip and happening.....
presents... lots of presents at mandy-jo's i have seen them myself!!!!!!

[vanna]

hahaaaa!! i'm too old for that ornament tree.