Hope for the Holidays

Anyone else got that feeling? The holidays are bearing down on us and I don't feel anywhere near ready.

I still have to plan the decorative theme for the year, back the cake, send the card and buy and wrap most of the gifts, so while I love Christmas, I can't help feeling under a little bit of pressure.

So when I casually mention to my darling husband how soon the festive season will be upon us, I find it more than a little annoying when he simply shrugs or grunts as if this news is of no importance to him.

Of course, I shouldn't be surprised since all he has to do is be there on the day ready and willing to open his gifts, eat his fill and then settle down in front of the TV with a Christmas cocktail or three.

And while I don't mind putting in all the work to make it a magically merry Christmas, I can't help but wonder whether he is planning on putting in any effort at all to reward me for my efforts on this, and every other day of the year. You see, my man has a history of bad gift giving.

I don't think that he means to do it, and I'm sure that to him the offerings he chooses just scream "I love you" but it doesn't always seem that way to me. Case in point, last year there was a large parcel under the tree with my name on containing, wait for it, a car valet kit. Yes, I own a car, yes it needs a clean, but seriously? A car valet kit?

So this year I've started "Operation Good Gift" which involves bookmarking Michele watches on the family computer and leaving gift catalogs strategically displayed in unavoidable spots like the bathroom. Perhaps he will take the hint? Wish me luck!