25 Days

Okay, so my family has issues – a lot of them. Let me give you a quick explanation. Christmas is a holiday of giving, cheer, thankfulness and love, but instead my family turns it into a competitive gift-giving holiday. Yes, we even have a trophy.  

Each year on Christmas Eve, all of the kids (Courtney, Terence, Shannon and I) give each other and our parents Christmas presents. Let me set the scene for you – holiday festive drinks, baked clams, Christmas music and a fire. While this sounds like a pleasant and relaxed experience, let me assure you that it is anything but a pleasant and relaxed experience…because then the gift giving begins.

Courtney will give everyone their present (sometimes presents) and then, in age order, everyone will open. Next, Terence will distribute his gifts and everyone will open. Then I will give out my gifts, and lastly, Shannon will give everyone her gifts. After everyone has time to reflect on the presents they have been given, we have a vote. You would think we would do a secret ballet to ensure that no one’s feelings get hurt, but NOPE we lay it all out there. My dad will go first and rank his presents with 1st place getting 4 points, 2nd place getting 3 points, 3rd place getting 2 points and then 4th place getting 1 point. Then Kim, Court, Ter, Shann and I will do the same until everyone has ranked their gifts best to worst. Then Jack adds up everyone’s points and determines the ultimate gift giver of the year.

So to say we go all out is an understatement. 

I have already purchased Terence and Shannon’s gifts (they are winning gifts) but still have quite a bit of shopping to do.  I have 25 more days to come up with the perfect gifts for Jack, Kim and Court. Any ideas?

I have my eye on the trophy this year and am going to make sure it is mine on December 24^th.

Lata,

Elf Er