One day when you're older, that'll turn out to be a gift.

Done, done, done with my Christmas shopping.

I was thinking about when I was little and how I had all kinds of things that I wanted and would ask for at Christmas. Somewhere in there I can to the understanding or developed the assurance that my parents (obviously this was post-Santa belief) would get me what I asked for (also obviously I was not asking for huge or ridiculous things... I think... maybe I did ask for a pony once).

There is one time this belief was tested. My mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I said I didn't know. I had had a thought, but had forgotten what it was. So shortly before Christmas (I don't remember how shortly, I just remember it being really close to Christmas), I remembered that I wanted to ask for a camera that year. And I did.

I remember doubting that I would get it, because it was a big gift and I knew that Christmas was not far away.

I got it. I probably still have it in my parents' attic actually.

Even though I always believed that my mom would get me what I asked for, there was still so much anticipation on Christmas Eve. I could never fall asleep (Heather always fell asleep).

But now I have decided that the person who said "Tis better to give than receive" was an old person. Now I am not awake all night thinking of what I will get, instead I am so excited and anticipating my family members opening the gifts that I got them.

I'll be the first to admit I had a pretty lame year of gift giving. All the birthday presents that I gave were a little lacking. And then I worried that I had used up my one and only stroke of brilliance when I thought of giving Kim a digital camera for her birthday. But fortune smiles, and I have actually managed to think of good ideas for two of my seven family members. (Sorry to the rest of you).

So excited.

And only 3 more days until I get to go home!