Me vs Christmas.

Today is the day.

With this being my only day off work before Christmas, today is my one chance to wrap up all my shopping. It's not like I have a ton to do - the Wife has taken care of the kids and her family - so I just have to get her stuff, some things for my side of the family, and, of course, The Sidekick.

I could have taken care of some of these things earlier, but I chose not to. When it comes to Christmas shopping, I have one theory:

• Go with your first instinct - if you leave it until the last minute, then you don't have any time to second guess yourself.

My only addendum would be to make use of gift-wrapping services whenever possible. You know those people who get a glass of wine and plop down in front of It's a Wonderful Life and wrap presents? That's not me. My wrapping skills are so sub-par that the addition of alcohol would only lead to even bigger disasters - seriously, I'm that bad.

Picture this - but not as good.

I'm the guy who thinks gift bags with that crinkly paper on top is the greatest thing ever - no fuss, no muss, and the double use of pulp products (paper + bag) keep the forestry industry rolling. And the recipient can even reuse the bag if they so desire - it's like another gift in itself, right?

So after I wrap this up, I'm free and clear to enjoy the holiday -and all the craziness that goes along with it. Thank God for gin and coffee. (Not mixed together.)

So I'm off to brave the trenches of retail hell in a small town - where the parking is minimal, the lines are long, and the service is surly.


Wish me luck.



Later.