Here it is, the morning of Hallow's Eve, and I'm already humming "Joy to the World." By this time last year, Christmas presents had already been purchased. I'm a little behind, but ideas are swimming around in my head, sharing space with holiday tunes.
I wasn't always this excited about Christmas. As an undergrad with only a part-time job, it was a hatefully mean time of year, designed to suck the financial life right out of you. I remember my senior year, having about 12 dollars in my pocket to last me through the month of December, with a slew of presents left to purchase. You see, in November I played the role of the responsible college student and cut up my two precious credit cards. A month later I was hating my responsible self. But like I said, I had to get these gifts. So, I carefully examined the two half-cards I still carried in my wallet. I had made the cut horizontally instead of vertically, which meant that the scan bar was missing but the actual credit card number and my name were still intact. Once at the mall, I showed five different IDs and pleaded with the cashier to punch in my number manually so that I could give my loved ones a very Merry Christmas. After 10 minutes, a call to Discover, and poorly disguised tears, I was able to charge what I needed. Despite the nonjudgemental staff, though, I never went there again.
Since I became a member of the full-time work force, things have been better. I start shopping earlier, and I only use my credit cards if I absolutely have to. This allows me to get excited about the whole process - malling, wrapping, card writing, and the like. So, Merry Christmas to you and yours! - I mean, Happy Halloween!
I totally agree with you. I actually was humming "Joy to the World" to the baby today. We even did our grab bag today.
Posted by: Anonymous | November 01, 2004 at 02:16 AM