Ah..you hear that?  The lack of Christmas music I’m delighted that it’s over.  I know that time with family is great but the financial part…oh boy!  I have something to tell you that may surprise you… I pay for Christmas with cash.

No credit cards for that. I refuse. It encourages overspending. I know the kids probably think they didn’t get enough but we did one gift for each child and couple.  While I miss the cash and the thought of deferring it over a few months is definitely attractive..it’s a losing scenario.  The great thing about Christmas.. No one will say they felt like they didn’t get enough.  LOL

So how long do we give the stores before we should expect Valentine’s decorations?  LOL

Oh it’s Christmas…hearing bells clang when I go grocery shopping in Hell, I mean Walmart means one thing, Salvation Army by the front door…regardless how many times I’ve chunked some money in that red bucket, every time I pass I’m compelled to give more…which is probably the point. 

I feel bad, I was a needy kid, sometimes my mother would have to go to the food pantry to get donated food so we could eat.  We had it rough growing up but at the same time I don’t have enough money to solve the worlds problems, I dont have enough to solve some of my own, lol. 

So everytime I pass the bucket I get this wave of guilt…. I swear I have the guilt complex of a catholic.  Buying Christmas gifts is always a joy, as much as I hate shopping you would think I would get smart one tat and shop early…see thats part of my tradition, wait til the last minute and then I get to bitch about how rude people really are, lol.

This season has been a breeze so far thanks to Amazon (I heart you Amazon.com) with fast, cheap shipping.  More gifts for later this week though, I’m going to have to go shopping on location…totally dreading it. 

If I go with a list maybe it won’t be too bad…how has the season been treating you?  Looking forward to 2011?