All I Want for Christmas

My wife and I are what is refered to in some circles as DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids).  One of the great benefits is that we are able to pretty much purchase whatever toys we want when we want them.  Now, that's not to say I have infinite income to just drop 2 grand on a new TV every month, but at this point we've pretty much been able to convert all of our main televisions to HD and HD DVRs.  We are fortunate enough to be able to get most any game that we want on release day.  If I need a new pair of jeans or a she sees a cool T-shirt she likes, we can get them right away.  I'm not trying to be bragadocious here.  A good financial counselor would probably have a field day chiding us for the way we waste our money.  The result of this spending habit really starts to come to light around this time of year though.

I was browsing through some of the Black Friday ads today in anticipation of the start of the holiday shopping season next weekend.  OK, I know that for some it's already begun and most retailers have had Christmas displays up for weeks now already, but in my mind the Holidays don't start until Thanksgiving day.  Anyway, as I was looking through all the various specials I began to notice something.  I didn't want anything.  Anything I might have wanted I already had.  Anything I didn't already have I wasn't that interested in. 

I remember being a kid and looking forward to Christmas day for nearly an entire year.  I could put a list together of the things that I wanted long enough to fill ten pages, single spaced, front and back.  When I got to be a teenager, I knew that I wouldn't be getting a huge haul of goodies anymore but I could still count on my dad to get me that one "big ticket" item like a stereo or VCR (remember those?).  Once I got married, I could still get excited about Lisa finding me something I really wanted and even more, I began to really enjoy finding something for her she really desired.  As the years rolled on though we've been less and less amped up over Christmas morning gift giving.  In many ways it's begun to feel a bit like a chore.  Anything that would really get me excited would be far too expensive to buy, and anything that would be inexpensive, I probably already have or have no interest in.

It's easier for me to get something for Lisa.  A trip to the jewelry store or a nice coat is something she'll always get excited over.  Of course if I really want to make the heart flutter all I need is to say one little word..."Coach".  Unfortunately for her, buying for me isn't so easy.  When did I become my father exactly?  I couldn't think of something to give him as a gift if you held a gun to my head.  I suppose that if I just stuck with the newest trend in gift giving, the gift card, I could make my life a lot easier.  I've always felt that gift cards and cash were just too impersonal though.  It's an easy out when I'm not creative enough to put any real thought into what might please the recipient.

So what do I want for Christmas this year?  Nothing really.  I think maybe I'll try to up some of my charitable contributions or maybe find something cool for someone who wouldn't expect it.  I'll definitely be trying to focus less on the commercialization of the holiday and more on the spiritual side.  It seems kind of odd that my priorities in that regard change as I get older even though they shouldve been there all along, but like they say, better late then never.  Good luck to all you folks headed out to stand in line at 4 am next Friday though.  I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for and get exactly what you need.