While I was on vacation visiting relatives in Nebraska a couple of weeks ago, I read an article about a new book called How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark or Difficult Days. I thought, “Wow! That’s perfect for me.”
Winter has never been my favorite season. Like many people, I do just fine up through New Year’s Day. After that, I become quite grumpy due to the cold and reduced sunlight.
So, with winter right around the corner, I looked it up once I got home. Just as I was about to order it, I heard a voice in my head saying, “Don’t buy that! Christmas is Coming.” Whoops. I almost broke an important Amy Shankland Rule.
You see, when the calendar turns to November, I begin to make my Christmas list. And when someone in our household wants to buy something for themselves starting around that time, I always say, “Oh! Wait! Don’t do that. Christmas is coming.”
Normally my husband John is on the receiving end of this statement, much to his chagrin. During our Friday date nights, we’ll often go shopping for household items after dinner. Sometimes something not household-related will catch his eye, such as an item for a video game, and the conversation this time of year will go something like this.
“Oh! This is on sale. I really like it. And it’s perfect for me,” John says.
“Wow, it IS perfect for you,” I reply, filing it quickly away in my brain.
“I think I’ll buy it,” John says.
“But Honey … wait … Christmas is coming,” I comment. “That would make a great gift for you.”
At this point I’ll get The Look from my husband.
“Yes, but Dear, it’s on sale NOW. And it would really help me with (insert video game-specific terminology here).” John replies.
“I can see that. But the sale doesn’t end for a couple of weeks. It might even be a better price on Black Friday or Cyber Monday,” I say with my usual enthusiasm. “Just think how excited you’ll be to open that up for Christmas!”
And now The Look is replaced with an eye roll and a plaintive sigh. John then shakes his head and mournfully puts the magnificent video game accessory back on the shelf.
I do follow up on my word. Thank goodness for cell phones – at the first opportunity, I’ll run back and take a photo of said accessory or quickly type the description into my notes. I don’t trust my brain to remember these items, especially since video games nowadays leave me mystified (I miss the days of Pac-Man and Frogger!)
While John and others may not be thrilled with my November/December mantra, they look of joy on their faces on Christmas morning says that maybe I’m not so bad after all. Now I must hold myself back from purchases … How to Winter will just have to wait.
Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs, and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.
I always try to have my Christmas shopping done before the Christmas sales. The prices seem to go up before the sale and then they drop the price for the sale, but the prices are still higher than they were before the prices going up just prior to the sale.