We were headed to the Company Christmas party. I was running late, per the usual. My make-up was almost done, my outfit was on, I even had a handful of product I was about to slather into my hair, but I lacked accessories.
Obviously, I could use a little help. I turned to my loving spouse who was, of course, dressed and ready to go.
"Honey, grope around under the Christmas tree until you find a small green box that says, 'To Gracie, Love Mom and Dad.' Lift the lid, without disturbing the bow, and bring me the bracelet that's inside!"
A myriad of expressions crossed his face, but I was in too much of a frenzy trying to do my face to interpret his face. Besides, I'm no stranger to the 3 Ds of marriage.(Disappointment, Disapproval and Dismay).
"You're not actually planning to wear it, are you?"
"Yes, go get it!"
"You can't do that. It's a Christmas gift!"
Oh, you dear little man...Go get the bracelet! You're wasting precious time. Of course I can wear it! For starters -- I way overpaid, so it needs to be worn to as many events as possible. Before Christmas, after Christmas...it doesn't matter...it's a bracelet...it can't talk, so it won't tell on me.
Secondly, it's not uncommon for me to take some of the Christmas gifts I purchase out for a "trial run" during the month of December.
It makes damn good sense.
Besides, this gift is for our youngest daughter. The very girl who waltzed into my closet before we left for a performance of The Nutcracker a few years back, saying she needed "something else" to complete her ensemble. She promptly pulled a scarf (previously purchased for Mimi) out of it's Christmas gift bag and flounced it around her neck. (Promising all the while to re-wrap it when we got home.)
She doesn't have a leg to stand on as far as this bracelet is concerned.
I've talked to many women through the years about the perils of Christmas shopping. One of the chief complaints I hear is that when a woman finds "something darling" for her mom, sister, daughter or bestie, she loves the item so much that she has to buy two. This practice can really add up. Am I right?
My way is more cost efficient.
Shhhh...it's bad enough that I have Santa breathing down my neck this time of year, the last thing I need is to be Christmas-Shamed. Please understand: THIS IS NOT RE-GIFTING. Everyone knows that "re-gifting" is when you receive a gift you DON'T LIKE, re-wrap it and give it to someone else. That's just tacky and rude. I LOVE the item I'm giving you! That's why I'm wearing it, using it, reading it or playing with it before I give it to you.
It's not re-gifting, it's pre-gifting.
I seriously don't see why my hubby was freaking out. I'm obviously saving him tons of money by not buying two of everything. Plus, it's not like I "try out" the gifts I give HIM for Christmas.
Rest assured ye merry gentleman -- your chain saw, pressure washer, ladder and other boring gifts have all been safe from me through the years. You receive them pristine and untarnished every Christmas morning.
You can tell by the price tags dangling off of them.
Originally published on Http://agingersnapped.com
Earlier on Huff/Post50:
