Monday December 22, 2008 | 3 comments
The Christmas Crunch is on. All that shopping I did in October, before the headlines told me how truly poor I was, means nothing now that I am facing THE DREADED WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
Even with my new-found meditation techniques and my therapist’s mantra “simplify, simplify”, this is gonna be a 3-pot-day. Three pots of tea, that is. English Breakfast to wake up, Earl Grey to nurse while I shop on-line, and finally, Sleepy-Time to Bring Me Down.
Thank God for the Internet, though. So many unique and “special” gifts – all lurking just one tea-drunk click away.
Already I have the perfect gifts for my bachelor uncle: Talking Toilet Paper Roll and Nose Shower Gel Dispenser. Good thing he has a niece like me to bring him the finer things in life. For my mom: The Laughing Cow.
But then, maybe it is too soon after last year’s Dancing BBQ Chicken (the life-size rubber replica leaps to life and performs to “Hot Hot Hot” on a grill)… NAH! You can never have too many break-dancing animals.
I am fully awake by now, as the first pot of tea has done its job and it is time to choose something from my cellar that is more conducive to a Level Head. I think I’ll brew some Earl Grey and see what’s out there for The Kids, since all I have so far are Yodeling Pickles.
Aha! Right away I am rewarded: Remote Control Tarantula. Life-size AND furry. Hmmm. Maybe not after the animated reaction I got from Swimming Pool Croc (with solar-powered glowing eyes) and Remote Control Snake. I wonder where the home video of THAT ended up. Ah, but here is a winner: Flying Pigs. It says they fly 50 feet across the room, joyfully oinking all the way. But, uh-oh, could that plush pink snout put out an eye? Maybe too dangerous. Don’t want to be a Cautionary Tale on Oprah. At least not twice in a lifetime.
But now that I have found projectiles, I see the PERFECT gift for my dedicated college student: 40 Foot Marshmallow Bazooka. I’ll just have to save The Flying Alarm Clock for her birthday.
I am so excited. This is going so well. Maybe this is the year I can Make A Memory with my three-year-old grandson – check out this life-sized doll of Yoda Santa. Don’t you think it’s just the COOLEST?!
NOW I can relax with some Sleepy-Time…
Jane – I completely understand your holiday angst. Wearing my psychologist hat, I can tell you that, traditionally, this is one of the most difficult time of the year for people. I used to see a lot of stressed out and depressed individuals this time of year. I’m sure all of your Xmas gift recipients will have a ball with these fun gifts which should help to lift their holiday blues.
On another note, for next Christmas, you might consider some wonderful teas or tea pots from our store as special gifts for the tea lovers on your list. You might even consider a great tea and beautiful glass or Yixing pot as a way to introduce someone to the joys of tea. It’s a wonderful message. A gift of a beautiful pot and a delicious and warm beverage that provides health and relaxation – what more could you ask for during the holiday season. Happy holidays.
What great gift ideas! I never would have thought of these on my own :)))
Jane – Your gifts rock! I hope the Sleepy Time tea induced some visions of Sugar Plums and that you are now relaxed, happy, and ready to tackle a NEW YEAR! Cheers –