Friday, December 22, 2006

How many shopping days?


Three. Which is plenty of time to shop, but no time at all to send Christmas cards if you haven't already. So, let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who sent us a Christmas card this year. I love them all, and I appreciate the gesture. But I just can't get it together to send all those cards out. I'm just one of those assholes who can't even manage the common courtesy of a holiday greeting card. I'm sorry.


This is the third or fourth year that we really haven't sent out cards. Each year I make lists, and plans, to get them all out the first week after Thanksgiving. I even bought a roll of stamps at Costco. And then I sit down, and before I address even a single envelope, I am overwhelmed, paralyzed even, by the knowledge of how they'll all end up: displayed, briefly, on a door or shelf, and then into the trash. Since we don't use the Christmas card as a forum to send out a family newsletter, or charming pictures of our small children (now 14 and 17 and not so eager to dress in goofy seasonal costumes), it just seems pointless. So instead, I drink, which I'm doing now. And bake, and cook. I'm good at that stuff. And I'm a good host, and I love having guests, and I always bring a bottle of something good to a party, or a nice dish to a potluck. And I like giving presents. Just please, for the love of God, don't ask me to send cards. At that, I suck.

Anyway, here's what's on the hi-fi:

I Ran (So Far Away) – Flock of Seagulls

Watch Her Disappear – Tom Waits

Rawhide – Link Wray

Lagos Mambo – West African Rhythm Brothers

Charge It – Playboys

Kuk – The Trashmen

In the Name of Love – Thompson Twins

Hot Cha – They Might Be Giants

With Plenty of Money and You – Tony Bennett

Uranium Rock – Warren Smith

5 comments:

lulu said...

I always think I am going to send cards. I never do, even though I have boxes and boxes of them, bought over the years before I was far enough along in my own personal 12 Steps of Christmas program to realize that I am not a card sender.

Joe said...

Thank you for sharing! I have about 10 boxes of cards. I thought it was just me.

Anonymous said...

It's not just you two but I send them because I love getting them. I was late this year though if that helps at all?

I wonder what Tom Waits would think about playing second to A Flock of Seagulls. He'd probably be gravelly but gracious.

Merry Christmas Bubs to you and the family and thanks for the great comments and blogging fun over the last while!

Coaster Punchman said...

I support your decision to drink rather than fulfill various responsibilities. It is a sign of maturity. Or maybe alcoholism. Naaah.

Joe said...

Hey, it's not just drinking. It's baking too. Every card not sent translates into a delicious holiday snack for family and friends.