I always have the best of intentions. I try to plan for every contingency and work hard to achieve my goals. Unfortunately, things often don't work out as planned.
I started my Christmas shopping early this year. Very early. I bought my first gift in July. The problem is that my memory isn't what it used to be. While I can remember what I bought and for whom each gift was intended, I can't remember where I put everything.
I had some precious alone time at home yesterday and decided to organize the Christmas gifts I've purchased. I dragged all of my treasures from their various hidey holes into the living room and spread everything out. I made piles for each individual and labeled each pile with a pink sticky note bearing the gift recipient's name. Once everything was labeled, I realized I was missing several items.
For example, I know I've purchased several things for my oldest grandchild, but I could only find one item. Out of four Dirty Santa gifts purchased, I could only find two. The really upsetting part was that I could only find two of the autographed books I've purchased over the past few months, and there have many. The books add up to a significant part of my holiday budget, so I need to find them.
I made the best of things and carefully stacked my labeled gifts into a large storage container. It isn't a tote, which would have been ideal, but I'm the queen of making do. I already had a soft-sided closet organizer meant for blankets, and it will work for keeping all of the Christmas gifts together for now.
My goal this year was to be completely finished shopping before Black Friday, so I could sit back and enjoy the festive season. Maybe even sip some apple cider in front of a roaring fire. As I studied my Christmas list this evening, I felt the weight of that lofty goal pressing down upon my shoulders. I don't think I'm going to make it, and I desperately hope I can remember where I stashed the rest of what I've already purchased.
Mom always told me while I was growing up, "Money doesn't grow on trees, so you better not waste it."
Ironically, the gift I bought in July is not one of the misplaced. That first gift is a little something I bought for my stepdaughter, which I'm hoping will make her smile as she remembers her childhood. The ones I can't find were purchased in September and October. They are for people who provide more of a gift giving challenge. I sincerely hope I am not forced to purchase duplicates.
I know Christmas isn't about the gifts. I just want all of my loved ones to feel special by giving them something thoughtful and chosen with love. Nothing will be extravagant, but each gift is carefully chosen in the hopes it sparks warm, fuzzy feelings.
A faulty memory is quite frustrating. I used to have an amazing memory. I could remember where every single thing in my house was placed. I could tell you what shirt you wore two weeks ago. I could think of the titles of movies and books in an instant. Now, more recent things are fuzzy or missing altogether while I retain my older ones. I still remember my second birthday, but don't ask me where I put my keys when I got home from work.
Is it my age? Is it the result of the illness I suffered a few years ago? Is it a side effect of my medicine? Is it a lack of sleep? Who knows?
All I know is that I miss my memory and wish it would come back. It can bring my hearing and stamina with it, too. I also miss all of those things.
Even though I have memory issues and have lost half of my Christmas presents, my life is good. I am blessed with a loving family, a good job, and am surrounded by people who try to help me remember what I forgot.
Do you ever forget where you put things, even though you know they're in a safe place? If so, you are in good company.
Thank you for reading Ozarks Maven! If you’ve enjoyed my little seeds of wisdom and joy, please join me again next week for more Ozarks Maven.
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