Holiday season begins again

Hi neighbors. Have you started Christmas shopping yet? Or are you one of those who have it all bought, wrapped and trimmed by Aug. 31?

My children usually get a lot of their Christmas ordering done online. I do some shopping online but I like ordering from a paper catalog, and unless you order two months ahead of when you need something, you might not get what you ordered until after Christmas.

Every year I tell myself to get started early. That proves difficult though. My granddaughter is always a mystery on gift giving. Last year I lucked out as she was so "into" Five Seconds of Summer; a band. So I bought her some clothing and posters and things pertaining to "5SOS." That was last year. This year I have no idea which group, if any, has turned her ear.

I always get her something music related. She is also an avid reader but it's difficult to know what books she has already read. I have in the past, just gifted her with money. That is always in style and suits her tastes.

My daughter recently had her kitchen remodeled so there are some options there. I learned long ago not to anticipate her style in clothing, so we'll see what she hints at when I twist her arm. Maybe a gift card?

My son-in-law is another mystery. He loves movies and history books. But again, he has so many history books, I've no idea which ones he already has. Maybe a gift card?

My son always wants a video game or DVD collector set of some enduring movie or TV series. These are good for online ordering; but it is almost too late to order them now. He could get them online himself if I gave him a gift card?

My daughter-in-law has a birthday in November, so for her Christmas is a secondary interest. I have a few ideas there.

I have always been a lazy and last-minute shopper. Money and/or gift cards are my stock in trade. I am so out of the ballpark on anything new or "just out" that I feel more frustrated than inspired.

The family always gets together for Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday) and the last few years we have squeezed in our Christmas along with it. That makes for exchanging gifts early for many of the family; but we all have Christmas in our own towns as well. My daughter lives in Iowa and is often snowed in at Christmas time.

Gifts are always a secondary concern though at any family get-together. Just seeing everyone, exchanging hugs and knowing everyone is doing alright is the main reason for being together. Lots of photos are taken, printed and shared for each to have in their photo albums.

Although the holidays are usually spent at my house, I have no complaints! I love having the house full for a couple of days. My granddaughter helps me cook! My daughter and daughter-in-law help cook, prepare the table and do the "fancy stuff" I usually ignore. My son and son-in-law help with putting the "leaves" in and expanding the table and finding enough places for everyone to sit.

Our dear friends from Butler join us each Thanksgiving, and bring a smoked turkey for the meal! They are always welcome in my home and are loved just like family by me.

The best times are after the meal when everyone is full and things slow down a bit. Often we all go to a movie. At least the younger women take the girls to a movie while the guys play video games or watch sports or a history show on television. Me? Well, I usually fall asleep in my rocking chair with a full belly and the sounds of my family filling the house.

Until the next time folks, remember, shopping isn't the priority of Christmas and certainly not of Thanksgiving. Holidays, like every other day, are about family togetherness.