From The Unbelievable But True Files

on the most recent episode of the most fabulous "studio 60" tv show, matthew perry's character said something like, " i'm like the only jewish person with the christmas spirit." in which the adorable one turned to me and said, "that's you this year, for sure." yes, you read it here first and yes, he's right.

i did go completely beserko, much more so than i ever expected, with the whole gift buying thing. and i even organized a holiday potluck luncheon for my work group, which wasn't a big deal or tough. i just didn't expect that anyone would agree to it as it's tough as nails to get us all together, in one place (other than our weekly staff meeting). and true to form, even though i provided a list of items to bring, they are all bringing other things. which is the point of a potluck anyway, so it's gonna be great.

anyway, i sent a meeting invitation to everyone, reserved our usual conference room, posted a sign-up sheet, and will provide a friendly reminder. except that i went kinda overboard on the decorations at a recent trip to party america as i bought matching snowman-themed cups, regular and dessert-sized paper plates, napkins, a paper tablecloth, and (again matching) gift bags that i've filled with candy. it's just kinda batty how overboard i've gone, but i'm good with it, i really am.

i also opted to spend more for dinner theater tickets for my folks when i could have gotten them the basic package, but i wanted them to have good seats. and i'm quite glad that we splurged on best buy gift certificates for our favorite sushi chefs and wait staff, who are more like family than friends, truly.

i bought gifts for just about everybody in my group, including the previously loathed cabbage patch head, who is taking a different position, a promotion, at the beginning of next year. i think even though it was a small gift certificate (she has five pets!), it surprised the adorable one.

i even bought something for the newest member of our group, which i didn't have to do, but thought she would like it (she did). and what has been nice is the appreciation and gratitude for these little tokens of holiday cheer. it's made me feel really super good. and while it's true that i do love presents, and as cheesy and trite as it sounds, it really is about giving.

so this week marks the last of the gift buying, i think. we'll pick up a starbucks gift certificate for our brother-in-law, as we bought more baby gifts for the little one coming in march (however, it must be noted that i should not be let anywhere near the baby section in any target as i go bananas and have this overwhelming desire to buy the baby everything in the classic pooh line and i do mean everything), a really cool dr. seuss book for our nephew, plus bath and body lotion and shower gel for my sister. we'll mail the entire goody package on monday and we're done. that is, unless we buy for our friends that we regularly hang out with. we haven't actually decided what to do yet.

and yes, the visa bill is gonna be a real killer next month, but it's so worth it. and yes, you read that right.