Cue the Jeopardy Theme Song:

So much to do, so little time! I was a college student for the last three Christmases, so when it came time to buy the presents, I was usually done by the third week of December. This year, because I’m working, I am still a couple of gifts short. And I have 2 days to fix this problem! After work today, I went straight uptown to buy my dad his cigars (no worries, he never reads my blog), and then I went to take a peak at the Christmas décor one final time before the 25th. I glanced at the tree, saw the shiny balls on 6th avenue (a favorite), and ran back to the Path train to make sure I was home to wrap before my run. Speaking of wrapping, I still need to purchase the bags, tissue paper, and bows for the gifts as well. I’m beginning to understand a little more why my parents are always out doing “last minute” shopping (I’m convinced it’s ALL of the shopping) on Christmas eve and are up until 4am every year wrapping – it was a little hard to believe in Santa when you weren’t allowed to go in the garage for the night of the 24th and all of the presents (ones from mom and dad, and ones from Santa) had the same paper – oh well, they tried.

I made out a holiday schedule (because I’m awesome like that) to make sure I get through the next few days painlessly and stress free. And I even added in 5 mile runs to all the days in order to be able to eat the carrot cake I’m going to bake tomorrow night guilt free. I’m such an organized person…too organized sometimes (OCD anyone?), and literally the only way I can function is with lots and lots of “to-do” lists. Remember when I was back in college and made a “Three-week end of the quarter” to-do list…yea, that was fun. Anyway, I have a plan. And I know God is laughing at me, but I’m hoping to stick to it. Dinner needs to be cooked on Christmas day (PS my extended family still has not told me if they are coming to dinner or not…nightmare scenario for a planner), presents need to be opened Christmas morning, and a pre-Christmas lunch needs to be had tomorrow afternoon. I will get it all done and pat myself on the back at 10pm December 25th, but it is funny how the days of childhood are officially over. No more happy-go-lucky attitude; no more depending on others to get the work done; no more having mom buy the gift you give to dad; Childhood is finished and Christmas is becoming an entirely new experience, and I will start creating my own traditions for my adult life (perhaps my sweet potato casserole will become a favorite; perhaps I’ll give everyone food poisoning). The only thing that matters is that I attempt to roll with the punches, take deep breaths, and above all remember what this time is truly about: Family, friends and a little baby in a manger.