Monday, December 3, 2007

Christmas with a Difference


My mother, god love her, is possibly the most enthusiastic person I've ever met when it comes to Christmas. Her excitement is childlike, and her preparation bordering on a little psychotic. That is why I was more surprised than anyone when she agreed to a different type of Christmas this year. The original plan was to go to New York in November and do a bit of Christmas retail therapy. But I couldn't go then, being so dedicated to my studies!!! After much discussion, I cancelled a skiing trip and my whole family, for the first time in four years, planned to go away together 2 days after Christmas for a week. Much to my Dad's dismay, as he would love nothing more than to escape the madness altogether, but sadly, Mam's the boss. He knows better than to argue!
We booked the flights, the hotel and have been making plans ever since. We have tickets to Phantom of the Opera on Broadway the night after we arrive, we have dinner planned with relatives, sight seeing, watching the ball drop on New Year's Eve in Times square, and of course some serious serious shopping. I can't wait!! More importantly, we have decided not to buy each other presents for Christmas, which absolutely delights me. 1. Because it saves me about 300 euro 2. I get to spend MY money on ME, as selfish as it sounds I love to spend money on myself, not other people, its my money so why shouldn't i enjoy it.
I've been formulating a plan since this law is being enforced about the amount of goods you can bring home with you "restricts" my purchases to $130 or something like that. I'm bringing an empty suitcase, going to wear the clothes I buy while over there, and if possible wear about 3 pairs of trousers, 4 jumpers, dresses and t-shirts getting on the plane in an attempt to convince them I'm perhaps carrying a little extra Christmas weight. There's no way I'm going to restrict my Christmas budget because of some stupid tax law those selfish Americans are enforcing, that George Bush fella needs a good kicking!It's my Christmas and I can't wait.

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