Unpacking Baggage

Just going through my luggage, clearing out some things to make way for enlightenment

This weekend my holiday season officially kicked off with the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. I have been a fan of Tchaikovsky's composition for most of my life, but was not introduced to the ballet until a few years ago. This is my second year seeing the Lincoln Center production and it is absolutely breathtaking. Now all I need is a production of Black Nativity to truly get my holiday on.

I went with my friend Kevin to Macy's on Sunday to try to find him a pair of dress shoes and a tuxedo shirt. Kevin HATES shopping. I LOVE IT! I could clearly see his frustration, not so much with the crowds, but not being able to find what he wanted. He was able to find a hot pair of casual shoes at 60% off and some DKNY slacks at 30% off. I told him that he must take joy in his purchases and not let frustration creep in. I found a pair of $90 loafers that ended up costing me $24. No... I don't need them, but I can't leave them in the store at that price. Besides, a size 13 is not the easiest shoe to come by. When I find them on sale I have to get them. My partner says I have a sickness and that I sould seek help. It could be the truth.

I grew up shopping. It's in my blood. My aunt, Jane, is the consumer of the family. There was a time when she had two wallets full of department store credit cards. Nearly every weekend of my childhood was spent in a mall with my aunts and cousins. They were our family outings. Nine of us would pile into Aunt Letha's Oldsmobile and end up at some retail establishment. Of course there would be lunch and shopping. One myth I want to dispel is that shopping and buying are two different things. A purchase occurs after you have shopped. Shopping can be therapeutic, but for me it's almost always a competitive sport. It's me against retail. I usually win.

Christmas has always been my favorite shopping time of year. Ever since I was a kid I've loved it and I've honestly loved giving more than receiving. Nothing thrilled me more than to give my aunties a dollar store gift and see them make a fuss about it. I really thought I was giving them something and over the years that helped me learn that it's really the thought that counts. I'm not buying a lot of stuff for people this year. I'm baking... cookies, poundcakes, banana bread... I plan to try a biscotti recipe I got from one of my students. Everyone I know has a sweet tooth so nothing will go to waste.

I'm not complaining, but I've never gotten what I wanted for Christmas without buying it myself. I was always too young for the things I wanted and when I was old enough, my eye was on something else I was too young for. This year I have decided to make public my Christmas wishlist. I'm not hinting that anyone should get me anything on it, but if you know where a brother can get a discount... HOLLA!