Today as I sit here at my computer in my make-shift office at my dining room table, I am all the sudden panicked with the thought that I have very few days to decide and order, (my usual shopping habit), Christmas gifts for twenty-one people. I don’t know why I am so startled that it is the first week of December and I am in this situation once again. My husband, the on time, always ready, fully prepared person, tells me I am a procrastinator. Sure, I wait till the last minute to leave for an appointment, put off buying groceries until we are snacking on crackers, and buying gas until my little gas pump in my dash is flashing. We all cannot be like a boy scout, “Always prepared!”
The situation I find myself in right now seems to happen to me every year at this time. I have a friend that has all her Christmas gifts bought and wrapped during the month of October. For goodness’ sake, I am Halloweening during that month.
Now I have exactly three weeks to “C” day and as I said I am a computer shopper. I love sitting here in my nice warm home Christmas shopping and having it brought straight to my front door. If it could come already wrapped that would be an extra happy. This is the week I start calling my adult children begging for ideas for the offspring. Some of them have a want/wish list and those who don’t then I have to decide and usually it’s going to be cash. I hate giving cash. It seems so impersonable. I want to give extraordinary, exceptional, exclusive gifts that no one ever thought of. Yes, right, that never happens because my imagination is limited.
The younger ones are easier as they still like “Santa” things, but my younger ones are few and the older ones are many. We begin at two years of age and go all the way to twenty-three years. And there are fourteen of them all together. What a blessing!!
At least I don’t have to worry about my husband, as we stopped giving gifts many years ago. We always give a really pretty meaningful hand Christmas card each year. There is absolutely nothing material I want or need. He and God have provided exceptionally well. So, what do I want for Christmas? All my eight children, all fourteen of my grands, my sixty-year Love just to be here and celebrate our still being here and pray for many more Christmas Days.
Oh yes, I would like to have a Christmas list from all of them.
My mama always made tea cakes that were so good. I have put my spin on mine. Try them and see if you like them.
Tea Cakes
½ cup melted butter
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1¾ cup of self-rising flour
Mix all and beat on low for one to two minutes. Chill in refrigerator for an hour. Heat oven to 375 degrees and line your baking sheets with parchment. (I love this stuff). Be sure to flour your hands before handling because they are sticky. Roll into 1-2 inch balls and flatten with a floured glass. Bake until edges are brown. You can frost but they are deliciously sweet already
