I think the world could reasonably be divided between last-minute Yule shoppers and those who plan it months in advance. (I've been married to both...Barb used to plan it months in advance, now it's more last-minute lunacy.) Which are you? If you don't celebrate Christmas, pick any other holiday that you know gifts are involved, and then look how far in advance you plan it.--Al

-- Al Schroeder (al.schroeder@nashville.com), December 23, 1999

Answers

al - - - you ask these questions that are double barreled. my answer is yes, no and maybe. we dream early, plan a month or two later. that plan is a two step, intertwined, to and fro operation. we plan a bit and figure where the money is coming from - - so back and forth - to and fro. most of the presents are bought by halloween - - - then comes the search for just the right paper. just finished wraping last night. (yes, no, if, perhaps)

-- ici jongleur (ionoi@webtv.net), December 24, 1999.

I'm done, done, done! But my SO is NOT. So I end up tagging along while he finds last minute gifts for his kids and dog. Still, that kind of shopping is fun -- no pressure, no stress. And I don't have to spend any money! All I have to do today (I'm leaving work at noon) is a little chopping of veggies and fruits and pop a frittata in the oven for tomorrow's breakfast! We're going to Midnight Mass tonight, and I haven't felt quite this peaceful and happy for many Christmases till this one. Today, shopping is optional!

-- Sunshyn (sunshyndream@aol.com), December 24, 1999.

I used to have all my shopping done right after Thanksgiving and wouldn't have to worry about it until next Christmas. The last couple of years however, I've been putting it off and putting it off and ended up having to give alot of people money as gifts. Which I guess is Ok.. Since I know alot of hard to shop for people.

-- Jen (nyc@echoside.net), December 24, 1999.