Happy Holidays

That Little Voice

Bells are ringing, choirs are singing, credit card machines are zinging, lights are blinking, fingers are dancing, feet are rushing, minds are darting, and I’m sitting in my living room resting.

Yep, it’s the December holiday season, when I pull out the stops of cheerfulness, spending, and exhaustive searching for perfect presents that will be regifted and probably regifted again.

But, I don’t care if the original recipient sends it on to an unsuspecting gift getter, as long as it doesn’t come back to me.

Our women’s group has a white elephant gift exchange each year where we swap items we no longer want, need, or consider clutter. Invariably, I come home with an item that has been around the neighborhood eight times, and actually was last used by my grandmother in 1948: the family heirloom potato masher.

It is the sentiment that counts, or at least that is what I say when facing this passed-along, gosh awful relic I have been trying to eliminate from my life for years.

And that is the reason I am sitting in my living room resting. I’m exhausted hunting through closets, drawers, boxes for that perfect artifact to share with my neighbor whose name escapes me most of the time.

This is gift giving ridiculousness, but it is a relief to know the same thoughtless item will be back in my possession at a future exchange. My grandmother would be thrilled to know her potato masher has nestled in many kitchen drawers and is finally back in my hands.

Let me wish each of you a wonderful holiday season with the hope you receive something you really want. If you are unlucky, the potato masher may be under your tree this year.

Happy Holidays!