Holidays . . .

I have been baking up a storm. In addition to baking and decorating sugar cookies with the lovely ladies from my program, I also made gingersnaps for a family for whom I tutor (and ridiculously overtipped me for the holidays) and some goodies for my lab. I've also had way too much interaction with the malls in recent days - although I tend to finish my shopping several weeks before Christmas, I get suckered into going with others.

Speaking of the mall, I've realized that:
- Some people really just shouldn't be allowed to have children
- Why do moms with strollers get so excited when you hold the door open for them? Is it really that uncommon? If so, that makes me sad . . .
- I really, really, really dislike Z Gallerie. It's sort of like a disco ball and a flea market had a baby. A not-cute baby.
- All good presents are edible or soft. Seriously - how do you go wrong with goodies from Williams-Sonoma or microplush blankets or slippers? (I bought these for myself)

And on one final note, if you're throwing a Christmas party, it's fine to keep some cultural traditions present, but a noodle dish complete with tongue and intestine is probably not the best choice. Not that I was served that this weekend, or anything ::cough::

Essentials, part two . . .

Several days ago, I saw an article in our local paper about organizations that sponsored families for Christmas. Upon further investigation, I looked up one up that is FABULOUS (provides food, healthcare, job connections . . .) and found that you could "adopt" a family for the holidays. Being a measly graduate student, I can't afford a lot, but I knew I could definitely do two kids.

I got my family assignment yesterday. The children are 4 and 5 (a boy and a girl, respectively), and the boy is developmentally disabled. His requests include Tonka trucks, legos, and shoes, and the little girl's list is a doll, a dress, a lunchbox, and a backpack. The (single) mom asked for blankets, and possibly a "gift card for food."

Suddenly our essentials aren't quite what we thought, no? I plan to go on a massive spending spree at Target this weekend for this family so that they can have a holiday to remember.

Perhaps photos of this endeavor will come as well :)