I just read Fish’s post about making a Christmas list to help out her loved ones. Brandon was similarly stumped this year since his brain cells are being spent on more important things like studying for the USMLE Step 1.

I haven’t made a list in a looong time. I thought about getting out a piece of paper and a pencil to write “Dear Santa,” but ended up going the old-fashioned email route in the end. I haven’t bought anything for myself or gone shopping in such a long time that it was actually a lot of fun. Imagining, day-dreaming, wishing, hoping. I didn’t make a list based on winning the current $122 million lotto jackpot. But I did find it easy enough to pick out a few things that I would buy for myself if I had a source of income and a plug in the ever-leaking tuition drain.

So, what things did I put on my list? Oh, a few warm woolly sweaters, a luxurious bathrobe and slippers, some stuff that smells good for girls, Italian charms for the bracelet I got for my birthday, a family favourite tile game, a game for the Wii, and the Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics.

This morning, there are more presents under the tree than I think either of us expected. They are all wrapped in Amazon boxes and padded mailers and I think there’s one in a Wal-Mart bag. I was worried about Brandon’s making it on time and it arrived 2 days early! Hooray for the US Postal Service! I know he’s going to try to talk me into opening a few tonight. But I plan to stand firm(!) and wait for tomorrow morning. Or at least 12:01 AM.

You may be wondering what was on Brandon’s list. It was a short one. The only thing he really, really, really wants more than anything in the whole wide world is to pass his exam on December 30th. I wish more than anything that I could wrap that up with a big red bow. Or re-used Wal-Mart bag.

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! After reaping the rewards of fighting holiday mall parking lots, may you enjoy the blessings that come with giving a few small, thoughtful gifts to friends and family.

And if you chose to abstain from the commercialism of this celebrated holiday, may you enjoy piles of good food and bad Christmas movies on TV!

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