"I love the smell of commerce in the morning!" - Mallrats
Well, well well, if it isn't my favorite time of year.

As per my usual, I've finished most of my serious shopping, which I now do online to accomodate the time my non-serious shopping takes. And I do love my frivolous shopping at Christmas. Not only is it a convenient excuse to buy myself presents*, there's nothing like running across that perfect, last minute gift for someone on your list. Because isn't that the real enjoyment of Christmas? I mean, don't get me wrong, I love getting scads of gifts as much as the next girl, but it's really beautiful when someone opens their gift and is speechless with joy.

I love giving people things that they've always wanted. My favorite present that I gave last year was the Coach bag that I gave to Pookie (J's Mom). She was so happy. Maybe it's a little selfish, but I like feeling like I helped to make someone's holiday magical. I guess because my parents, even though we were totally poor, always managed to make my Christmas's wonderful, and I've always wanted to give some of that to someone else. Barring me having kids, it's friends and family that will get the good stuff. And I don't see any Tickle Me Elmo's in my future, so there you have it.

*A note about buying myself presents. As those of you who know me can attest, this is not just a Christmas activity. 365 days a year I'm on the lookout to treat myself. I have bought myself un-birthday presents, St. Paddy's Day presents, I even bought myself a present for President's Day. Now if only they had a holiday commemorating presents, I'd be set.

My name is Smokin, and I am a shopaholic.