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Kitchen Table Kibitzing ~ 12.11.23 ~ Preparation W [1]

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Date: 2023-12-11

Winter Solstice is coming soon, 12.21, and I have a few things to do to prepare. I have to put my summer clothes away and get my winter ones out. I leave a couple of light things out because we usually have a few 70 degree days in February.

I also have to clean and polish my floors and then get my rugs out. Big Fun. I don’t have to deal with wood for the fireplace, I had it converted to gas 20 years ago. I love it! (And so do my cats.)

I am doing something fun tonight and may be a bit late because of it. Each year I take “my boys” Christmas shopping so they can get gifts for their parents. I started when Jacob, who is now 11, was 3 months shy of 2. Plus, shy of everything.

We went to Target and his mom went with us because even though I’d known him since before he was born, he was reluctant to separate from her. We got him into the sitting part of a cart, and I got him interested in looking at stuff and his mom slipped away.

For his dad he picked out wooden sort of salad bowl spoons with giraffes on the ends. That was a hit because his dad is heavy into cooking and serving. For his mom he picked out 2 pair of really goofy socks. Again, perfect because that’s what she likes, goofy socks.

The next year I told him we would go shopping on the internet. (I figured we could avoid separation issues that way.) When I got there, I asked if he was ready and he said, “Just let me get my shoes!” Ha!

Last year when they were 8 and 10, I took them to a couple of stores that were across the street from each other. They both sell fancified used stuff. The boys got a wire thing you put salmon in and then put it on the grill for their dad, who has a whole deck set up with grills and smokers.

They got their mom this cool roughed up piece of wood with hooks to hang coats on. She is always talking about needing something like that. Neither one has used their gifts, but the boys were so excited to pick them out and that’s what matters I guess.

Tonight, I pick Lucas (now 9) up from school and we go to his house to meet Jacob. I’m bringing dinner from this great Jamaican place, and we’ll spend time eating in this little apartment they have in the basement and talk about what they want to get each parent.

They’ll go online to pick whatever it is out. This year they each get $40 from me and can each get their parents a gift individually or go in on one together. I’ll pay and they’ll make cards for their parents. Ta da!

What do you have to do to get ready for winter, the holidays, etc?

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