The Holiday Hustle | Fort Bend Focus Magazine

By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher

My favorite reindeer. Gizmo a.k.a. Mr. Kaminski.

I understand that despite the concept that math is hard, there is a finite number of days in a year – 365 to be exact. I also understand that 359 days in each and every year, the same thing happens: Christmas. What I don’t understand is despite that fact that I have 350ish days to get prepared for the holy holiday, I end up hustling and bustling like a boss for the entire month of December.

By nature, I’m a planner, so there has got to be some unforeseen forces at work here, and I’m calling them out. First, I blame retailers. You see, I’m the girl buying through the spring and summer the this and that that I believe my people will like for Christmas. Then, the brand spanking new, latest and greatest must haves hit the market late November, and it’s a wash. The clear next offender is concert schedules and football playoffs. They are abruptly announced, and suddenly, that’s the number one on everyone’s wish list, and you end up paying through the nose, because either it’s the holiday season, or they are a rare unicorn. Case and point: Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, Texas vs. Washington, New Years Day. See my point? So, what does a good momma do? Scramble like it’s 4^th down and one to go.

But retailers, event schedules and adult children aren’t the only offenders. Each and every year I spend months thinking of the perfect gift for Mr. Kaminski. He’s a hard nut to crack. If he wants it, he goes out and buys it. Right then. There’s no putting him off. So, your only hope is twofold: Either purchase him some basic necessities – the garage liner he needs, a gazebo to cover the BBQ pit, or socks – or wait for that over-the-top, must have holiday hero that debuts around December 1^st and promptly sells out. Mr. Kaminski is big on gizmos and gadgets that every cool kid must have, and they’re always a hassle to get. It. Wears. Me. Out.

I, on the other hand, am not a contributor to this holiday hustle. I simply refuse to be swayed; my tastes are consistent. You can buy me something months in advance, especially if you need to pay on it. Anything that sparkles or is of French or Italian origin or even real estate – that all works for me. There’s no need for that last minute madness with this girl.

As I glance at the calendar today, I see there are 11 days left to buy that special Christmas gift. But the gift that I am most looking forward to, I have already received. It’s planned time away in a winter wonderland with Mr. Kaminski, Bub and Em doing everything and absolutely nothing. I told y’all – I’m a planner!

You’ve got all the time in the world to plan for the best gift porch sitters. Don’t let this Christmas countdown bully you! Plan some joy – just for you. See y’all next week – on the porch! Ho, ho hugs!

Patti Parish-Kaminski