I Wish Me A Merry Christmas

It was about this time of the year in the mid 80's. I was at the Abilene WalMart while the boys were at preschool. I found myself beside a stack of cute country blue kitchen rugs. Ten bucks each.

I looked up and saw my friend Sandra Jane admiring the same thing. We chatted for a while as each of us had our hand on the rug. I don't know who started it, but the conversation progressed something like this.

"Aren't these cute?"

"Adorable!"

"It would match my kitchen colors perfectly."

"Mine, too."

(It would match every kitchen in Texas perfectly in 1980. Who didn't have a country blue theme?)

"I shouldn't be spending money on myself at Christmas."

"Me either...but I'd spend ten dollars to buy one for you."

"And I'd buy one for you!"

And so began the tradition of getting ourselves something for Christmas.


After we moved to the Dallas area in 1990, we weren't able to select our gifts together, so we just chose something and told the other one about it. No price limit, so the gifts have ranged from books to warm up suits. We don't plan for it, but every year we'd find ourselves out shopping and run across something we really would like to have, and think, "I shouldn't get this for myself" and then that little Christmas angel whispers...

"but Sandra Jane/Carolyn would love to get it for you!"

A few days ago, I received this thank you note. The thank you notes are almost as fun as the gifts.

Carolyn,

Please don't. You really shouldn't. I'm weary of pleading with you not to, but if you insist, I'll absolutely love to accept the darling black t-shirt with rhinestones so tastefully outlining a coffee cup and saucer and the words "Wake Up And Smell The Coffee" that's screaming my name at Cracker Barrel. It's a perfect Christmas gift from you and I will love wearing it! Have you received my Christmas gift to you yet?????

(I love you so much).

Happy Holidays, Sandra Jane

I replied,


I knew it was so you when you saw it! The mail is slow in Florida. I'm sure it will be here soon. love you!

Well, the package arrived last night at the Don CeSar resort gift shop. Our kids are here (wooooooooo-whoooooooooo!), so the girls and I were browsing while we were waiting for our table. My eyes went straight to a beautiful Brighton silver pen with a well.

Kyla and Terran ooooooed and ahhhhhhhhed appropriately. "That would be perfect for our guest book on the entry table."

They agreed.

"Forty dollars is a lot to spend on a pen..."


I put it back on the shelf and said, "I shouldn't spend that much on myself so close to Christmas..."

And then it hit me. Sandra Jane would love for me to have it!

I made a u-turn and headed to the register.

"Is this for you or is it a gift?" the clerk asked.

"Yes it is." I replied. She loved hearing the story. I made the guilt free purchase and went on my way rejoicing!

Dearest Sandra Jane, I am speechless! The fact that you took the time to select such a thoughtful gift means more to me than you'll ever know. The silver Brighton pen and well will be a beautiful reminder of our friendship. Through the years you have been my role model as a hostess and a writer, so it has an even sweeter meaning. I love you dearly! carolyn

HO! HO! HO!