I just can't stop buying my own gifts

Gift shopping for the holidays is a tricky business. 

You send me out into a mall that is bursting at the seams with sales and gift sets and I am suppose to stick to a list and buy things .....for OTHER people. 

This is a true test of will.
How am I suppose to pass up all the amazing deals and one time today only for the next 30 minutes door buster sales!!!?

In years past, I have been pretty good at taking photos of amazing finds I "need" and then passing on the request to Santa.

 I have even gone as far as placing things on hold and calling Santa to let him know.

This year, I have a weakness... I am not sure if it's my age, or the fact that I am now a stay at home mom who doesn't get to shop like she used to,but I have been buying myself gifts all season long. 

Maybe it's a subconscious worry that since Clark is here now he will get all the good gifts.

 I will get a saggy stocking and a Christmas mug filled with taffy. 

Wow, that just sounded really greedy. 

But let's be real here,

 I have always been a bit spoiled on Christmas. 

Not my fault. Blame my family.

 So, now it's time to pass the torch to my well deserving son. 

Don't get me wrong, I want him to have everything he wants.

 It's incredibly hard to walk out of Target these days without a new toy for him. 

I mean, you should see his face when he stops and plays with the Tickle me Elmo!

 It melts your soul. 

With that said though, it's a little rough making the transition from daughter to mother. 

So I guess to ensure that I have a fulfilling holiday engagement, I have been stockpiling.... gifts.....for myself. Is that so wrong?! 

 Now, I have done my best to thoughtfully forget what it was that I have bought, so that I will be surprised when I opened them. 

Because that's part of the whole experience. 

It's not just the gifts... its the surprise! 

The excitement of Christmas morning and the anticipation of

 "Will I get that new pony I want or will it be another calendar?" 

I can't be sure till I open it!

Judge me, I know you are. 

But please tell me I am not the only one who is guilty of this crime!

 Misery loves company. 

(And Joanie loves Chachi )