Thursday, December 6, 2012

Big Joy


That big sigh of relief you heard yesterday was from me-- Because ALL of my Christmas shopping was finished-- Ahead of schedule--  With my sanity intact! 

But my Christmas spirit got lost somewhere between the salesperson at Macy's telling me that she "didn't get paid to show me" where the coffee markers were located, and the customer service Grinch at Bloomingdale's calling a shopper a bitch because the lady asked too many questions!  Ahh, Christmas.  Bah humbug.

Every year I vow to make a shorter gift list and to shop more online.  And I thought I had too, but with the mountain of shopping bags filled with stuff I can't even remember anymore, clearly I missed that boat.  My feet hurt, my back ached and my wallet was a bit lighter despite my best efforts to play the department store coupons and discounts-before-1pm game at the mall. (I yiyi, what a waste of time that was!)

In short, yesterday when the deed was finished-- I.  Was.  Tired.  And I still had a holiday party to go to last night!  A party that I had been looking forward to with friends that gather each holiday.  I should have known better than you shop and try to party all in the same day but, oh well, tired or not, I was committed to go.  So I pulled it together, put on some lipstick, and dragged my exhausted self, in crazy Los Angeles rush hour traffic, to my friend's house with the promise of Christmas cheer and lots of joy. 


And I'm so happy I did.  As soon as I pulled up to the front of my friends' beautifully decorated home, I could see the joy-- BIG JOY-- shining through my dazed and worn out haze.  It made me happy-- Happy for my friends and their kids, happy to enjoy a lovely dinner, happy to laugh til we cried, and happy to "just be".


I must have looked more tired than usual when I arrived to the party because one of the kids went to work on a beautiful picture to remind me that "Cristmas" was the best holiday ever.  And by the end of the evening, there was no doubt in my mind, Christmas is pretty great, despite the occasional bah humbug feelings.

How are the holidays going for you?
Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com  -  Joanna Jenkins

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30 comments:

  1. haha i love their cristmas picture...and the big joy...ack on the customer being called a bitch for asking questions....geez....glad you got some spirit back...smiles.

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  2. Good friends and sweet kids sure do have a way of rejuvenating. I'm glad your day turned around for you.

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  3. I love the joy sign and the picture from one of the kids! My shopping is done, but not the wrapping!

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  4. I'm glad your Christmas spirit got rejuvenated....and in such a fun and friend-filled way. I envy you having your shopping done, but I am at least not too far from being done. I can't believe the ill-mannered store clerks.

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  5. Oh you have me wondering what I'm getting. I'm wishing for joy.
    Best wishes.

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  6. JOY! that says it all for me, sweet pea! Merry Christmas! xoxoxoxo

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  7. don't let the stressed ones get under your lovely skin!

    but you knew that :)


    Friendly Aloha from Honolulu
    Comfort Spiral

    ~ > < } } ( ° >

    > < 3 3 3 ( ' >

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  8. Glad you finished shopping; I hope to be finished tomorrow afternoon. Rest up, girl!

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  9. I'm so glad you went to the party! Last year we didn't even exchange gifts, and it was wonderful. This year I'll pick up some small things, but I'm not going to stress about it, but will try to focus on the spiritual aspect of it and being with family.

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  10. Sounds as if the party was just what you needed after a crazy day of shopping.

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  11. some, but not all shopping done. Made a LOAD of candy this year to give to friends, and that just plain wore me out.

    My most fun shopping will be for my toddler grandson - lots of new clothes coming his way!

    Those sales people were dreadful. I do most of my shopping on-line and have been quite pleased with it.

    This weekend I am going to my usual Christmas party with friends -- we always have a good time and eat well. We've been doing this for 20 some years, as they go out of town for the holidays. It's a grand tradition.

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  12. I am glad that you went to the party despite being tired. We all can catch a second breath when we need to.

    Did you catch your mouse?

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  13. Christmas spirit is high here and going strong. I love this time of year and so far...nothing has put a damper on it. Whew! Tired, yes...budget blown...yea...but all in all...fun times'
    Have a great weekend!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  14. I feel your pain....I almost went ape sh@t on a worker at Kohls yesterday....people I know the holidays are crazy but for someone that is looking for a job like me..just be grateful you are employed! Love the yellow door and Joy sign...awesome! Happy weekend JJ!

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  15. It must be a wonderful feeling, to have it all over and done with, and then to attend a lovely party that lifted your spirits. We don't have a lot of Christmas stuff to do, just each other, so I don't get all frazzled shopping. But I remember those days! :-)

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  16. Your shopping is done?? I've barely started. But I don't have a lot of shopping to do.
    I love that JOY sign - the only thing missing is snow.... :)
    (And how did your own party go? Did you catch your mouse?)

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  17. Those signs made my day!
    JOY!

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  18. I wonder if it occurs to those snotty employees at the department stores that they are driving folks to shop online so they won't have to deal with people like them?

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  19. Well, see, that's why more people (like me) do almost all of their shopping on the internet. Why deal with grouches and grinches if you don't have to do so? :-)

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  20. Nothing like spending a little time with close friends to put you in the spirit.
    You reminded me of one of my favorite Elizabeth Taylor quotes btw: Pour yourself a drink, put on your lipstick, and pull yourself together.
    Happy holidays my dear.

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  21. My husband just informed me there would be no gift giving this year.... :( Bah humbug! He really spoiled my evening.
    I'm happy you got your shopping done and hope you have a wonderful, blessed Christmas season!

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  22. right now it feels like the calm before the storm!

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  23. May we all enjoy BIG JOY this Christmas season and in the coming year.

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  24. HO HO HO!!
    We're not shopping this year. Lyssa needs surgery on her knee and Eric will be laid off soon.

    But you know what? It will work out. Things always, always do.

    And thanks so much for the 'cristmas' reminder!!

    (((hugs)))

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  25. Hi Joanne - I am very impressed about your shopping success. I am really behind this year - but I will still get there.

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  26. I'm ticked for you about the person who said she didn't get paid to... Ugh!! Wonderful picture too!!

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  27. I think I did hear your big sigh all the way out here in Nebraska, my friend. I am so glad you found the strength to head to the party and enjoyed the Christmas party with friends. Laughter is so good for you, isn't it?

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  28. I am with you!....shopping is a hassle, and I am simply not talented enough to make all the presents that my family and friends deserve (I know they are glad of that!). Thank you for letting it out!.....smiles

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  29. "JOY" - great word!

    I am nowhere near ready for Christmas, but I'll get there. I love the "why" of Christmas, but I think the holiday is really difficult on women. If fatigue wasn't a factor it would be so much easier, wouldn't it?

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  30. Congrats on finishing the shopping. We are done too and I'm oh so glad that I don't have to fight the crowds at the mall or the cranky sales people

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