There are ninety-seven days until Christmas. That’s over three months, but—.
It seems far away, sort of, but it’s not. And you know it’s not because there are holiday decorations and supplies in all the stores already.
(Christmas after Labor Day? Welcome to the “new normal”!)

Why do I bring this up? Why do I sink to those sneaky little retailers’ level?
Because it occurred to me the other day that I still have gifts from last Christmas that I haven’t “opened.” Haven’t worn, read, used…

I know we live in an era of “stuff,” but this is ridiculous.

Most people are familiar with the George Carlin bit, “A place for my stuff.” It’s hilarious. And frighteningly accurate. And most disconcerting, was performed in 1981.

Now, I’m pretty sure that any gifts I received in 1981 (hello Billy Squier, Don’t Say No!) have been worn, read, used and listened to, but still, it seems to me that anything I have owned—asked for and was given almost a year ago– and haven’t even gotten to (!), was probably excessive.

It’s truly a shame that having the money to buy lots of stuff coincides with the days passing too fast to use and appreciate your purchases.

As I see it, I have two options:
First- Wear, read, and use! There’s nothing wrong with that sweater! I just need to move it to the top of my rotation. I have a stack of books at least six deep, 2011’s best-sellers, which I haven’t read yet. Now, to be fair, my original Christmas book pile was at least twice that size, but with all the even newer books I have to read “right now,” I am falling behind on my pile. Also, I begged for a spiral binding machine last year. (You know, to home-bind all those manuscripts I’d be writing and printing.) I believe many in my gift-getting circle will be receiving something spiral bound this Christmas. My creative mental wheels are turning…

and, Second- Do not get any new gifts. So, counter-productive to those sneaky little retailers, I am considering rewrapping and regifting myself with things I wanted  (but didn’t get to in the past 268 days). This will save lots of holiday shopping stress and money for those who gift me. (It’s exactly what I wanted (again)! Thank you, how did you know?) And since I haven’t gotten to those things yet, they’ll still be new!

Basically, what I’m gifting myself is a new year in which to use my things.
And shit, if I don’t “open” them in the next 365, then
a) I must not really need them, and b) I’m officially all full up on stuff.