That elusive Christmas spirit

I am not a shopper, as you all well know. I especially don't like to shop when there's lots of people in the store. I get impatient waiting in line or not finding what's been advertised.

This year, I was pretty "worried" about my birthday. I wanted it to be special, after all turning 70 is something to celebrate. When Marvin turned 70 we all met in Las Vegas, went to a show, had meals together and it was fun. Before meeting the girls and family, we went to Death Valley and that was great too.
I thought of many ways I wanted to celebrate my birthday, but nothing really seemed right. Then Sandy said whe would fly down, and Lizzie said that i always said having both girls here was the best present, which is true. But then Tristan also came and that was a big surprise and I was happy!!! Then Lizzie came with my birthday cake, and on Saturday we had a great time at El Cholo.
I really thought that was all, and I was more than OK with that. But then came Sunday, and we have all written about it. It was a super great birthday full of great surprises. Marvin knew all about it and never said a thing! The limo, the Museum, the Malibu restaurant, and then, at home, the family and school friends!!! Lizzie came up with the idea in July and Sandy and Marvin added to it, so it all came out perfectly and everything was things I wanted and liked. I still can't believe I didn't guess any of it!!!!! I also got a nice phone call from Mia :)

I have been fighting a cold since the first of the month, but happily I felt quite well for my surprises, but alas, the next day I was back in bed with a fever and cough.

I haven't been to a store at all (other than to Target to get an air mattress). I told the girls that every other year (the years that the Thompsons are not coming down to La Mirada) I would give them cash instead of gifts to make it easier on me. And that's what's happening. Only Sandy preferred gift certificates, which is OK, and Tristan sent me his wish list and I got him a couple of things he wanted :)

For Christmas Eve, Marvin's brother and sisters and maybe a nephew or two, will come to our house, and also Lizzie and Jeff :) Then on Christmas day, we'll have breakfast and Jeff and Lizzie will go back to San Diego after that.

Next year I will start shopping or ordering things at least a couple of months in advance. I think that'll work :)