Every year I tell myself that I’m not going to wait until the last minute to buy Christmas presents, and yet every year, that’s exactly what I do. Well, this year is the year that I finally decided to listen to myself! Last week I bought Christmas presents for everyone in my family. I took advantage of the summer sales to buy winter coats for my two children. They’re growing so fast that last winter’s coats will probably be too small for them this winter. Plus, by buying winter clothes in summer I saved a bundle! I also bought them some toys, though I’ll be very lucky if they don’t find them before Christmas! My husband is going to get some shoes, which I also bought on sale, and some very nice sunglasses. And no, he’s not getting a tie this Christmas, though he likes anything I give him. My sister is the hardest person to shop for. She likes really expensive designer clothes. What she doesn’t spend on food and rent she spends on ridiculously expensive dress jackets and shoes. Normally I wouldn’t encourage her expensive habits, but this year I was able to find a nice dress that I know she’ll love. And the best part is that, of course, it was on sale, which is good because that is the only way I would buy her the kind of clothes that she likes to wear. So, this year, I think, and hope, that everyone will be happy with their presents.