Holiday Schmoliday

My friend Annie posted a blog this morning referencing Valentine's day.  I had lost all track of my calendar and didn't realize that it was coming up so quickly.  But then again, it doesn't really matter that much.

My husband is cheap.  The first 3 years of our relationship, Valentine's day presents were always a day late and half price.  Economically thinking, it made sense.  Why pay full price for chocolate, when the next day, the same chocolate has to be sold off because of it's packaging?  Or the stuffed Animals, you can get 2 for the price of 1?

So 2 years ago, I made a decision in my relationship.  No gifts.  Unless it's Christmas or my birthday.  That means no Anniversary gifts for either of us, no birthday gifts for Mike (he prefers it this way), and certainly no Valentine's day gifts.

Part of my reasoning is the irritation of receiving half priced unwanted crap every year.  They say it's the thought that counts, but really there was no thought behind it.  Mike knew after years of conditioning by the greeting card industry, he had to get his girlfriend something pink or red or fluffy or chocolatey for the February holiday.  So he obliged, only half assed.

As for Anniversary gifts, flowers die, I don't wear jewelry, and sex is free.

Mike is the hardest person to shop for in the world.  No joke.  Find me someone harder to shop for that doesn't like sports, doesn't have a hobby, doesn't collect anything, and if he really needs something, he just goes out and buys it.  This makes Christmas especially hard.  So in reality for Christmas, I buy him stuff that he thinks would be neat, but I'll end up using it.  As for his birthday, see the Anniversary reference.

I pick out my own birthday gift, but for Christmas, he has to shop for me.  We only spend $50 on each other which makes it even more challenging. 

So, how does a girl survive without a Valentine's day gift?  Easy, I make up for it for him all year long by buying myself ridiculous crap like sewing stuff, yarn, crafty things and food.   He never says a word.  So while you may think it's messed up, believe me.  It works out perfectly for the both of us.  Especially the Anniversary reference.  Bow Chicka Wow Wow!