Christmas Lists

They're starting to come in already. It's not even Halloween but Christmas lists are finding their way to family group listings and individual emails. Some of my friends/family just send a picture of what they want and where to buy it.

While it takes some of the excitement out of what to buy, I'm grateful for the help. I get enough mystery in our writing without going through mysteries of what I should buy for people.

My wife, of course, is the hardest to buy for. She likes trinkets and doo-dads and I have to try and keep track of what trinket and doo-dad she likes this year. I used to buy her practical stuff, the stuff I like; pots and pans, dishes and socks. But that was before I knew better. Now it's music boxes that play specific songs, Victorian bracelets that slide and glass that changes color under ultraviolet light.

I like Christmas but I'm easier to please. Give me a gift card for Best Buy or a computer store, a few hours of alone time to peruse the merchandise, and I'm in heaven.

Gotta go. I have a list of trinkets to look through before we start working on the new book this afternoon. Take my advice, order early! You don't want to be left with a popcorn popper as a gift on Christmas eve.

Jim Lavene
www.joyceandjimlavene.com