Hooray........Responsibility!

So I finished up my Christmas shopping on December 20th this year, the earliest ever. I hate to admit it, but I appear to be getting more responsible as I age. I even got the last of my holiday cards in the mail on Monday, December 18th, also pretty solid for me.

It seems to me that only a few short years ago I wouldn't even begin Christmas shopping until the 21st or 22nd. What has happened to the good ole days of running to the mall on December 23rd, fighting for a parking spot and then trying not to knock people over as I bustle through the mall with all my parcels. Good ole days indeed.

I have noticed that I am not the only one who is getting responsible. Back in the day, I could count on a funny holiday card from my best bud Kevin. Something with a farting reindeer on the front or some tawdry reference to Santa's hos. No more my friend. Now Kevin and his family have crossed over to the dark side. They send me one of those photo cards with a picture of the kids on it. I can't stand those god damn picture cards. That is a total kop-out.

I get more and more of those damn things every year. And it is always the same, just the kids on there in some holiday sweaters or with some fake trees and snow in the background. Why aren't mom n dad dressed up and on the darn thing? I know what your kids look like, they are not that attractive. I could deal with a picture of the whole family, that would actually be nice. But it is always just the tricycle motors in the photo. The caption always reads "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings". Generic enough to be un-genuine and non-offensive at the same time. I say keep the picture card and bring back the farting reindeer!