I’m (in)famous in my family for buying Christmas gifts at the last minute. It’s become so much of a trope that I almost feel obligated to leave a little shopping until the end just so there can be familiar conversation every year. At least I tell myself that to boost my own spirits; I doubt it has much credence with anyone else. We also celebrate Christmas a week early to simplify logistics, meaning I have even less time in which to purchase gifts. In comparison with most years, I have already made tremendous progress—I am only one-and-a-half gifts short of being finished. That said, the remainder of my purchases will be James David specials as we are past any shipping deadline and I am working on a lot of different things simultaneously.

I take a modicum of pride in the gifts I give, though. In recent years, they have become much more tailored to the recipients. I will never be a gift-giving wizard, but the act of wracking my brain to generate ideas helps me appreciate the people to whom I’m giving the gifts. That may be odd, but for me it’s true. As the rest of you conclude your Christmas shopping, I hope that you experience something similar.