I guess we’re in the calm before the storm period. You know, those few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It’s one of those weeks where not a lot is going on, but yet, everything is going on.

Many, but not all, have put up Christmas decorations and, with colder temperatures coming, those who didn’t will wish they did.

Shopping, online or at a retail store, is well underway and the delivery companies are extremely busy. Those poor people are probably putting in long days to make sure Aunt Zelda’s air fryer arrives on time.

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Here’s the one question I never look forward to at Christmas time — “What do you want for Christmas?” Ugh!

I hate shopping for myself, let alone for someone else. I’d always get squeamish when someone asked me what size I wear or, worse yet, nobody asked but still bought me clothes. There are only two people I never minded getting clothes from for Christmas — my mom and my daughter Ashley.

Mom always had good intentions when getting me clothes and, on occasion, actually got me something I liked. I always accepted her gifts with love and would never ask for a receipt to take it back because I never wanted to hurt her feelings. I guess I did it out of respect, too.

All I could do was picture her making an effort to go out and shop for me and graze through a department store to find that perfect item for me, even if it was a plaid hooded zippered jacket.

I never did wear that jacket, but after years of it sitting in my closet, my brother was visiting from out of state and I asked him if the jacket was something he’d wear. I told him it was a gift from Mom and he gladly accepted it. I felt better knowing the jacket was going to stay in the family, yet when I handed it over, I felt sad.

Ashley, on the other hand, is more in sync with my tastes so it’s okay if she buys me clothing.

I seem to be a gift card type of guy these days. Yeah, I know, not a lot of fun giving a gift card. After all, how exciting is it to see someone rip open an envelope instead of a package?

If truth be told, I’d be okay watching the excitement on one’s face as they opened my gift card present.

There are times, now that my children are adults, when I think the whole gift giving idea is out of hand and too much money is spent. Honestly, can you name three things or even five things you received for Christmas last year?

Maybe this is why I love Thanksgiving. There’s no pressure buying gifts and no chance to go bankrupt, either.

Someone once suggested that maybe my attitude would change if I had grandchildren. I suppose I’ll cross that bridge if and when it happens. I’m sure I’d do my fair share of spoiling the child (as all you grandparents nod in agreement).

There is a lot to look forward to, like the Christmas party at work. Since I’m self-employed, my Christmas party is pretty boring, but I do miss being a part of a party when I worked elsewhere. There’s always tons of food, goodies and, on occasion, alcohol.

Some companies have a Secret Santa giveaway … yuck. Those always have spending limits of $10, $15 or $25 and you never know what to get.

That’s where Sam’s Club comes in handy. You buy something in that price range that Sam’s has shipped in especially for small gift giving. You know what I mean … those little boxes of cookies or candies all wrapped in nice ribbon.

If you’re into the community thing, West Pittston Borough will have its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling that begins at 5 p.m. today, Dec. 2 with a parade down Wyoming Avenue from Erie Street. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there handing out gifts to the first 200 children. There will be hot chocolate, coffee and cookies served and music provided by DJ Donnie Evans. The event is compliments of the West Pittston Parks & Rec and West Pittston Tomorrow.

Don’t forget Pittston City’s big Christmas extravaganza Friday, Dec. 7

Breakfast with Santa will take place at the West Wyoming Hose Co. at 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.

At Wyoming Area Catholic, there will be a Secret Santa from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11.

The Pittston Active Adult Center will hold Christmas party at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Here’s a new event from the lovely town folk of Avoca — a town-wide Christmas Celebration featuring the Avoca Polar Express Santa Parade starting at 1 p.m. Dec. 15 followed by a party for children at the Queen of Apostles Parish Hall.

There is plenty to do – plenty of time to decorate, plenty of time to shop, and plenty of time to party for the holidays.

If your house is all decorated and shopping is near complete, kudos to you. If you’ve been slacking off a bit, it’s time to put your game face on — only 23 days until Christmas.

Quote of the week

“The true way to render ourselves happy is to love our work and find in it our pleasure.” – Francoise de Motteville, French writer

Thought of the week

“Inventing is a combination of brains and materials. The more brains you use, the less material you need.” – Charles F. Kettering, American engineer

Bumper sticker

“It is not wise to be wiser than is necessary.” – Philippe Quinault, French dramatist

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My Corner,

Your Corner

Tony Callaio

Reach the Sunday Dispatch newsroom at 570-655-1418 or by email at sd@psdispatch.com.