Time is run out, Xmas 2011, there's only work, no time for anything. No decorations, no tree, only work.
I make lists, the gifts I'd like to buy for people, to make for people, but there is no time for making.
The buying, there's no time for this either.
The siblings, give them wine and liquor, these things they will consume, they need nothing material. Easy enough, the restaurant is across the street from a liquor store, after work on an early departure this is done.
My father, he needs nothing, this is more tricky, try as I might I can add nothing to his list.
My daughter, she's abroad, needs little, money sent will be applied to a modest gift, of this I approve.
My son, there are ideas, shops to go to, but there's no time, a list of things to look for requires time to look for them....
There's one gift, expensive, an IPad, that I've considered for him, dismissed, I generally hate technology as a gift, but it's a last resort. It can replace - if necessary - thought and time, and at the job, at this time, there is no time for thought or shopping, no time for inspirations....
Brother and Sister are looked after, a rare - pleaded for lunch off and while wandering through a department store I have inspiration for my Father. A few shops later and I've found something closer to what I was looking for. This will suffice - the toughest person on my list by far.
But there is still the boy. There are numerous inspirations here as well, but this shopping for my father, it has consumed all of my free time....
In the end I purchase him an Ipad, I justify it with the fashion-ability of it, the argument that it will be useful (but really, how?), that he should know a different OS than windows, that everyone (who, exactly, is everyone?...) has one...
He appreciates it, thanks me, offers to return it, he knows my finances aren't THAT good...
And me, I'm the guilt wracked parent, not spending enough time with him, not spending enough time finding him the right gift, instead throwing - like so many others - money at a problem that really should be addressed by my parenting or involvement, instead I'm the guilt wracked father, throwing away money where I should be throwing my time...