A few years ago, I had all of my Christmas gifts purchased and wrapped by Halloween. Neurotic or just too much time on my hands? Before you answer, my plan was to beat the stress of holiday shopping and just enjoy the season. And I did. However, due to my slight obsessive nature to get things done early, I didn’t have the fun of wrapping my gifts with a decorated tree nearby and holiday music playing in the background. You see, I’m a wrapper. Not like Ice T or that guy they call 50 Cent; but a gift wrapper. I can’t buy a gift and not wrap it right away. In fact, I enjoy it so much I have even been outsourced by others to do their wrapping.
Interestingly enough, I dislike shopping. Which is why I feel the need to get it over and done with as soon as possible. Many of you might feel the same way, but due to our busy lives, it’s hard not to leave things until the last minute. In our quest to help you this year, we’ve put together a Holiday Gift Guide. Check out the many gift ideas—from funky hats, gloves and scarves to beautiful jewelry to a state-of-the-art coffee system—all from local businesses.
When you’re done shopping, you’ll have time to enjoy the hundreds of holiday events happening this month. From Festival of Trees in Schoharie, Saratoga, Montgomery and Bennington counties, to the Capital Holidays Lights in Washington Park, to Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln’s home in Vermont decked out in its holiday splendor, to an array of concerts and plays, your days will surely be busy.
Also in this issue is an article about the Capital City Rescue Mission in downtown Albany. A refuge for the homeless, Executive Director Perry Jones and his staff do a remarkable job helping the less fortunate in the region. If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities, make the call. Nothing is more rewarding then knowing you’re making a difference in this world.
For this month’s Day in the Life column fI spent the day with Suzanne Rubino, school nurse at Forest Park Elementary School in South Colonie. I had quite a day with her and the kids. After spending mere minutes with her, I quickly realized that the job of a school nurse is much more than I thought.
As John Gray states in this month’s hilarious depiction of holiday shoppers, it can be a stressful time—people always seem amazed that the holidays have arrived. This year, try to get the shopping out of the way early on, so you can actually enjoy this truly magical time of year.
On behalf of the staff at Capital Region Living Magazine, I’d like to wish you a happy and safe holiday season.
Enjoy!
Mary Beth DeCecco
marybeth@capitalregionliving.com