-- Things I Don't Like About The Holidays -- Analyze This Holiday Link Party --

Cirlce of Lights
Indianapolis Downtown

I love the holidays!  There is something about Christmas lights and Christmas Trees that just make everything so magical and cozy and enchanting... I'd keep white lights up all year round if I could. 

But there are also things that quite frankly suck about the holidays!  And Ally and Molly asked us about it today!  So... here we go again...

{1} Parking...

While we prepare ourselves in advance for it, parking always sucks.  Anytime after Thanksgiving, be ready to park in the middle of nowhere and sprint to the door to attempt to avoid the wind and rain/sleet/snow mix (if you live in Indiana).  Are there malls with Valet? 

{2}  Parking again...

But this time because of the others searching for parking spots.  This really takes you to a crappy place.  You are waiting for a spot and waiting and they finally pull out and someone swings into YOUR spot from the other side.  Sometimes a bird comes out to play...sometimes not, but still it sucks.  They take the Merry out of Merry Christmas.  If you have a story to tell post a comment! :)

{3}  Splitting time between families...
Yes, both of our parents live in the same city.  Convenient and yet oh so inconvenient.  When do you get to the point where you stop trying to please everyone and just relax over the holidays?  We aren't quite there yet.  I think we are going to be there soon, but until then we do Christmas Eve at my in-laws, Christmas Morning (6am) at my parents, usually breakfast at my in-laws, lunch at my husbands aunt's house, dinner at my parents house, and dinner/sleep at the in-laws.  Does this get better?!?  I'd love suggestions!

{4}  Trying to get the best gift...
I know, I know... it is the thought that counts.  But I'm also a very thoughtful gift giver usually.  I want it to make sense, be unusual, and something they'll love.  Now, I rarely hit the mark on all 3, but I usually get at least one.  I've been scouring the Internet trying to find something for everyone without breaking the bank. 

{5}  That places are open! 

OK... I'm the first one to admit that almost every year I end up forgetting something and falling back on Walmart of Walgreen's to pull through these rough times, but I feel so horrible for those who have to work and be away from their families.  What happened to a time when nothing was open?  Do you remember that?  It was like living in a Ghost Town on Christmas or Thanksgiving.  Now, just about everywhere is open...we are even opening stores at midnight on Thanksgiving.  Really?  Is that necessary?  I think it would be nice to go back to a simpler time.  What do you think? 

Those are the things I don't like about the holidays.  Make sure to hop on over to Molly and Ally's 12 Days of Christmas Link Party to check out what others don't like about the holidays! 

And don't forget to enter yesterday's giveaway for the Lola Stretch Bracelet for Little Girls from Stella & Dot!  All you have to do is post a comment! Giveaways can make great gifts!  :)