My family has asked me to put together a Christmas list...and it's pretty much one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I'm not sure where the problem is (cheapness can't be a factor 'cause I'm not buying anything). I think the big reason is I'm not very materialistic. There are things I like, but I'm not sure how much 'stuff' I actually want. Don't get me wrong--there are things out there I wouldn't mind having. But I don't really need a GPS device (they're cool, but I've survived 14 years of driving without one).

I'm not into DVDs or CDs (both can be downloaded off the internet--save your money). I don't play video games. I listen to conservative talk radio podcasts...but don't need an MP3 player because I have one on my phone.

I think I already made my big-time purchase of the year. I bought myself an HDTV and hardly ever use it because I spend most nights at The Girlfriend's house. Sure, I love gadgets and gizmos--but I already have the majority of ones I need.

Maybe that's the thing--maybe I'm too humble. Christmas isn't about getting stuff you need--it's about people buying you stuff. No, wait--that doesn't sound right either. Christmas is about joy, goodwill to mankind, and all that crap. So why am I sitting here stressing?

I suppose if I was given the Best Buy catalogue, there are a bunch of things I'd want in there if given to me for free. But I don't want to see my family members or loved ones wasting money on things I can live without. America has become too much of a 'stuff' society. Everybody wants stuff--but most of the time, we don't need stuff. Maybe there's something wrong with me, but I'm just not materialistic enough. If I want something, I buy it. I feel uncomfortable having others pay for my expenses.

Despite all my reservations, I tried to come up with a list and opened up more. I'm gadget nerd--I love all sorts of electronics (The Girlfriend is convinced that one day I'll leave her for something battery-powered). If I think hard enough, there are some things I wouldn't object to getting. I could use a wireless keyboard with integrated mouse for my homemade DVR. But I'm very picky when it comes to my electronics--I want things that suit my needs. If my mom went to Circuit City to buy me a keyboard, she'll come home with the one that's the prettiest color. I want a new cell phone. Unfortunately, no one makes a phone that does everything I want it to do (yes, even the iPhone).

Tech stuff is all very specific. Everything has different features and options. You can't just give a tech geek tech stuff; you gotta give him devices that do all that he wants them to do. So I tried getting specific. I started looking at options and seeing what I wanted most. Then I started seeing prices and excluding items because I thought they cost too much. At that point, it just felt like I was shopping...and someone else was picking up the bill.

And that's not what Christmas is about--at least not to me. I know I'm a bit of a romantic on this topic, but I don't see Christmas time as a shopping spree. I like to buy gifts that are specific to the people around me. I don't want to grab generic gifts or bargain bin DVDs--I like my gifts to reflect the personal relationship I have with the gifter (or should that be gifteee). I don't want anyone to pay my rent or wipeout my credit card debt. I'm a grownup and those are my responsibilities. If I found a million dollar lottery ticket, that'd be a different story--but I don't need my family bailing me out.

I've gotten a little off-track here, but this is my point: I think I'm uncomfortable putting together a Christmas list for all of the above reasons. I don't need 'stuff' to make my Christmas. The point is, I already have what I want for Christmas. I have a dysfunctional family, good friends, and the most wonderfully, perfect girl. I don't need a Christmas list because no stuff will make me happier than I am now...And I'm uncomfortable having to tell people what sorta stuff I want (not that I want a lot of stuff in the first place).

Bah! Maybe I'm just too damn idealistic. Just make the check out to CASH and I'll put it in the bank.

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