HO-HO, MERRY-MERRY: Normally, I’d be done with my Christmas shopping by now. I start putting my list together in January, begin purchasing items in July and complete the task by November 1st. That way, I don’t have to fight the crowds or worry about the bills that are due, and can just enjoy a stress-free holiday season.
But as we all know, 2016 was no ordinary year.
XMAS CARDS: Between the insanity of work, the election, job losses, illnesses, deaths, separations, a long search for a new house and more injuries/accidents/disappointments than I care to count, it’s no surprise that I’m less than jolly and really far behind in my holiday preparations. Although I’ve ordered our Christmas cards, they likely won’t be mailed until the middle of December; in the past, I’ve dropped them off at the post office on Black Friday.
XMAS PRESENTS: Due to our current financial situation, I’m also culling my annual gift-giving list to a handful people. If you normally receive a present from us, and do not get one this year, please don’t take offense. It’s not a reflection of our relationship status or affection. We’re just completely tapped out from the upcoming move. Hopefully, we can make up for it next year.
MOVING ON: Speaking of the move, M and I are about to purchase our first home. If all goes as planned, we’ll close on the house during the first week of December and spend the next week moving our stuff across the state.
Living apart these past few months has been incredibly difficult so you can imagine how excited we are by the prospect of being under the same roof again.
Neither of us has purchased a house before. Honestly, it’s not something we ever planned to do. But so far we’ve survived the insanity of applying for mortgages, searching the real estate listings, attending dozens of showings/open houses and the process of making — and losing — four bids.
In the end, we finally landed a house we wanted, and made it through the arduous process of revealing our entire financial history to strangers and dealing with the many deposits, inspections, appraisals, insurance assessments and mortgage proceedings. This week, while I’m packing like a mad fiend, we’ll receive the final bill for closing costs.
Ugh.
On the plus side, barring any complications, M and I will be spending Christmas in our new home together. Can’t wait!
–Photo by Vaniatos
2 Comments
Steven
My home-ownership experiences were less than satisfactory, but I truly hope that yours will be MUCH better than mine. Congrats!
Jade Walker
Me too! Have any advice to share?