When I was young, the arrival of the Christmas catalogs were a magical time. I remember spending hours pouring over the pages, circling the items I wanted.

For my children, they enjoyed the Christmas ads. I’d pick up the circulars and find pages of circles and tears from the pen tips.

And have no idea which of my three kids wanted what.

So, like all good moms and dads, I asked for lists of things they wanted. Of course, this had the evil benefit of having them write words (and, yes, spelling mattered because some of those things were…what is that?).

Soon I was receiving lists with links to where the items could be bought. This included things shipped directly from China, making the Thanksgiving deadline imperative.

And, because I am truly evil, when my kids were old enough, they were told how much money would be spent on them and either they prioritized their lists or they didn’t go over their limit. (Yes, budgeting and prioritizing were Christmas gifts I gave my children:D).

And so it is the time of lists and links. It makes shopping and life easier, and for that I am thankful.

Until next time.