Christmas is 13 days away.
I have only four presents bought, zero presents wrapped, no tree up, no decorations up, and no lights up.
And I’m good that with that. We’ll get it done. Eventually. Probably.
The thing I am NOT good with is that I got our family Christmas cards in the mail yesterday and I discovered that I had properly put commas between Steve, Sarah and Becky but had improperly put periods between Nathan, Meagan, Noah, and Madison. The Grammar Police that lives within me had a major cold chill. Oh the horror.
But in my shuddering defense, I was doing the cards at 10:30 p.m. and anyone who know me fully understands that 9 p.m. is my daily cut off point for all coherent thought. Doing the cards that late, I’m lucky I didn’t end up using another family’s picture altogether! So I can be proud of myself for accomplishing that much, at least.
And you know what really irritates me? The whole reason I stayed up that late was because there was a huge banner across Tiny Prints website (the company I use for my cards) which said, “Fifty percent off sale ends at midnight today.”
And since I can’t afford to order cards unless they are greatly reduced, I persevered to the bitter end, blearily and randomly choosing pictures and slapping on names . . . . and commas . . . and periods.
And then I got up the next morning and one of the first things I saw online was that the Tiny Prints sale was extended and their stuff was STILL 50% off.
Sigh.
On the brighter side, THESE people are coming to see us in a few days! Is it just me, or does it look like Madison has personality to spare?
Let me just list their names for you, shall I? Nathan. Meagan. Noah. Madison.
Don’t those periods look so lovely between the names? Maybe I’ll start a new grammatical, punctuational trend.
Madison sure does like a firecracker! The expression on her face reminds me of some of the photos from Sarah when younger.
Jenna,
I’m sure we will have plenty of un-dull moments together!
NO WORRIES as my son would say about the periods. When Friday gets here you won’t care if you have the period there or not. Becky
Becky,
You’re right. Periods. are. not. all. that. important. (Ha. Couldn’t resist.) 🙂
just pretend you are Episcopal, and not observing Christmas until the end of Advent.
actually, I’ve always gotten “Christmas” up in my house in November.
haven’t had my tree up in a couple of years (too hard for me to decorate), but I do have an 18 inch tree with lights and two light-up Santas… so there’s a little festivity here.
the punctuation mark that really gets me is when folks use an apostrophe in front of an “S” for a plural. ??????
your periods can just be a way of honoring the individuals.
Mrs. Pam,
Well, I am more than happy to make those individuals feel honored with my un-punctuationalism. And one small tree sounds fabulous. Cheery yet trouble free.
Maybe it’s just me, but Madison looks like Sarah in this photo!
Tobi,
Yes, I think I do see some Sarah-ness lurking in there!
Sometimes I think you can step away from what might be the proper punctuation and look at the element of design that is visually presented. It’s done in advertising all the time. A bunch of periods make a visual statement. Does. this. make. sense.?
Debbie,
You’re right. I have seen it used to emphasize something. I guess that’s what I was doing 🙂
Yes, yes. Yes!! I’m totally agreeing with Liz and Angela. There’s a picture of Sarah with her curly hair and a huge smile that Madison is channeling!
Commas? Periods? In the big picture, I happen to be a semi-colon lover, myself, but I don’t judge those who don’t use it. In fact, if your cards are photo cards, no one will even notice the signature. They’ll be too busy looking at those wonderful faces.
Jan,
I’m glad to know the faces will be a nice distraction from the plethora of periods!
Charming, fun, and enjoyable. Or is it. Charming. Fun. Enjoyable. Oh, no, I’ve caught it! Madison is absolutely adorable as well.
Margaret,
Yep. You’ve got period-itis bad! 🙂
Lesley,
M & N’s, indeed. 🙂
Madison looks so much like a photo of Sarah at a much younger age that I remember you posting. Bright eyes and wonderful expression. All the Christmasy stuff doesn’t matter, as long as you are all together!
Liz,
You’re right–those bright eyes are exactly the same!
Angela,
Yes, I can imagine it being especially embarrassing for an English teacher to mess up grammar. Lots of pressure there! 🙂
The M&Ns!
I feel for you, Becky! I’m a part-time English teacher who has had more than one embarrassing moment with grammar and punctuation. 🙂 (BTW, I think I see a little bit of Sarah in Miss Madison!)
Becky, I once sent a BUSINESS letter that included this sentence: “I apologize for any COVENIENCE this may have caused you.” When I realized what I had written, I was so appalled. But I just told myself it was quite possible that the recipient just read it the way I meant to say it. Um… yeah… denial is my friend!
Jenny,
I think you’re right; a lot of times our brains go on auto pilot and read things the way they THINK they should be read. So hopefully your letter recipient did that. If not, they probably got a big kick out of it. 🙂
Beautiful family. Periods, commas, whatever.
Ann,
They are a little bit beautiful, aren’t they?
Periods. Commas. It doesn’t matter. Lol Enjoy!!
LeeAnne,
Enjoy we shall!
Becky, you and I are in the same “not ready for Christmas” boat! Hopefully, when I get out of the office today, I can accomplish some much needed (and expected) Christmas preparations – like the tree, decorations, gifts, etc., etc. Now, about the periods instead of commas – I think it is charming and I suspect no one will really notice because if the picture is as precious as the one above, who will be looking at grammar! Enjoy, relax, the decorations and periods or commas are not the important part of this season, at least that is what I keep telling myself. Please, let there somehow be a decorated tree in my house by December 24! You always make me smile.
Mary,
Glad to know I can make you smile in the midst of all the Christmas un-readyness. Hope you’ve made some more progress by this point. (Pssst . . . our tree still isn’t up.)