A puppy is not just for Christmas

Sara Shepard answers our Christmas questions.

What is your favourite Christmas memory?

I  have lots of great memories of Christmas. Even though my sister and I are 27 and 30 years old, for example, my parents still put out our Christmas presents the night before when we’re sleeping, as if Santa Claus has come. In the morning, it’s a big surprise to see all the gifts. We drink lots of champagne and open everything and have a big brunch. We have crackers—the shiny things that make a cracking noise when you pull them apart, and inside is a paper crown, a fortune, and a little plastic toy. Usually, the plastic toy gets stuck in the dishwasher. And honestly, we’re a little extravagant at Christmas, especially my father’s gifts to my mother. In the past, he’s gotten her diamond rings, a trip to Italy, etc. It’s not that she asks for these things—she’d probably be happy with a new pair of pajamas and a book. That’s what makes it special.

What is the worst present you have ever given or received?

The worst present I received was actually a wonderful gift, but I couldn’t keep it: One year, my parents got me a puppy. I had been in a relationship that had just ended, and I was living on my own, and I badly wanted a dog. So my parents planned months in advance without me knowing and got me an adorable little Airedale. She was four months old and VERY bad. The problem was, when I went back to New York, I emailed my landlord about how I was bringing a dog into the apartment—I thought it would be okay, since I’d seen other dogs in the building. Apparently, those dogs had been “grandfathered” in…there before the apartment set the rules that no dogs were allowed. It was hard to tell my parents I couldn’t keep her. The great thing is, instead of sending her back to the breeder, my parents kept her! Now I’m sure they wouldn’t ever give her up.

What are your plans for this Christmas? 

My family is visiting my husband and me in Arizona this Christmas. I’m sure we’ll do lots of hiking and outdoor stuff, as well as relaxing at the resort pool my parents are staying at—it’s often 80+ degrees in Arizona in December, so this is very possible! I may have to make my parents put the Christmas presents out for all of us after we’ve gone to bed, though. I’m sure my husband will think we’re crazy.

Are you giving any books this Christmas? 

I’m not sure if I’ll give any books this year—I need to do some research on what people might like, and think over the course of the year what books I really liked, as usually I give people the books I enjoyed myself. I think I may want “The Gathering”, which looks good. And as silly as it is, I am a big knitter, and I may want some knitting pattern books so that I can design my own sweaters. Why buy a $400 Charlotte Ronson sweater when you can design and make one yourself, after all?

Do you have any tips for surviving the Christmas period?

Well, I have a tip for myself, as I’m the one who’s “hosting” Christmas, and I guess that’s try not to stress out about all of it. I also agonize about getting people the right gifts, and I bet lots of others do, too, but it’s really not what matters in the end. And, oh yeah, I’m going to try not to overdo it on cookies, pie, and champagne. It’ll be tough though!

Posted 25/11/2007 12:04:11 by Sara Shepard with 0 comments.