My guest today is Jenyfer Matthews who writes wonderful contemporaries for Cerridwen Press. Gemma Halliday, the author of Undercover in High Heels says “Fans of Jennifer Crusie will love Jenyfer Matthews’ fresh, fun voice. ONE CRAZY SUMMER is contemporary romance at its best.”
Jenyfer is discussing the difficulties of living in an exotic location. If you have any questions about Jenyfer’s books or where she lives I’m sure she’ll be happy to answer them.
One lucky winner will win a download of One Crazy Summer. All you need to do to go into the draw is post a comment. (The winner’s name will be posted in the comments section the following day. Don’t forget to check back to see if you’ve won.)
It’s mid-December and I’m still in the throws of Christmas shopping in Cairo, Egypt.
Normally, I prefer to shop all year and just stash things in the cupboard until I need them. I often buy things in the summer when I’m back in America on vacation. Don’t despise me – it’s not organization and efficiency that drives me (not totally anyway) It’s the fact that it can be hard to find the things that I want when I want them overseas.
Fortunately, the satellite channels that we get don’t have a lot of the advertising that the American counterparts do so my children don’t have the same level of exposure that they might. I shudder to think of what their Christmas lists might look like if they did. But living in Egypt, finding even the simplest requests can be quite a challenge.
My husband brushes off my worries and tells me just to go with the flow. Just buy whatever it is that the Egyptians produce well. Problem is that I don’t think that my children would be especially thrilled with Egyptian cotton sheets and towels, olive oil, or traditional statuary like the stone canopic jar I purchased for my husband’s birthday.
I have always tried to keep things simple. I don’t go over the top at Christmas (like my own mother did, LOL). My children get ONE *wow* present from Santa (plus stockings), a few presents from Mommy and Daddy, and one from each relative of our small extended family which makes for maybe twenty presents each, tops. (Does that sound like a lot? You should see my sister’s house!) The children are thrilled but not overwhelmed. Success.
I have to admit that I’m pretty much a Grinch when it comes to toys – no matter where I am in the world. So many of them just seem so… pointless. And noisy. A piece of plastic that will hold their attention for all of ten minutes before it sucks the life out of six D batteries and then breaks. I’d rather not waste my money on such things. And my children really don’t play with toys much. Though that might be a circular problem – they don’t play with them because I don’t buy them… Still, even I know that for a child, Christmas isn’t Christmas without at least a few toys. Now here starts my problem.
See, quality toys are hard to find in Cairo. And not only do I have to come up with good presents from Mommy and Daddy and Santa, but because of the risky nature of the mail system in Egypt (loss / theft / high international postal rates / high customs duties) most of my family has opted to send me money so that I can buy the children presents from them on this end. Easier and safer for them, but it does make my life exponentially more difficult. The problem isn’t money or ideas. The problem is supply.
A friend of mine took me to a toy store she found downtown the other day. I’ll admit that it was better than most stores I’ve been to here. There were actually a few name brand toys in stock – side by side with ripoff Gameboy games. (Fraud / counterfeiting is another thing they do well in Egypt.) I had two big bags when I walked out and though I’m already tired of shopping, I’m still not quite there. Does it make me a bad person to admit that it’s frustrating for me to do all the work while everyone else is getting the credit? I *know* what I’m doing and now all of you do too, but I’m kind of looking forward to the day when Santa gets outed.
In the end, I’ve done the only thing I can do – I’ve bitten the bullet and have ordered some movies and books and a scooter to be shipped to me. Postage and customs duties? Forget about it. It’s Christmas! I have plenty of money leftover for customs duties. Fingers crossed they’ll arrive intact and on time. Anyone have a little Santa dust to spare?
Santa was ‘outed’ over the summer for my nephews. My sister still wants to save the presents to put under the tree until after the boys go to bed. She still loves to see their faces in the morning when they come in the room and see the piles of gifts. Piles because everyone goes to her house for Christmas Day (12 people). I’m actually happy because this is the first time in 8 years I don’t have to sleep on the sofa to try and catch Santa!
by Sabrina December 12th, 2007 at 12:56 amMy oldest nephew decided Santa wasn’t real 2 years ago, but his brother Alex tells him he’s wrong, every time he says it, though he’s wondering more now but wants to believe. My other nephew who’s 5 saw a reindeer hit on the road kast weej and went home all worried that Santa couldn’t come Christmas without Rudolph to lead the sleigh. My aunt wrote him a letter from Santa that he was okay, etc., etc. Next day Alex asks my mother to mail a letter for him to Santa when he couldn’t find a stamp. She goes home and opens it, he asked Santa if that was really him who wrote to his cousin about Rudolph, ending it saying, if I hear back from you then I’ll know you’re real. So we had to have Santa send another letter to Alex (good thing he couldn’t find the stamp and mail it himself, lol). He got it the other day, smiled and told his brother “See, now I have the proof, I told you he was real.” His brother said I don’t think so, but later my sister who couldn’t get him to write out his Christmas list found him making one, just to be safe, lol.
by Pam P December 12th, 2007 at 3:07 amI can remember wondering why it was that Santa’s and my mother’s handwriting was the same but not wanting to question it just in case the Santa presents stopped
Luckily, that didn’t happen - my mom would probably still fill my stocking and do Santa presents if I lived closer by!
I’m sure it won’t be much longer before my daughter stops believing - she has some older friends (9) who are all a bit world weary already. Wonder what I’ll have to do to keep her from spoiling it for her little brother?
My kids wrote their Santa letter through school and though my DD won’t be getting a laptop (!!) I did get a few of their other requests (phew!)
by Jenyfer Matthews December 12th, 2007 at 4:18 amNo offense here, please, but not being one to celebrate Christmas, I find all the commercial hype way, way over the top. We just got back from a month in South Africa, and at least there, the hotel in Cape Town didn’t put up the tree in the lobby until December 1st. Elsewhere, it was around, but not in-your face. Here, it seems Christmas decorations compete with Jack-o-lanterns.
We did celebrate Christmas for a couple of years when I was small–my mom was trying to “fit in”, but soon decided it wasn’t who we were, and why were we celebrating what was supposed to be a deeply religious event. I do remember my one reaction when I found out Santa wasn’t real (just because we didn’t celebrate didn’t mean I wasn’t aware of what went on) was that for those couple of years we’d done the Christmas thing, that my dad got to eat the cookies we’d left for Santa. That burned.
by Terry Odell December 12th, 2007 at 5:10 amTerry - I do admit that for me I do go a little OTT at Christmas - but only because I so rarely give in to any requests during the year. My children get presents at their birthdays and Christmas and that’s pretty much it.
And as I said in my post OTT means about 15 presents each which ranges from little things like gloves and socks to their big WOW Santa present. Though I found some things today that will probably steal the show.
But I’m absolutely done now. Truly
by Jenyfer Matthews December 12th, 2007 at 5:15 amWhat a cool post!! I am the oldest of two by four years in my family. My brother found out who Santa was in the first grade (compliments of some “nice” 8th grade boys) and tried to tell his 5th grade older sister what was up. I didn’t want to believe it. Now, I am a rational being, so…late at night, thinking about what he said and remembering that I found price tags on Santa’s gifts (why would Santa do that with elves), I came to this sad conclusion. I was devastated to say the very least and I recall confronting my parents. I think Christmas is too commerical for my liking anyway today. Economically I can’t buy a lot so I’m giving my time right now and feel so good about it!! Isn’t that was the Christmas season truly is supposed to be- a spirit of goodwill instead of all this blantant commericalism?
by Laura K December 12th, 2007 at 5:24 amI confess, we had 8 nights of gift giving to fill, although things most would consider ’stocking stuffers’ were wrapped gifts for our kids. And with doting grandparents, it was never a problem to have something to open every night. BIrthdays ran from late October through mid-November, so while I was birthday shopping, I’d get extra things and stash them for the holidays.
by Terry Odell December 12th, 2007 at 5:25 amOne of the presents I am most pleased with are the Christmas quilts I am making each child. I realize that it may not be something they will fully appreciate until I’m dead however, hence all the shopping
They are also each getting about a dozen books a piece. That’s what comes of having a writer for a mother!
by Jenyfer Matthews December 12th, 2007 at 5:30 amMy oldest witchling is 15 so she knows, but her sister still believes in Santa. So my office has become the place to hide all Santa’s presents. There are bags all over the place. *LOL*
by Tempest Knight December 12th, 2007 at 5:33 amEnjoy it while it lasts. My four are all grown and two of them live far enough away that we won’t see them. Yes, the hype is overwhelming, as is the purchasing, but these years pass much too quickly. One thing we did with our kids when they were younger in order to make “fewer” more fun, was hold a hunt. I’d hide the “wow” present - whether it was an individual or family present - then give them clues to hunt for it. They had to figure out the clues and follow them - usually about eight or ten - to different spots in the house where they’d find another clue and so on until they got to the present. It was always the best part of our day and the one thing they had the most fun with. And sometimes, they had more fun with the search than the present.
We also made a lot of our own stuff - special cookies or cakes, sewing, crafts.
Vicky B
by Vicky Burkholder December 12th, 2007 at 5:36 amMy children are grown, but I have two small(28 mos. and 11 months) grandsons to watch as they look at the Christmas tree in awe.
by Estella December 12th, 2007 at 5:43 amVicky - a hunt is a GREAT idea! It would certainly help to slow things down a little!
by Jenyfer Matthews December 12th, 2007 at 5:44 amEstella - Kids are so nice at that age. You could give them an empty box and they’re just as happy! My kids love to help decorate the tree.
by Jenyfer Matthews December 12th, 2007 at 5:45 amVicky: I agree that the ‘family’ moments are the best, regardless of the holiday. I have (and hope my kids do, too!) fond memories of assembly-lining rugelah, and the way they worked together to decorate the sugar cookies — two recipes I only made once a year. And even though one of my daughters didn’t like latkes, she was right in there enjoying all the prep work when the time came.
Those are the things I’d like them to remember, not how many presents they or their friends got. And that goes for ALL the holidays. Carving pumpkins, making Hamentaschen , the curried-fruit stuffing which they still insist on at their own homes no matter what their spouses want.
I think holidays should be about memories.
by Terry Odell December 12th, 2007 at 6:12 amWell, I’m certainly glad that I finished up this week because I just had a note home that Monday is their last day of school - backed up by two days!
We’ll be making cookies next week. Think I might even try out cookie dough ornaments this year.
by Jenyfer Matthews December 12th, 2007 at 6:21 amAs far as baking goes, I’d say we have close to 2000 home made cookies in our freezer right now and my DH wants to bake more this weekend.
by Tammy G. December 12th, 2007 at 7:42 amI’m going Christmas Crazy. I think it’s required isn’t it? Especially if you’re the mother of a six and seven year old.
by Jennifer McKenzie December 12th, 2007 at 7:46 amAnd WOW Tammy. That’s a LOT OF COOKIES.
OMG, Tammy!!!
Can I buy some cookies from you!!! WOW
by Jenyfer Matthews December 12th, 2007 at 7:54 amLiving in Egypt sounds fabulous and your Christmas traditions sound wonderful to me!
Many Blessings,
by Rhonda Barnes December 12th, 2007 at 9:25 amRhonda :)
We’ve been discussing presents and gift giving in our office lately. My boss is taking her two young boys to Mexico for Christmas and thinks that’s present enough for them.
I tend to agree, one of the best Christmases I can remember is one we spent in the Florida Key’s. We didn’t have a tree, or presents, but it stands out as one of the more unique and fun Christmases ever.
by RD Solange December 12th, 2007 at 10:11 amIt is very interesting to hear about Egypt. Hope the things you ordered arrive in time. :-)
We don’t do things that big either which is actually quite nice.
by Larena Wirum December 12th, 2007 at 10:50 amYou know, my kids like to travel but I’m sure that they’d still be looking for at least one present! :)
Larena - a few things have arrived, a few are still in transit. Fingers crossed!
by Jenyfer Matthews December 12th, 2007 at 11:38 amHey, what are you guys talking about? Santa is real. I saw him in the store the other day.
Jenyfer, I hope all your gifts arrive safely in time for Christmas. Believe me, after doing quite a bit of traveling I understand the challenges.
Terry - I have to agree that the whole Christmas thing is over-hyped. For me Christmas is all about family and spending time with the ones you love. Things haven’t seemed so bad this year but that could be because I’ve been hiding in my writing cave and ignoring everyone.
Tammy! Wow, that’s a lot of cookies. Down here in NZ we don’t do this cookie thing. Can someone explain to me why you all go crazy baking cookies at Christmas? I’ve wondered for a while now but haven’t asked.
by Shelley Munro December 12th, 2007 at 11:58 amDon’t know about everyone else, but we EAT our cookies :)
I also share them with others. I like to make up a plate with a selection of goodies and take them to my neighbors with a greeting card.
I’d like to know what Tammy is planning to do with 2000 of them though!
by Jenyfer Matthews December 12th, 2007 at 12:35 pmNow that my boys are grown, it is easier to keep Christmas simple, and focus on family visits and eating great meals and of course, yummy desserts.
by Cathy M December 12th, 2007 at 2:18 pmMy DH will take alot to work at different times for the employees as a treat. We will make up baskets for some of our neighbors and box some up and ship to our kids and grand kids. We plan on taking some on our Christmas trip too. They will have their own travel bag which will go on the plane with us.
by Tammy G. December 12th, 2007 at 2:45 pmIf we have any left over come News Years they will end up going to work with my DH. Right now I don’t have room in the freezer for anything else. I tease my DH about buying a freezer just for his cookies he makes. He’s been looking for one too.
by Tammy G. December 12th, 2007 at 2:47 pmI have a one year old and a 4 year old so we will be celebrating Santa for awhile. We have had to get more creative with the 4 year old with hiding the presents now because he is so observant. It is fun though because he is now more excited about everything from the light displays to baking cookies to give to family and friends to what Santa is going to bring him.
by Cherie J December 12th, 2007 at 3:30 pmWOW what an interesting place to live. I’ve always wanted to go to Egypt.
Great post, I don’t think you’re going over the top. I live in North America and I don’t go over the top with my kids.
I make other aspects of Christmas special for them.
Good luck with the customs!! :)
by Amy Ruttan December 12th, 2007 at 4:56 pmWow I would LOVE to visit Egypt one day :)
I do go over the top but both my kids birthdays are in December too.
Santa was ‘outed’ for my daughter in grade 5, by the TEACHER!!
Happy Holidays!
by Huguette English December 12th, 2007 at 7:57 pmHey Jenyfer! Wishing you the best of luck in getting your gifts there in time and in tact!!! Happy Holidays!
by Rhonda aka SandDanz December 12th, 2007 at 9:02 pmWOW! You live in Egypt! That’s so cool. I don’t have any kids, so I don’t have to worry about that now.
by Amelia December 12th, 2007 at 10:56 pmWow - look what happens when I go off to bed!
Cathy - my daughter actually picked our usual holiday menu as her birthday meal - in July!
Tammy G - you guys are very generous with your cookies. How long does it take to bake that many?? I think I spend a lot of time baking but I’ve got nothing on you!
Cheri J - I’m actually surprised by how UNobservant my own kids are. They must really believe in Santa still because it never has occurred to them to come snooping in my room yet!
Amy - there are up and down sides to living in Egypt but it’s certainly never boring! It’s a great place to visit.
Huguette - Your kids deserve a very special December. It must be so hard to have a birthday get overshadowed by a holiday. Mine is in January and that still happens to me sometimes!!
Rhonda - there are still twelve days left to get it all here on time. As we say in Egypt “inshah allah” they will arrive soon!
Thanks for stopping by everyone!
by Jenyfer Matthews December 12th, 2007 at 10:57 pmIt’s hard to say how long it really takes. My husband will sometimes bake a batch of cookies when he gets home from work if he’s in the mood. On the weekends he will bake 4 plus batches in one day. It just depends on what we are doing and with all this snow we aren’t used to he’s been baking more on the weekends. Staying home with the oven on it warms up the place not to mention the aroma.
by Tammy G. December 13th, 2007 at 7:55 amTammy G - would you be offended if I told you how sexy the idea of a cookie baking husband is???
You must have one heck of a big freezer!
One item I truly regret not packing to bring with me abroad is my “cookie gun” - to make what my Grandma always called spritz (basically a butter /shortbread type cookie) I could make dozens of those in one session. Much easier than cookie cutters.
by Jenyfer Matthews December 13th, 2007 at 9:08 amI haven’t had a spritz cookie in a very long time. My husband has different sizes of cookie scoops he uses. There has been people that thought they were store bought because they all have the same size and shape. If you would like any recipes for cookies let me know. Leave me your email address and I’ll send you some.
by Tammy G. December 13th, 2007 at 9:28 amJust click on my name!
by Jenyfer Matthews December 13th, 2007 at 10:28 amCongratulations to Larena Wirum who wins a download of Jenyfer’s One Crazy Summer.
email me at shelley munro @ gmail.com (no spaces) and let me know which format you’d like your prize in.
Congrats again!
by Shelley Munro December 13th, 2007 at 11:06 amThank you to both Jenyfer and Shelley.
Shelley I sent you an email. Larena
by Larena Wirum December 13th, 2007 at 2:25 pm