How many shopping days are left until Christmas...because I haven't really bought anything. But that's actually ok because I generally don't buy many (or any) gifts this time of year. Call me a Scrooge if you will, but I'd rather buy a thoughtful gift for someone on a Thursday in July and surprise them with it than give them a meaningless gift on December 25.
The one exception to my Scrooge-like rule is for a group of my lady friends. We're a bunch of ladies who lunch every so often and when time allows, we're able to make it to brunch, too. We make a point of having a nice little holiday get together every year, and to be honest, it's probably my favorite part of the holidays. This year I went the homemade route and gave out cookies and candy (and a couple ornaments I'd picked up at The Urban Orchid) and my treats were a big hit. It felt nice to be able to give away something I'd actually made myself.
Our venue for our brunch/gift exchange was Bonbon Pastry & Cafe in Ohio City. As an avid Yelper, I'd seen that Bonbon had gotten some great reviews and some truly awful ones, but I like to be my own judge. I'd say my experience was something in between.
