The Christmas that Almost Wasn't

It's now a few days after Christmas and things are beginning to slow down. We had a wonderful Christmas with both Mike's and my families. Big fun for all... But this year almost was the Christmas morning that never was. Grab a glass of wine and get ready for quite a story.

For years, S has wanted a drum set. He really is my musical child, able to play guitar (and some basic piano) by ear. When he was three, he would take all the pillows in the living room and make his own drum set. At age six, we took him to see The Eagles as he was obsessed with Don Henley. And it's continued throughout the years. These days he stays late at Youth Group so he can play the drums after the youth band is finished.

And every Christmas he has asked for a drum set. And every year I have said, "Maybe next year." This year I relented as he researched electric drum sets on the internet. And he finally found something. This is what we Santa ordered from Amazon.

Or at least that's what Santa thought he ordered. As soon as it arrived a few weeks before Christmas, my in-laws picked it up (still in the box) to assemble at their house and drop by our house on Christmas Eve while we were at my family's church and dinner. (We have to leave our house at 2:30 in the afternoon. Keep this in mind as you continue reading.)

On Christmas Eve morning, I got a call from my mother-in-law letting me know that the drum set was ready to go. However, it didn't look like there were any drums. It was just the rack!!! Was that what S was getting for Christmas? (Oh, and did I mention it was around 10:30 am CHRISTMAS EVE?) I literally thought I was going to get sick. OMW! How could that be it? Because this drum set was really all S was getting for Christmas this year.

I immediately called the company who used Amazon as a way to sell their wares. They were adamant that the product description on their website said it was the drum rack only. After being on the phone for almost an hour (now it's around 12:00 on Christmas Eve), they finally relented that Amazon's description was vague and misleading. I could return it (they would pay for return shipping).

In the midst of this, I am also on my cell phone on the other ear talking with my mother-in-law and numerous music stores in our town. Does anyone sell drum sets on Christmas Eve (at 12:30 in the afternoon)? Oh thank goodness there is one and they have one left in the store!

After this, I am completely stressed and not even out of my pajamas. (Keep in mind the 2:30 departure time...) I talk to S to explain the situation (not the possible solution as I really don't know what the solution is at this point). Maybe this was not the best thing to do, but please remember my state of mind at this point. He tears up and tells me that his Christmas is "going to s**k". Normally, I would have really gotten on him for that, but I must say that at that point, I agreed! I told him that I promised Santa would work it out and that everything would be better. But I also needed him to promise that he wouldn't let this ruin Christmas Eve for the family.

I then call Amazon (at around 12:45 or so) to give them an earful. I get some woman from India and "politely" let her know how Amazon has more than likely ruined Christmas Day for an eleven-year-old boy. I now have to find a replacement drum set! Dingbat tries to offer me a $15.00 credit for my troubles. I should have tried harder, but I stopped my tirade for $30.00. (Remember my time crunch!)

Shower, hair, etc. for me follows, and at 1:30 I race over to my in-laws to give them my credit card so they can pick up the drums and deliver them later. I now have a headache.

We did make it to Mama's and church.
Thank goodness the rest of the day/evening was wonderful. 

I had a glass or two of red wine with my sister.

I loved being with my family.

Santa called and eased S's fears.

...And as for Christmas morning?
I think S was right when he said it was the best Christmas ever!