I walked to Meijer to pick up a few groceries this morning – the last time for this year I think. The store was packed with lots of people taking advantage of the “Santa Bucks” sale. The crowd was scurrying to and fro, and, in general, looking harried and hurried at such an early hour of the morning. I saw shopping carts overflowing with everything from baking essentials to bows and festive bags. Those people have high hopes for the weekend and will get it done no matter what … or go crazy trying.

I read a story the other day about how you can hire an elf contingent to help you through the holidays. Better than a personal assistant, these “elf helpers” will get any task done on your Christmas to-do list, from addressing cards to decorating the house, baking up a storm (all your favorites, of course) and even wrapping the presents. They’ll research gifts for you and order them online or go shopping to buy them as well. The possibilities are endless – you just hand these elves your to-do list.

When New Year’s Day rolls around, that band of merry little elves will come and disrobe the tree and put all the baubles and bulbs, tinsel and trimmings, and any traces of Christmastime 2014 away ‘til next Christmas.

Yup, the elf contingent aims to please for between $30.00 to $45.00 per hour to holiday-ize your home, so you can breeze through the holiday season with nary a care and look like you slaved over the usual Christmas rituals. I wonder if anyone would know you didn’t bake, then decorate with piped icing, all those dozens of perfect gingerbread boys? Or that you were not the one who trimmed the tree so exquisitely?

But … would you really feel right standing around the water cooler at work whining about how much Christmas stuff you did and still have to do? However could you commiserate with others on Facebook without fessing up?

I guess it is easier to just keep it simple and do it yourself.