Setting It Up

When Drew and I were at the RIT Barnes and Noble, he found an art tube that he really liked. "Can you get this for me for Christmas?" I look at him with skepticism. I will not likely be back here before Christmas, nor will I have time to shop when you are not with me. If I get it now with you here watching, what kind of surprise will that be? My mind races for a solution.

"This is the only one up there." OK. That settles it. I purchase the tube and Drew carries it to the car himself, delighted with the unique skinny bag they wrapped it in. I leave it in the trunk of the car. One night when Drew was out, I snuck the tube into the house and hid it in plain sight in my cedar chest which serves as my coffee table. I am pretty sure he will not look there, but I bury it beneath several blankets just in case.

I decide to send him on a wild goose chase, so I write 3x5 cards with clues on them and tuck the initial clue in an envelope and place it in the branches of the Christmas tree. Drew discovers the envelope marked To Drew From Santa and tries to figure out what's in it. Too small for a gift card. Who is it from? "Not me," I say since Drew basically bought the present for himself. He is stymied.

For days he agonizes about the envelope, curiosity almost getting the better of him. I do not relent. It's good for him to learn patience, though the suffering part is a bit hard not to laugh about. I have tucked the rest of the clues in my underware drawer. I am certain he will not look in there! On Christmas Day, I will have plenty of time to place the clues in their proper place. Drew is unlikely to be up early even if we do plan to go to church!

This is fun! I can't wait to see Drew's reaction.