As an event planner and a tiny bit of a control freak, I like to be prepared for everything. I've always been that way, even when it comes to Christmas shopping. But sometimes, life has a way of throwing you a curveball.

I remember many years ago that my father was always the last-minute shopper. My mom shopped for all of the Christmas gifts for me and my siblings, as well as other relatives—which she loved to do—and then she would sign those cards from both her and Dad or from Santa. So, the only gift my father would then shop for would be one for my mother. And he always went shopping the same time each year: Christmas Eve.

I would shake my head and chuckle as he went out the door each year— but it wasn't so funny later in life when he got older and instead of going himself would hand me the money and tell me to find something nice for Mom! And I couldn't believe each year when I didn't see it coming. I would pack my car and head to New Jersey to be with the family with all of my gifts perfectly wrapped that I started purchasing the previous summer, and with everything I needed for the trip perfectly planned, just to be hit with Dad giving me money to go shopping on Christmas Eve! I think that taught me to 'lighten up' when it came to Christmas shopping!