Just for fun, I’m reprising this column I wrote a couple of years ago. (I’m afraid the sentiments still ring true!)

The bows are all gone, the wrapping paper's in the trash

It's time to start planning a New Year's Eve bash.

I returned the ill-fitting sweater and foot-pinching boot

Who would’ve believed I'd amass so much loot?

The presents I gave were absolutely the best

And I welcomed and pampered each holiday guest.

Soon, I'll take down the tree that took hours to trim,

Pack up the ornaments and lights, then begin     

To worry how I'll pay for all of those things

When bill after bill, the mail carrier brings.

Visa, Mastercard and Discover, you cause me to frown

Why do I owe so much? Everything was marked down.

Buy one, get one free … it was all on sale

I redeemed every coupon that came in the mail.

The bargains this year were hard to ignore

Cashmere – at that price? You can't ask for more.

But when New Year's Eve comes, I'll resolve to do better

I'll spend less, eat less, follow my diet to the letter.

I'll head to the gym, work off the extra weight

From all the fudge, candy canes and Christmas cookies I ate.

Yes, I'll resolve to be frugal and keep the carrot sticks near …

And I'll make the same resolution on New Year's Eve, next year.

Happy New Year, Lemont!