There won't be many surprises for me under the Christmas tree this year.

No, I haven't been snooping. And, yes, I've been a good girl this year.

But, my husband has discovered online shopping and, well, he's not very good at it.

I got a call from Visa a couple of weeks ago confirming some new charges that they flagged as suspicious (and I am apparently getting that magnetic memo board from www.boarddudes.com I wanted).

I signed for my iPod Nano on Monday.

I got a confirmation of order email from Amazon on Friday.

I got a shipping notice from The Container Store yesterday.

They're spoiling Christmas for me with all their emails, safeguards, updates and the tell-tale boxes with their logos plastered all over them that keep arriving at our house every day (And, yes, it's becoming apparent that dear hubby went way over budget on me this year).

Now, I wouldn't say that I LOVE surprises, but I'd prefer to wait for the good stuff. I didn't find out what my children were before they were born, I have NEVER jumped to the end of a book to find out who did it and I never want to hear about the end of a movie until I've seen it for myself.

So, after Christmas this year I'll need to have a sit my husband down for a little lesson in cybershopping.

A.) Have presents shipped to another address (like your mothers house)
B.) Create your own accounts at online stores.
C.) Do not use your wife's email address for confirmation emails.
D.) Don't use the family credit card when the wife is the one who handles the household bill-paying chores.

Ah...but the man tries. He's just out of his element on the 'net. He'll catch on quick enough.

And, soon discover that he can buy hunting supplies, tools, boots and other "guy stuff" online, too.

And, then I'll get my surprise ...
when I open the Visa bill.