Today I became so perplexed. Downright stressed. It is Christmas gift time again. Oh my!!! What to gift to people I want to gift to. What to gift people I know need a gift. What to gift to someone I don't want to gift. It used to be pretty easy---Buy, wrap, and give. It is harder now. The world is an expensive place and my bank account is tiny in compared to other times. My ideas are old fashioned. I am out of touch. There are some people (my sister and my daughter, for example) who ALWAYS does it right. Well then there are some nieces and nephews.... well some friends too. But I seem to fall into traps....
- Trap One: Earlier in the fall you see something you want to give someone. Ahhhh you say to yourself, I will buy it for a Christmas present That seems to be a reasonable thought. But, the item is too large to hide, so I just buy it and tell my folks, this is your Christmas gift. Time goes by, then I realize that there wont be anything under the tree on Christmas morning. Will they remember that I already gave them a gift? I won't be able to see the happy in their eyes. You guessed it, I go gift shopping. No early buying.
- Trap Two: I am getting older. What do I know about gifts. The things that are beautiful to me, just are a pain in the neck for another generation. I love the sparkle of sterling silver bowls, flatware or picture frames. The glow is soft and beautiful. The beautiful lights in crystal. The items take much too much time and energy to care for. No Silver, no crystal, no china.
- Trap Three: Clothing is another trap. Someone needs some dress up clothes, someone needs some clothes to warm their body, and someone else needs accessories. Sure. I do not believe that I have ever bought a single piece of clothing that I have seen someone wear after they told me how wonderful they thought it was. No clothing.
- Trap Four: The warmth of the holidays are marked by the smells and tastes of food. My very favorite thing for Christmas is a Fruit Cake. Yes the brunt of all the jokes. My Aunt Frances
always sent me one from a company in Texas. I loved them so much. I started sending them to some of my folks. I was cured of that when I listened to a bunch of jokes when they didn't know I was listening. No food. - Trap Five: The other day as I was checking out at the grocery store, I saw a beautiful exhibit of all kinds of cards. From every store, restaurant, mail order place. But... I have to decide which card to give who. I have to decide how much money is too much, and how much is too little. Then I have to deal with the fact that I cannot stand the money that is made on these cards that is just a ploy . If you buy a card for a given amount.... the person will either not spend that amount, or will need to put more money with the card to buy the item. The card company always wins. The person may loose the card. Which one of my friends will like the place I choose, and which one will not. How can I wrap a card so it looks pretty? It is out of vogue to give old fashioned cash in a bank envelope. Times change. No cards. Trap Six: Oh wow, electronics. I have folks that would love a camera, a computer, a gaming system, some software.... but no! Too expensive and too personal No Electronics.
- Trap Seven: Wish lists are the biggest trap of all. Do not try to organize that, I have tried. Please I have cried, make me a list. Over all these years, each year I have asked. Still no list. I promised I wouldn't go there again.. No Lists.
- Trap Eight: Getting gifts to the person can be such a problem. This year I decided on the best gift of all. Cleveland makes a great beer...Great Lakes. The brewery doesn't ship, it is against the law to mail it or transport it.... No Alcohol.
Trap Nine: The worst mistake of all is giving something I made. Although some people pay good money for things I make, but how can I possibly know the taste, the new decor, the proper colors, and content of those handmade items. I have to admit, I threw away some homemade beaded Angels this year. I think I may be punished in some strange way. I don't want anyone to have this guilt when they throw away my painting. No Paintings.
- Trap Ten: This is the worst trap of all. Re gifting. I have never done it and don't intend to ever do it. Except for the time I gave a year old fruit cake...hehehe no one ever caught on.
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| Aunt Frances Angels |
You know If I could I would give the world to all my relatives and friends. But, it isn't really the thought is it?
I read a wonderful thing that was on Farmers; Almanac, it is called
8 Wonderful Gifts That Don’t Cost A Cents. In a world like ours, do you suppose these gifts could count?
THE GIFT OF LISTENING
THE GIFT OF LISTENING
But you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no
planning your responses, no second-guessing. Just listen.
THE GIFT OF AFFECTION
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, and pats on the back.
Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have
for your family and dose friends.
THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER
Clip and share cartoons and funny stories. Your gift will say,
“I love to laugh with you.”
THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE
It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or
a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered
for a lifetime, and may even change a life.
THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT
A simple and sincere, “You look great in red,” “You did a super job,”
or “That was wonderful,” can make someone’s day.
THE GIFT OF A FAVOR
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE
There are times when you want nothing more than to be left alone.
Be sensitive to that same need in others and give the gift of
solitude when it seems needed.
THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION
The easiest way to feel good is to offer a kind word to someone.
Really, just a cheery “Hello,” or “How are you?”
can go a long way.
by Sandi Duncan
Monday, November 30th, 2009
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