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Ho, Ho, Ho -- Merry Shopping! by Cheryl Gochnauer
Quick -- tell me what you bought your inlaws for Christmas last year. While
you're working on that, tell me what they gave you.
Can't remember? Let's see.... There's that sweater I like...wait, I picked
that up myself when I returned the battery-operated whisk broom Aunt Sally
sent.
Hmmm...it's usually a book or something. Nope, it doesn't jingle a bell. I
give up.
This Christmas, I'm determined to give gifts that will be remembered past
New Year's. On the limited budget of a stay-at-home mom, however,
discovering special presents becomes a bit challenging.
Just like clockwork, December 25 rolls around every single year. I just
checked my calendar -- yep, there it is. To avoid repeating this season's
mad rush, I hereby resolve to purchase one gift a month, starting with the
January white sales. That takes care of next Christmas. But what about
now?
It's time for Santa to kick the sleigh into full throttle. The analysis of
secret wishes of family and friends begins. Hopefully, clear insight will
alight soon. I'd hate to be caught with all those husbands, roaming the
ravaged popcorn tin aisle at the local supermarket on Christmas Eve.
Okay...what special hobbies of interests does each person have? I zero in
on these. Here's some wise words for the wise men reading this column.
Unless your wife is a gourmet cook, a set of steak knives is not an inspired
choice. She'll smile, of course, but secretly wish you had been more
romantic.
(I hope my husband isn't reading this. On second thought, I hope he is --
just in case he's planning on giving me a dazzling, matching cutting board
this year.)
We don't have to pay off last Christmas's charges through May, either. If
thought and affection go into its preparation, an inexpensive gift can be
treasured.
I enjoy exchanging ornaments with friends and family. On the back of each
decoration, we have noted the giver's name and the year. As I bend a branch
down to hang a special angel or bulb, memories sparkle. Handmade ornaments
are even more precious.
You might consider a written tribute. An old proverb says, "A word aptly
spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." What a perfect image
in the midst of the twinkly, glittering holiday season. Something as simple
as playing off their name can be effective: "R" is for..., "O" is for...,
"N" is for..., etc.
Men, take this opportunity to be mushy. We ladies love it. And girls,
don't forget that guys like being told they're wonderful, too!
With our busy lifestyles, coupons for free services are always winners. You
might design a decorative flyer that promises "a home-cooked meal", "a
freshly-mowed lawn", "an evening of baby-sitting," or any other perk your
targeted person may appreciate. Be creative!
Celebrate this Christmas by adding a personal touch to your gift-giving.
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