LOST IN THE LAND OF THIS YEAR’S GIFT GIVING

During this giving season I’ve always tried to be creative, thoughtful meaningful and innovative—a tall order, sometimes met with wonderful success and sometimes resulting in blooper years best forgotten. This year, my family, friends and business acquaintances are so spread out and the time between Thanksgiving and Hanukah and Christmas so short, I did something new. Many of my gifts were edibles sent between official holiday dates so that those busy shopping could eat well and not have to cook. Granted it’s not the same as excitedly opening a gift under a tree--I did manage tangibles for the grandchildren--but the results seem appreciated.

I let my internet fingers do most of the shopping and though I lost the immediacy of carols sung, Santa’s bells and Christmas lights, I was happier to conserve energy, avoid noise and not fight traffic than disappointed. At this age, there’s some sense of “been there done that” and missing the hustle and bustle seemed an easy price to pay for convenience.

However, I do remember grander times-trips away, family gatherings, volunteering at a shelter, traditions kept and lost and new ones gained. I have many memories of a varied holiday history.

As for gifts, this year some of my personal favorites were:

All things ecological: I have become a tree hugger buyer and read labels, buy bamboo sheets and except for travel where wash and wear means giving in to some synthetic, I prefer earth sustainable goods. Sun protective clothing for my fair skinned daughter in law protects her as well as the earth. Household rugs and mats made out of used tires. (Truly, they are lovely.) Books on recyclable paper pull me. One book, not ecology sound but soundly for the spirit, given to me early and that I loved became a gift to others as well. This I Believe The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women, edited by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman in association with NPR.

Music: Some of this year’s favorites include Jazz: Lady Day: The Complete Billie Holiday on Columbia a 1933-1944. This is pitch perfect wonderful listening for a newcomer or long term Billie fan. For those of us old enough to remember, The Complete Motown Singles volume 5. Wonderful memories and makes you want to dance. And for Opera I’m still partial to Maria Callas' version of Aida. (Complete opera live 1951)

Sports enthusiasts: One of my buddies has discovered fly fishing, what a total joy to help him along... A simple lure and a pair of gloves were received with delight.

Two grandsons got what they wanted-forget that I thought the price ridiculous for the item and the whole deal gimmicky. I learned that if you go to the football store, one can purchase a special team appropriate football that will be signed by the players at their games. I’m not sure I yet understand what this means or how it works, but my daughter as assured me that contrary to last year where Ipods and video games were the boys dream of the moment, this is the “cat’s meow.”

Talking about animals, one daughter lucked out. She’s leaning what it means to make ends meet. So her dog got a special gift goodies bag that will help my daughter’s budget and she got what she needed most, money and an offer of a round trip ticket for a visit home.

Long distance grandchildren always get bonds and gift card to their favorite stores. They save the cards until after Christmas sales and in the New Year buy what they want and get twice as much as if I carefully purchased an item in advance. Besides, at their ages, tastes change so rapidly my chances of getting it “right” aren’t very good. This “more for your money arrangement” seems to makes them very happy.

A spa day went to one who needs it.

And for my husband, well it’s a surprise, but one gift he gets, we get, is/are four quiet days playing. I’m not writing, not on the computer, we walk the beach, talk hang out, make love (yes we still do it) plus a few days in New Orleans-- because we loved that city, we haven’t been there since Katrina’s impact, it’s a bargain, but even more, it’s an opportunity to give and continue to tell that site of soul that there are those of us it can still count on.

This year has required a bit of creative thinking for my far flung Diaspora. But, that’s this year. Notice has already been given. We’ve experienced too many near deaths and real losses. Next year it’s family togetherness-whether they think they want it or not.

Happy Holidays to all.