Holiday Gift Giving Simplified
HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING SIMPLIFIED
Every year I spend all my time, energy and money shopping for
the 'perfect' gift for everyone on my list. Each day after work
I race to my car, change into some comfortable shopping shoes,
and then fight my way to the Mall where there are a million
other people joining the same race. I walk through store after
store feeling completely overwhelmed by all of the merchandise
on the shelves and my mind goes blank - what am I here to buy?
So, I fumble through my purse and pull out my 'list' so I can
focus on my task at hand.
First on my list is Mom - she has everything already, what could
I possibly buy her that would be 'perfect' for her and that she
would remember for years to come? Well, since I live on a very
small budget I guess a cruise or some fine jewelry is out of the
question so I will think on that one a little more and move on
to the next person on my list - my sisters. I could buy them
some perfume or maybe this nice sweater that is all the rage
this year, but it just doesn't seem very special. I bet if you
ask them in just a few short months if they remember what you
gave them for the holidays they would have to really think hard
about that one. So I keep looking, store after store, trying to
find the 'perfect' gift that says how much they mean to me only
to finally give up after hours of walking around and the only
thing I actually got was a headache from not eating dinner yet.
So I go home empty handed, again!
I lay in bed that night thinking why does gift-giving have to be
so hard? After all, the holidays are not suppose to be about
suffering, it's suppose to be about fun times with family and
friends. I remembered one of my favorite quotes from H.L.
Mencken "Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence".
So let's have some FUN!
I later came across some ideas on how to make Survival Kits,
which I thought would be 'perfect' for the holidays, so here are
a few that could work for you. First, all of the items used for
these kits are very easy to find just about anywhere. Add your
items to any container you like and use your imagination!
Christmas Survival Kit Chocolate kisses - to remind you that
you are loved Starbursts - to give you a burst of energy on days
you don't have any Snickers - to remind you to take time to
laugh Candle - to remind you to shine brightly Peppermints - to
settle the tummy from overindulging Note Pad - to track all of
the must do's Lifesavers - to keep you from drowning in all you
have to do Tape - to use to wrap the gifts because you forgot to
buy any Bubble bath - to soothe the weary body Tea - To sit
back, relax and count your blessings.
Sister Survival Kit Tootsie Roll - For all the times we've let
the good times "roll" . Payday - So we will always have money to
go - SHOPPING! Gobstopper - For the "gobs" of trouble we have
gotten into over the years . Gum - To remind you that a family
that "sticks" together stays together . Mars - Through the rough
times, just remember Men are from Mars...women are from Venus .
Sweet Tarts - We are individuals and should celebrate our
differences . Popcorn - Even if we haven't talked yet today -
you have already "popped" into my thoughts . Jolly Rancher - For
the times I can't be there with you to make you smile .
Starburst - For the times you feel like you will "burst" if you
don't share your secret with me . Puzzle Piece - Don't ever
forget you are an important piece of my life . Coversation
Hearts - For all of our "heartfelt" conversations . Tissues -
For all the joyful tears we've shared . Peppermint Patty - In
case I can't be there to give you a 'pat' on the back this will
have to do! Two Quarters - In case you need to call on me for
advice . Nail File - For all the times you smoothed things over
for me - so I wouldn't get into trouble! Tea Bags - To get you
back for all those times you "teased" me! You can always visit
my gift basket store at www.berwickbaskets.com for more ideas!