A
long-standing tradition in North America is the purchase and gifting of
Christmas gifts. Friends and family
members are listed, shopping lists prepared, gifts purchased, wrapped and
mailed (or delivered.)
Certainly
gifts given or received bring joy and remembrance to all concerned. But this is
not always an easy task. My wife and I always encounter questions as to what to
get for who. Sending ties or shirts that most likely will never move out of closets
is a definite no-no. Others, such as parents, claim that they don’t want
anything. And these days, inflation and COVID lockdowns have pinched everyone’s
budgets.
Fortunately,
there are alternatives to gifting store-bought presents. Here are a few ideas:
1.
Home-baked cookies. Besides being economical,
the personal touch is always appreciated. I remember an erstwhile neighbor popping
by with an apple pie during the holidays. My family loved it!
2.
Charity Gift Cards: A unique kind of gift,
the Charity Gift Card allows the gift-giver to purchase a certain amount of
money on a Charity Gift Card. This card is given to a recipient, who can choose
a charity to which the amount can be donated.
3.
Organize your family to a volunteer
program: Many Charities—homeless shelters, soup kitchens, church or temple
programs, food pantries—find themselves overwhelmed during the holidays. The
need for volunteers is at the greatest during this time. Spending a day helping
out at one of these places would be most welcome. Please call before-hand.
4.
Family photos: For family and close
friends, receiving photos is always appreciated. A favorite, especially if you
have little ones, they will be placed in albums and cherished for years to
come.
5.
Gifting books. Finally, my favorite. Books
used to be a common gift item, but sadly, this tradition is disappearing. As a
writer, I fight back against this trend. I have given copies of my books,
autographed, to both family and friends. They assure me that they have read
them, but even if they don’t, I know that they value receiving something
printed with my name on it!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
Mohan Ashtakala (www.mohanauthor.com) is the author of "The Yoga Zapper," a fantasy, and "Karma Nation," a literary romance. He is published by Books We Love (www.bookswelove.com.)
