Please allow me a moment of nostalgia.
It was 40 years ago, the first Christmas, my husband and I celebrated that holiday together. We were staying in a cabin in north Georgia, and there was an unexpected light snow on the ground.
We went for a winter walk and came back to the cabin to make lentil soup and play Scrabble. He gave me seven presents that Christmas Eve, claiming that each gift represented or “spoke” to some part of me that he loved.
There was a book on feminist history, a poem by Rainier Marie Rilke, framed as I recall, a new pair of Nike running shoes, a bag of Hershey’s kisses, a recently published article on raising a successful stepfamily, clothing cream interior…or was it red…well, you get the idea. It was one of the most beautiful gift moments I have ever experienced.
And now, as our daughter is turning a somewhat reluctant 50, I want to gift her in an equally thoughtful way. I’ve been mulling over this idea for months and accumulating little gifts that I keep in a big, attractive wicker basket that I’m sure she’ll place in her office.
She’s a busy mom and healthcare professional with a lot of responsibilities, so I’ve been looking for gifts that will make her feel relaxed and rejuvenated. I don’t intend to spend a lot of money on it.
As I remember my husband saying before he died. “You admit this gift idea of yours can get a little out of hand.” I think I replied, “Yes, dear, I have.”
Has. I’m slowing it down though.
The best gifts I’ve found so far will go inside a silk bag I discovered at Goodwill in which I’ve placed a large packet of lavender Epsom salt, seven small rubber ducks, and a set of napkins purple color that is hardly used. I also bought them at a nearby Goodwill store. And yes, I washed the towels.
This very next month, our granddaughter, Sarah, has a birthday. She is 18 years old.
I don’t intend to give her that many gifts, but I’ve compiled a list of 18 things her grandfather and I have come to know and love about her over the years. Compiling this list was, for me, its own gift.
There will also be a cash prize, of course. And a colorful, handmade, embroidered cotton cap that I bought last Sunday at the farmer’s market. I know she’ll like it because she was there with me earlier and she picked it up and held it to her cheek.
I’m excited to give people gifts. I have a generous heart, and when people tell me that, it’s also a gift.
Despite my penchant for finding items that bring pleasure to the recipient, I’ve come to the conclusion over the years that the best gifts are the gifts of time and talent. The gift of attention and a listening ear, a thoughtful word of affirmation, an honest reaction to a difficult question, a condolence card or thoughtful email. Over the past few months my readers have been giving it to me.
Thanks.
Sharon Johnson is a retired educator. Contact her at sharjohn99@gmail.com
