The Gifted

My gift list grows smaller. It's that stage in life. By the way, in case you didn't know aging goes by "stage", not chronological age being that the state of your body designates your "stage". You begin to lose your old pals and relatives. Or those on the list, move away and you seldom hear from them; you lose touch. No sense becoming all dewy eyed about it, that's the way it is. The world has changed not only in a physical sense, its personality has also. People are busy and more concerned about spending money than anything else. Christmas demands that there are gifts. Gifts are, of necessity, supposed to be stylish and practical at the same time. The gift card is becoming a standard present and while it seems kind of commercial, it makes sense. Gramma's knitted sweaters although treasured in the heart are never worn other than for a joke. They don't fit today's mini-space apartment and condo closets. Even Nana's attempts to accommodate the tastes of her gifteds by crocheting scarves, are a waste of time. The fashion conscious receivers like to coordinate their own scarf wardrobes. So what is one to do? Maybe knitting a set of shopping sacks would work since plastic bags are becoming something of the past. Unfortunately, plastic cards aren't. More and more people are giving food including sweets or home-baked items. What could be better than something home-made? Mass production still can't devise the kind of shortbread that mother did or Christmas cakes as pungent in their massed fruits and nuts, as  your grandmother baked. A very best gift is presence. Yours. Go see your loved ones. It takes time but the rewards are overwhelming and memorable. Some make jams or sauces to give. I recall a dear aunt who, at one point, due to health reasons, was on welfare. She used to find farm produce in the summer and bottle it. To get one of her loaves of bread and jars of peaches or apricots, pickles or relish, was a treasured gift that lasted a long, long time after the season. She got back later when the jars were returned. Some families make up wish lists and post them on the fridge or kitchen notice board. And these are usually modest and achievable - and best of all, used when the wrappings are off. The hardest wish lists to deal with, are the ones,  by small children whose wants go well beyond reality. Children do not deal in realities. But realities are points of gentle discussion and learning that love and giving, are the least costly and easiest done, to make the most perfect gift of all. Children can make gifts that show their love. To all, a happily Loving Holiday!