Believe it or not, like it or not, Christmas is less than a month away. Thanks to a mother who never failed to celebrate no matter how difficult the circumstances, I love everything about the season. Well, almost everything.
Choosing gifts for family and friends challenges me so much that I decided to do some research. From a number of websites I gleaned these excellent tips and I share them with you (just in case I'm not alone in this dilemma).
First thing on the list: be well acquainted with your friend's interests and, I would add, their needs. I never thought I'd ever ask Hubby for a walking cane but recently I did just that.
And then there is the matter of budget; having one is a no-brainer, sticking to it is another matter. P.S. January is much more pleasant when you do.
Next: take someone with you when you shop. Not sure if the writer had choosing a gift or sticking to a budget in mind but advice in either category is valuable.
Once the gift is purchased the next step involves wrapping it. While retrieving newspaper from the recycle bin is far less expensive, it does help to be a bit more creative. Having said that it is highly possible to be both artistic and cheap at the same time - just be sure both elements are included.
After you've written a note or card and if it's at all possible, present the gift in person. While the virtual world trumps postage and transportation costs, at this special time of the year nothing beats a gift accompanied by a hug.
Next week read more about the supreme gift and giver.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith' and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8 KJV
