The stress of shopping for that perfect gift can be overwhelming. As I mentioned in last week’s article, it’s all about identifying something that he or she wants or needs. Sounds simple, doesn’t it.
Since I’ve never been able to find a simple formula for meeting that criteria, I turned to the wisdom of others for help. Here are some of the suggestions I discovered. First ascertain the personality type of the intended recipient and go from there, create a Christmas Gift Registry List or, determine what it is you want to say and communicate that to the recipient.
The gift registry sounds like a winner. Open the book or website, choose between the listed options and voila all you need to do is head down to the nearest mall...except I’m a year late in setting up a 2014 Christmas version of any kind of list. Scratch that one.
Forward march to matching personality types with presents. I click on the appropriate buttons for gender, age, morning routine and favourite chair. Within several blinks of the eye, suggestions pop up on the screen. Unfortunately the idea that seemed closest to reality for Hubby’s qualifications is dill pickle flavoured popcorn. That’s definitely not the message I want to convey although he really likes dill pickles.
While finding something material to represent our love and appreciation is difficult enough, what message do I (or we) want to convey to those less easy to love? To those for whom gifts are more customary than heartfelt?
This year I am determined to spend less but give more of what really counts: time, abilities and at times, grace and forgiveness. Things that God thought of first.
“May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours.” 1 Corinthians 1:3 (The Message)
