It’s that
time of year, isn’t it? The time of year where we think about gift-giving. So,
we thought it would be a great time to chat with you all about gifts.
Storytelling
could be considered a gift that writers give to readers. Our local writers’
group has an event every December to celebrate members achievements for the
year, whether it’s been completing a book for the very first time (First
Manuscript Slain), or making a bestseller list (Summit Award), or helping each
other (Tender Heart).
Because the
event is in December, we also exchange gifts. But to give things a different
twist, we decided several years ago to do a “white elephant” gift exchange. No
purchases are allowed. Instead, you must rummage through your house to find
something to give as a gift. Maybe it’s a chance to re-gift a present from a
previous holiday or even a chance to share an item you no longer need. We've received some wonderful “white elephants” such as cookbooks, candles, fuzzy
socks, and a talking fish. Needless to say, we have a lot of fun!
“Yesterday’s
the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called
the present.” – Bill Keane
Most families
and friends don’t give “white elephant” gifts, but instead shop for a present.
And we all have our own shopping style, don’t we?. Some of us begin shopping
very early, others are last minute shoppers. We may spend hours picking out
just the right thing, or we may choose the simplicity of gift cards. Some
talented folks make gifts for their friends and family.
Some of our favorite
gifts are not necessarily the biggest or most expensive ones; they’re the gifts
of the heart. A notebook of thoughts during time away from a husband, a box
full of scraps of paper noting family memories from a son, an intricate origami
from a grandchild, a picture made up of words that connect us from a friend.
We’d like to
hear what you think. What is it that makes a gift special? What’s the best gift you've ever received?
As our gift
to you, we’ll be drawing a name from among everyone who leaves a comment today (don’t
forget to leave your email address) and we will gift you with two Sparkle Abbey books. One for you, and one for you to give to a friend!
I actually have (2) very special gifts. The first is a small bell. It is a caroling lady (dressed in green and white fur). The last Christmas gift my father gave me, before he passed. The second is a unique red Christmas candle, that plays a variety of Christmas carols, when lit. The last gift from my mother, before she passed. I treasure these gifts, and each year they are displayed with true love in our home. nanatidy@mchsi.com
ReplyDeleteThose are great gifts, Twila. What a joy to have those reminders of your parents.
DeleteI already have my Christmas gifts. We bought a new TV--no, not one of those monster size ones--just a replacement for the one in the living room that went bonkers. (We still have much older ones that run fine--but hubby wanted a new one to sleep with--yes, he sleeps in front of the TV.) And my faithful stove I had for 32 years kicked the bucket too, so got a new one right before Thanksgiving. Good enough Christmas for me.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn - That stove was faithful - 32 years - wow!
DeleteThe best present I got was a photograph of my favourite author at her typewriter. It cost my husband a few euro's but has meant a huge amount to me and was so thoughtful because of the amount of effort he put into getting it that I burst our crying. He got it for my birthday/ Christmas (same day) and it was the best present ever.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great guy! That's a wonderful gift and even more wonderful that he spent the time and effort to make it happen.
DeleteHi, you two, Hi, Stiletto Gang! Gosh, what a tough, tough question. I think the nicest gifts are those that you know are from the heart and that the giver put a lot of thought into... doesn't have to cost a whole lot, but the meaning, ya know? That being said my daughter surprising me the day before my foot surgery was about the most special gift I've ever received
ReplyDeleteThanks for the discussion everyone! We've drawn a name and Twila you are the winner of two Sparkle Abbey books! We'll email you to coordinate details. We wish you all a merry & bright holiday season! We'll be back on the blog on the first Thursday in January.
ReplyDelete