by Neena Strichart
Publisher
With time and money running short for holiday gift shopping, lots of folks are frantically looking for not the perfect gift, but any gift! I ask that you stop and think a moment before buying just any old thing to wrap and stick under the Christmas tree.
Last year my mother made it quite clear that she didn’t want any more “stuff.” No bath beads for her— she doesn’t own a tub— and please no perfume, she has all the Shalimar she’ll ever need. No note card or stationery— she has drawers of letter writing material— no magazines, shawls, slippers or candy. Don’t send figurines, DVDs, CDs or Christmas decorations either.
With so many limitations imposed, we had to get creative. In the end we made her a promise of car washes and gas fill-ups so she wouldn’t have to do it herself. She loved our gift! Of course, my hubby Steve was the one who actually made the gift happen. He was the one who made arrangements with mom to pick up the car and take it for a gassing and washing as needed. Unfortunately for Mom, as the months wore on we slacked off. This year we have better plans— but I can’t share them with our readers yet. We still need to keep it a secret from dear Mother.
For those of you who are wondering what to give an older loved one, consider the gift of service. Whether you perform the service yourself or purchase a gift card/certificate for a massage, hair salon visit, pedicure, or pet grooming or housekeeping appointment, you are sure to bring a smile to the recipient. I know that my mom also appreciates gift cards to her favorite stores, which for her means Macy’s, Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.
None of my suggestions strike your fancy so far? How about the gift of postage stamps, a grocery gift certificate, or better yet, buy a brick at Signal Hill’s Hilltop Park with your loved one’s name emblazoned on it for all to see! Call (562) 989-7330 for details.
When all is said and done, all that matters is that we give the gift of love. And for me, I ask that we all remember the reason for the season— the faith we all share, no matter what religion. Happy Holidays to all our loyal readers and advertisers. We love you all.
