Date: 7 Dec 2009 Comments: 0

Every year as the vacation time follows around I am faced with the same dilemma of a Christmas present idea for my marriage partner. As he was growing up Christmas was a stressful time due to the quantity of alcohol his father consumed and the fights that this caused between his mom and dad. As I was growing up Christmas was a festive event filled with family gatherings, tremendous food and present giving. I preferred to help produce greater holiday memories for my husband by starting traditions of our own. One thing I try is to come up with a unique Christmas present idea every year.

I feel that presents should be an item that the person desires but does not necessarily demand. I do not believe that the vacation period is a time when you have to be practical with what you present to some other person. This idea went for me with my mother. When I grew up we did not have a lot of money. My mommy was forever on a difficult budget to meet the standard requirements for our family, but Christmas period was perpetually made special by the gifts that she would present us. She was not excessive in the Christmas present idea that she gave each of us with, but the gifts were forever a luxury item rather than a practical item. When I was young this meant extra doll clothes, a piece of jewelry or a nice figure to complete my collection of antique Goebel Madonna figurines. My husband often got socks and underclothes or other basic clothing needs.

It is difficult to come up with a Christmas present idea for a man. My husband does not use perfume or jewellery. He does enjoy outdoor adventures, but he purchases himself what he requires and his birthday is in the fall of the year so I usually get him anything for his outdoor hobbies at that time. Some years ago we began the custom of placing anything in each other’s Christmas stocking all around the month of December. I found this to be a tremendous idea of fun because I would buy unique chocolates and other gourmet snack treats along with unique packets of coffee or tea for him. There have been years his brothers and friends have gave me a good Christmas present idea, but this year I have yet to think of something.

During one of my shopping trips I have found an item that will be unique and great. I’ve purchased nice woodstock wind chimes that made a great gift. He gave me lot of beautiful pieces of jewelry packed into a musical jewelry box and other special gifts through the years, so I want to stay to surprise him. Many of the things that are promoted during the season as special gifts are not affordable. We have set spending limits each year so that we do not end up paying off for Christmas gifts into the summer months. The price is not what makes these gifts really special, but rather the ideas and spirit of love in which they are given.