View from the window of my old farmhouse years ago. We had a Belgian draft horse that pulled the “one-horse-open sleigh.”
Down-Sizing Christmas
In recent years, I’ve laid down a few rules for giving and receiving. It has to do with the size of a gift. I measure gift sizes by using Steve Allen’s old quiz show question on “What’s My Line”—“Is it bigger than a bread box?”
In my limited-space condo, I don’t want to find room for anything larger. . . hmm, unless it’s a new stove or refrigerator.
A Christmas wrap several years ago during normal times.
Gifts for the “Bubble People” in Your Life
When it comes to gifts these days, I’ve found consumables and edibles to be ideal. During our upcoming Covid Christmas such items can be easily purchased on line and delivered directly to the recipient, if need be.
Santa and I having a heart-to-heart back in the good ol’ days.
It’s going to be a long winter, so you might consider the following as givables or receivables:
- Fruit of the month (such as Harry & David)
- Gourmet wines, cheeses, teas, coffees, ham. (Honey-baked Ham)
- Collection of fine oils, vinegars, or spices for the cooks on your list (Olive Ovation)
- Homemade anything.
- Kitchenware, knives or Boos chop block. Mason Cash bowls.
- Books, games, puzzles (From independent book store such as Left Bank)
- Magazine subscription or subscription to an online learning site, such as the Great Courses Plus.
- Membership at the botanical gardens, art, or history museum.
- Masks with a design of the recipient’s favorite sports team or hobby. (Insider.com)
- New phone or iPad.
- Sheets, towels, linens. (Boll and Branch)
- To-your-door food service. Stunning weight-loss meals at BistroMD.
- Exercise equipment (weights, cycle, tread mill)
- Sweats, robe, slippers for the well-dressed stay-at-homer
- A personalized writing pen (Levengers)
- Soft bamboo pajamas from Cozy Earth (Oprah’s favorite PJs and lounge wear. A bit pricey)
