Christmas Gifts

As you age, Christmas presents change. Babies may get a stuffed animal or a rattle, but often the bulk of the gifts are items for the nursery like lamps, blankets or pictures. Some new outfits are normally part of the mix, too. As the toddler stage approaches, there are push toys, ride-ons and skill building items. Often books are part of the gift pile, and there always seems to be a few clothes sneaking into the offerings. In fact, as we age, clothes seem to take over most of the gift stack.

One of the family traditions of times gone by is the history of the sweater, hat, mittens and scarves knitted by Grandma or the well-meaning aunt. Contrary to folklore, many of these items are looked for in anticipation, just like some people look forward to a Christmas fruitcake. However, it seems fewer and fewer grandmas are knitting anymore (and fruitcakes have received a bad reputation) and these items are finding fewer and fewer places under the tree.

Eventually we outgrow even clothes as gifts. As my friends and I approach that age, we are faced with the dilemma of what to give for gifts. My first solution was to give fruit baskets. Well, not exactly a “basket,” but a centerpiece. At one time most grocery stores had pre-made fruit centerpieces available shortly before Christmas. They were normally in a small basket with a grapefruit or pineapple in the middle. Bananas, grapes, oranges, apples, pears or whatever fresh fruits were available were arranged around the center selection. Possibly a handful of nuts or candy was sprinkled around and everything was covered with plastic wrap. These centerpieces were a perfect size for a gift.

While reading old newspapers, I came across pictures of friends. Asking at the newspaper office, I found that often they can make a 5x7 or larger print of the pictures. Although it depends on how old the picture is and who the photographer was, they are always willing to at least try to find it. These pictures can be framed and make excellent gifts.

These two gift ideas can normally fill my gift list for older adults. Hint: I would like to receive them too.