Finding the Perfect Gift

By Jack James
So many people can bend your ear for an hour as they remember a wonderful Christmas from their past. They reminisce about how when the family was all there, that the turkey was moist, or how they got the wagon, BB gun or doll that they had always wanted. Or they can visit for forever about how bad it was back in the day: all they got was nuts and fruit, (or cheese, in my case), a horrible crocheted hat from Aunt Mollie, or a tie that blinks in time to Jingle Bells. But where’s the fun in telling your daughter “I stepped on a woman’s head at Wal-Mart to grab that doll for you!”
When the supper table is cleared after Thanksgiving, people start their engines like a NASCAR event. The same people who had bowed their heads and gave thanks to God Almighty for the blessings and for the many things they had, rushed to stores to pinch, hit, poke and punch little old ladies to get bargains on things they didn’t need in the first place. People are already in position outside Best Buy, camped out in tents so they can grab a television because they only have four at the house. They sit and play games on portable systems waiting to go buy more games on portable systems. People lined up for 6-8 hours before the stores even opened all over the country. In one city, a man died in the floor while Target shoppers stepped over his body for bargains. One man was trampled by shoppers trying to get a $2 waffle iron in another state while in yet another store a woman pepper sprayed the early shoppers, grabbed her goods and scooted.
My wife and son were early shoppers last year. But they were civilized. They went to get a cheap television for my son’s room at Walmart. But, unlike others, my wife called to check if it was a free-for-all or if there were plenty. This store gave out cards guaranteeing that you would get the item without having to trample people like General Sherman on his March to the Sea. My wife bought two lawn chairs and they sat in a deserted aisle until the store pulled the TVs out of the back and then came home. Gotta love the south.
Here is a spoiler: It was Christmas Eve and I wasn’t very old at all. I was busy preparing my note to Santa. I had moved an old stool to the front room by the tree and arranged several cookies on a plate by a small glass of milk. Everything was just right when my Dad walked in from the back door. He took a long look at my work and disgustedly said, “Don’t tell me you still believe in that crap son?” The room spun. I muttered the only words I could think of and said, “uh…no…I guess not…” and then stumbled toward the hallway and my bedroom in the back of the house. I sat on my bed for a few minutes in deep thought and decided to go back and make sure I had heard correctly. I stepped out of the hallway into the living room just in time to see my Dad sitting in his recliner eating a handful of cookies and enjoying some stolen milk. I guess I knew the truth about Santa before then but I was covering my bases just to make sure. But boy howdy, a parent can sure kick a slat out from under you sometimes
Now that the years have passed, I have learned something pretty important. It isn’t the gift that is given; it’s the thought or remembrance that is special. I have worried and fretted over the right gift to give family and friends. But I have learned that a simple card or an email is a great gift. If you have found yourself in this position this year, consider a gift certificate from one of our local stores or restaurants. I believe every restaurant in town will provide gift certificates. CVs Family Foods will sell gift certificates too. If I opened a package and found a cheeseburger, fries and drink, I would be tickled! Go by Billy Bob’s Drive In and make it happen for someone you love! Steffey’s, Mi Casita, Rub Em Tender: they will all be happy to help you. Others will also!
The season isn’t worth celebrating if you are only into the newest toy or game and brightly colored ribbons and bows. It’s the season of gifts for sure but the greatest gift has already been given. Love each other, be kind to a neighbor and don’t wait until December to do it.