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Accumulating Gifts Dear Friends, During the week between Christmas and New Years you hear a lot of comments about how stressful it is getting ready for Christmas. There are lists to be made, presents to be obtained, budgets to be prepared, projects to be completed, and gifts to be delivered. Years ago I was numbered among those who got involved because we enjoyed the season but complained because of the stress. It was then that I had a chat with Santa. The result was a New Years resolution that has greatly enhanced my enjoyment of the Holidays. This is how Santa sees it. -------------------------------0--------------------------------- "I’ve been in the business of giving for 1,659 years. My first year was 343. In the early days I concentrated on helping those in need. My gifts were in the form of alms and charity. The need for this kind of gift giving has continued to grow and is now greater than ever. But there is another aspect of giving that has boosted the demands of the season to a level beyond belief. It is the exchange of gifts among friends and family for the sheer fun of it. There is no way anyone can do a truly adequate job of preparing for Christmas if they put off getting started until say Thanksgiving. Thus I start working on "next" Christmas a day or so after "this" Christmas. In fact it’s not unusual for me to start planning for next Christmas before this Christmas is part of the past. It’s a simple plan and it works" -------------------------------0--------------------------------- I took the advice. Like you, for the most part I already know whom I’m going to want to remember next year. I also know what they are interested in or would like. Thus I am constantly searching. Yard sales, pawn & junk shops, antique dealers, estate sales, seasonal sales and over-stocked sales are ideal opportunities for picking up the perfect gift for someone on your list at a fraction of what it would cost just before Christmas - if you could find it. Once I have located a gift I wrap it. Why not? After all I picked up the wrapping at a ridiculously low price immediately after last Christmas. If I’m not certain whom I will give it to I simply mark it and put it into the stockpile for that last minute need. Just for example, one year I ran across a goodly number of excellent quality cheese cleavers priced at a fraction of what they would cost normally. I only needed one, but I bought a bunch and have pleased a number of friends who have since received them as gifts. There are substantial advantages to be had from this approach. You lower expense. You end up with gifts that are better suited to whomever you are remembering. And last but not least you end up with flexibility at the last minute, which reduces stress. Not only that, if you keep your eyes open you just might see Santa. He’ll be there. Have a wonderful year! Santa’s Friend
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