Christmas was fabulous! I'm always more excited about the giving than the receiving. Granted, I'm human and LOVE to rip open beautiful paper to find the gift hidden inside. However, I LOVED watching everyone's expressions as they took in exactly what we'd given them.
To my niece Savannah, we gave books. One was a Precious Moments Prayer Book that had been given me by my parents when I was five, just as she is. The other was Charlotte's Web. I know it seems that that particular bit of literature may be a bit ahead of schedule, but this kid is so much like myself. Devouring books every chance she gets, and at a 4th grade level!!! She's DEFINITELY related to me. :) It really made me feel good that she ran around the room, after opening the rest of her gifts, showing everyone the books I bought for her. We made a deal that Uncle Allen and I will pretty much only buy her books, and she LOVES that.
To Trenton, my almost 15 year old nephew, we gave a Marion Barber jersey. This wasn't just some *Iron-on* jersey you get at Wal Mart. This was an authentic NFL stitched jersey, made to wear with pads. This jersey runs about $200 usually. I got it for $40. Technically, I spent $19 on the jersey and $21 on shipping from China. ^_^ I'm quite proud of this purchase! He just about flipped his lid and couldn't believe we'd gotten it for him. He won't stop showing everyone. That makes me feel good. I like when people LOVE their gifts. I made him a knit beanie for his birthday in March, and he wore it EVERY day(he even left the hand made tag on, lol).
Allen's gift was pretty cool. James, his best friend, and Jeff, our roommate, went in on a big gift with me. We purchased a $400 video card for his computer. He's a gamer, a MAJOR gamer, so we try to keep him updated on all of his stuff, as much as possible atleast. So, James also donated a 20 inch LCD monitor for Allen to play on. HE LOVES IT! We then convinced him that we were getting him a puppy, and he wasn't all that happy about it, lol. He later realised it was a ploy to divert his search. Anyway, long story short, he was speechless. He just sat there, in the blue chair at my folks house, staring. He couldn't believe it. I thought he was going to cry. He almost did, and when I asked why, he said it's because he didn't realise that he was that important to all of us. That was a heart warmer if ever I saw one. :)
My sister in law, Laura, loves to toys from her childhood. Linens N Things had a big display of old school toys. We bought her a Snoopy Sno Cone maker and she was SOoooo excited. YAY!!!
My brother Jeff got his birthday present in early September, as a birthday/Christmas combo. I took him to see Morrissey live, for the first time ever. He cried. My brother isn't the most emotional man, but he's definitely appreciative of things. He just stood there, in awe of what we were seeing. Morrissey, his favorite artist since the days of The Smiths. There are no words to describe how happy it made me feel to know he felt that good.
My parents requested we not buy them gifts, bc we need to save our money. So, we didn't but they'll be getting some post Christmas presents soon.
Allen and I really don't have a lot when it comes to money. We're struggling. We also believe that if we have an extra $10, maybe we can make someone else happy, or at least give it to them to help out a little. Too my knowledge, I've always been giving, but Allen has really taught me the meaning of helping your fellow man.
I remember, when we first started dating, it was Christmas and he got a $1000 bonus(I wish he still got those). He took that bonus, cashed it and split it into equal amounts to give to all of his techs. He kept about $60 for himself. That's the kind of person he is. If he can make someone elses day better, he will.
I'm the type of person who doesn't want to give people the things I think they'd like, like some premade soap gift basket. Instead, I like to do my own things. Like give a little girl, my favorite book of all time. Hand knit some wash cloths and throw together a mini spa including some hot cocoa, flavored coffee, handmade soap and a huge mug. That's my kind of personalised gift. My parents taught me the value of thoughtfulness. Don't just buy a gift for someone that anyone can give them. Make it special and personalised in some way shape or form.
Wow, this has become a rambling post if ever I've seen one. I meant to post an old email detailing the way Allen and I met. That'll be another day. Have a wonderful life everyone. Talk to ya later. ^_-
Moi
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