I laughed out loud when I read an advance copy of Ryan’s Daily Blur piece for this past Wednesday. I loved it because it was perfectly Ryan –cautious, creative and full of heart. And it was really, really well written.
Unlike Ryan, I have no hesitation in sharing my favorite things for the holidays. I blew right into this assignment as if it was a festive Christmas party and every conversation started with “Have you ever tried…” or “I really like…” It never occurred to me that you might have a problem with my favorites. Hey, it’s Christmas! Hey, I’m the Company Extravert!
Sharing favorites is not a sales pitch or a promise for everlasting joy. Tim covered that on Tuesday.
Sharing favorites is simply sharing favorites. And away we go!
I’ll start with my favorite Christmas book. This is easy. Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect by Richard Schneider (no relation). The journey of Small Pine has been shared in homemade cards and dinner prayers since our now adult children were crawling.
Favorite Christmas song? I love hearing anyone sing “O Holy Night,” but at the top is Josh Groban.
Favorite tradition? Our family celebrates Advent, and this year, we are following Ann Voskamp’s new release that was a gift from my BFF Lynn. This daily discipline affords me treasured moments of silence and reflection that anchor the holiday season.
Here are my favorite gift ideas for Christmas 2014.
#localgiving
Our home is in Orlando, Florida where there’s an entire population living and thriving separate from Disney World. Be clear about this — I absolutely love all things Disney, but I also welcome supporting area business stars who are creating terrific products and local jobs. I know you have stars in your hometown as well.
My favorites here include Rifle Paper Company. Best greeting cards, calendars and journals in the entire universe. You get what you pay for.
For cooks and barbecue fans, I give The Southern Cowboy Cookbook by John Rivers. John and his wife, Monica founded 4 Rivers Smokehouse in 2009 and our lives have never been the same. They deliver shareworthy service to infinity and beyond and value their employees and neighbors.
Speaking of loving your neighbors, the runners in my family usually get some kind of treat from Track Shack. In addition to selling quality shoes and clothing, they started a foundation to benefit young athletes and school running programs. I like that.
And as long as we’re exercising, it’s okay to mention the deliciousness that is Peterbrooke Chocolatier. Popcorn will never be the same. I’m okay with that. You should be, too.
#proxygiving
Have you ever given a goat for Christmas? Heifer International will make that happen through their Most Important Gift Catalog In The World. Lots of life-changing options!
I have also given through the Gift Catalog for Samaritan’s Purse.
#diygiving
One of my favorite gifts to make and give is a Year of Blessings. Start with a three-ring binder, 12 pocket sleeves, and some note cards. For each month, consider the recipient and their interests. Some months might call for a gift card; other months might need a funny sentiment or a suggested activity. Have fun with unusual holidays and current events.
Another version of this is a Year of Dates. Basic envelopes provide permission to take time to enjoy the company of a loved one. I have received everything from tickets to a local comedy club to a coupon for the perfect latte. (We get that latte at Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen in Winter Park.)
A custom CD or online playlist is another favorite. Select top tunes from a special year or highlight songs that tell a story.
What’s on my Wish List?
I love (most) sports. Actually, it’s the people playing sports. I’m fascinated by their stories. And no one tells stories better than ESPN. Their Emmy-nominated and Peabody award-winning 3o for 30 series is gold. Having a collection of well-told sports stories on hand for a dry season is a really solid idea. (The Orlando Magic continues to rebuild.)
Like Lynn, I love my sharpie markers, but I have my eye on a set of “ridiculously awesome crayon sticks with run ‘peel-to-reveal’ action.” The creative team at Color Appeel is responsible for that copywriting! Yep, you had me at ‘ridiculously awesome.’
My final favorite item is a gift I give and subsequently receive. Lynn has shared about the practice of paying for someone else’s meal as a Drive-Thru Santa. For the remaining Fridays in Advent, my husband and I will stake out the best fast food spots for treating the unsuspecting. Words fail in trying to describe how much joy I feel anticipating and executing this way-simple act of generosity. If you try it this year, please let me know. I’d love to hear your story.
Thanks for coming to my Favorite Things Party! Hope you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas!
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