Christmas Shopping

It's amazing how many things you can find online. I have had a wonderful time looking for presents for my grandchildren (Kelly, Katie, and Ramses are all under the age of 5). I have been frustrated for awhile with the lack of non-electronic toys in the local stores. Aisle after aisle of "turn it on and be entertained" gadgets - and very expensive!

Whatever happened to good old fashioned hands-on toys like blocks and kitchen sets and dolls?? Would you believe I could not find a single set of blocks in any of the stores around here including the toy stores? How peculiar.

Online, though, you can find just about anything - if you are willing to pay the price. With a bit of savvy, you can find what you want at the most reasonable price, request delivery to a local store so you don't have to pay postage, and just pick it up at your convenience.

I have been slowly whittling away at my list, starting with the grandkids because they are so much fun to shop for. Then on to my own boys. Now I just have to figure out where to hide things until December!

I love Christmas shopping! I've been at it a long time - a good 45 years. You would think I would be a super expert by now, but its the same old story. You ask people what they want, and they rarely ever know. Or they know, but its something you can't afford (Drew always asks for an expensive electronic game like Wii). You are left with racking your brain to come up with something they will love.

Some people are easy to buy for - they have hobbies or collections or interests that you can augment. Others are enigmas. They aren't really into anything in particular, and don't get excited about much of anything. The secret is knowing the person and really listening to their occasional comments.

I started earning money when I was around 12. I cleaned for neighbors, did babysitting, and worked at summer camps. The income was decent despite the going rate of 50 cents per hour. I liked the ladies I cleaned for, though I hated ironing which I had to do often - and with old fashioned starch on everything from cloth handkerchiefs to sheets and pillow cases to boxer shorts.

Besides buying stuff we didn't get at home - a sub and a Coke from a local deli being one of my favorites - I would find some household item for my "dowry" and was slowly filling a chest with linens and china. I had selected a blue willow pattern of china and was purchasing a set for four one piece at a time!

Best of all, I had money to buy Christmas presents. At the time, there were only 6 kids at home, and Mom and Dad. I would scour the little stores on Main Street in Johnstown for the perfect gifts. There was Gould's Department Store, a Five and Ten Cent Store, a Jewelers and a furniture store among others.

Mom was easy - a bottle of Heaven scent perfume. Pricey but well worth it. Dad required a bit more thinking, but it was always safe to get him a tie or a tool.

My brothers and sisters were more challenging. Sometimes I hit the mark and their faces would shine when they opened my gift. Other times they would politely say thank you, but set it aside. Not the right thing.

It hasn't gotten any easier, still, I love Christmas shopping. Its so much fun to guess what will make someone's face glow with joy. And right now, its wonderful to think about making other people happy.