The Perfect Gift

Christmas is less than three months away. As a grandmother of three children under five, I am always on the lookout for "special" toys for gifts, especially during discount sales that begin as early as July.

I try to surprise them with what interests them at the moment: Bluey, Barbies, puzzles, neon crayons, Play-Doh, a Spirograph, books, puppets, anything Disney, and maybe even a few things I would have liked as a child. 

Admittedly, their interests change often. 

I am 66 years old, and when I look back at all of the Christmas and birthday gifts that were memorable to me,  only a handful come to mind. It wasn't because of a lack of quantity. My family spoiled my brothers and me during the holidays when we were children. 

One year, I remember lifelike baby dolls, a crib, and a stroller, mostly because I have a photograph of me playing with them. I also remember an Easy Bake oven, a snow cone machine, and a Slinky. I spent hours training it to go down the stairs leading to our house.

I vividly remember my dad dressing up as Santa during Christmas Time. However, I don't recall many gifts I received, except those captured in photos or that were particularly special to me. For instance, I will never forget the year I got my "big kid" bicycle or the record player for my growing collection of albums.

Now, when I'm shopping, it's important to remind myself that with three young children, "special gifts" take up valuable space, often have small parts that are easily lost, create extra clutter, can be noisy, difficult to keep clean, and are usually quickly discarded.

Still, despite the likelihood of forgetting what was gifted, very few moments are as joyful as watching a child tear open a tightly wrapped package to discover their longed-for present. The specific gift doesn't matter; what lingers is the happiness felt by the child and the onlookers.  

Those moments, that particular time together, and not the gifts themselves, make Christmas memorable. It is what starts family traditions and spreads kindness and giving to others. Christmas images that last include lights and outdoor decorations, ornaments on the tree, watching holiday movies, baking cookies, holiday music, and that Christmas spirit that renews year after year.

As I’m shopping this year for the “perfect gift,” my wish is to remember to create those “special moments” with my family and also to be mindful of this quote from the Grinch :

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More than physical gifts, some of my favorite childhood memories were of going to the fair with my Dad. He loved all of the rides, and I loved him. Even when I felt apprehensive, I still felt safe if we were riding together. 

My favorite carnival experience was riding the Octopus. It went up towards the clouds so you could see the entire fairground; it spun around and went up and down. My Dad was a big guy, so when the seat spun to my side, I happily squished into the side wall with his arm around me and quickly returned the favor on the opposite side.  It was exhilarating, and we laughed together.  

Experiencing those few moments of pure joy was worth overcoming any fear. 

I also remember riding on Dumbo, the teacups, Peter Pan, and the race cars at Disney World, always with Dad but also with my grandmother, my son, and now my grandchildren. 

It’s been a long time since I was a child, but getting on a carnival or Disney ride transports me back to a happy time. 

Even if your actual childhood wasn’t always happy, it is always possible to relive or recreate the joys of childhood.

 The ability to access that feeling at will would be the perfect gift to share with my son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. 

It occurs to me that any stress over getting the perfect gift is unnecessary. Years from now, they likely won't remember what they received, and I won’t remember what I gave. But likely, what will be remembered are the happy moments we shared and the out-of-the-ordinary places we went to as a family, that is, if we make that a priority.

The Easter egg hunts, the birthday party themes, Christmas traditions, watching the fireworks, trips to the park, visits to the zoo, family vacations, trips to Disney World, family game nights, watching movies together, Halloween costumes, and “trick or treating,” attending their plays, sports, and school events, and all of the memories that go with being able to say, “I had a wonderful childhood.” 

Now, that would be a special gift. 

I’ve already started wrapping and hiding gifts under the bed (I write down what I’ve purchased; otherwise, I will forget three months from now.  I have lists going back 24 years :)

 Having enjoyable gifts to unwrap and capturing special moments together in photos is important but not the most important thing. It is not the thing that lasts.  

Giving priority to the things that will be remembered is the gift I want to give myself and my family this year (along with a family trip to Disney World. Wink!) 

As you search for the “perfect gift” for your family this year, please take a moment to reflect on the cherished moments of your childhood. Above all, remember that the gift of quality time spent together is the most valuable of all.

Thanks for reading!

Keep smiling!

xx