Showing posts with label Christmas gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas gifts. Show all posts

Monday, December 12, 2011

The Christmas Cactus


A little less than a year ago, I received a Christmas gift. It was a Christmas cactus with a note attached explaining that if I took good care of it, next Christmas it would bloom.  I set it on my desk at work, and as the new year began I made a pledge to myself that despite my decidedly not green thumb, in this case I would channel my father the master gardener and tend lovingly to this cactus, in hopes of seeing the promised Christmas blooms.

The Internet is your friend in cases like this and I found a wealth of advice on how to care for a Christmas cactus, with promises of abundant blooms next holiday season.  I conquered my sense that it would be hopeless (based on the mourned deaths of houseplants past who were unfortunate enough to be under my care).   I acted on faith alone and  entered a repeating note in my computer calendar for each Tuesday morning that said:  “Smile.  And water the Christmas cactus.”  Each Tuesday I did just that.  

A few months ago something told me to move the cactus to a sunnier corner of my office to catch the western sunlight.  In early November the Christmas cactus pushed out many promising buds.  By Thanksgiving, glorious pink blooms emerged.  And they’ve continued to grace my office with their happy color all this holiday season.

I assure you that I am grateful for the many ways this past year I’ve seen proof that faith can work miracles and bring unexpected blessings; I wish both of these for each of you this Christmas season.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Presents


I have known my husband for almost 35 years. But it is only yesterday when we were selecting paper to have some books gift-wrapped that I learned the most important criterion from his standpoint for Christmas wrap. It must be shiny, foil-laced, and capable of reflecting light. Then the gifts under the lighted tree will have that special magic glow (think Ralphie in "A Christmas Story). He takes the same approach when placing ornaments on the Christmas tree, often lingering to perfectly place the ornaments with many faceted centers near lights for the added sparkle.

I am not very inspired at gift giving, and have to rely on madly entering ideas into my Blackberry as they fall from the lips of my loved ones throughout the year. Usually by December I have a pretty good list (you didn’t think I was one of those people who starts shopping before December, did you?).

My husband is famously unschooled in gracious gift reception. In fact, in October he actually got a “Worst-Case Scenario Birthday Card” with helpful principles on what to say when you have just received yet another sincere yet ill-conceived gift from your wife or children. “Do not lie,” and “Thank the giver for the thought, not the gift,” are two of these basic concepts. Supporting phrases are also provided such as “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

My personal best when it comes to a Christmas present for my husband was the year I surprised him with a Fender Stratocaster guitar and amplifier. He was absolutely not expecting this gift, and it turned out to be just what he wanted. He still can’t tell me how much it means to him, in fact.

Merry Christmas to everybody out there who is celebrating it - and don't forget to have fun giving gifts.