Guess what? I don’t need a thing. Absolutely nothing. At this point in my life, if I need or want something, I get it and as it is, I’m trying very hard to curb the want and only get the need. I know it sounds boring but what can I say? I’m embarrassed at how much I already have that I don’t need. 
Having said that though, I know people will always buy me presents. I know that at this time of the year people must, they feel compelled to give gifts. Here’s a cheat sheet so that if you absolutely must, you’ll know what to get me, the writer:
- A book you loved – used is all the better, show me that you couldn’t stop reading it and when you did you were so absorbed that you forgot the spine would break when you put it face down on the chair arm.
- A bookmark – to remind me to read everyday.
- A photograph that tells a story – a postcard, a photo, a picture from which I can imagine an adventure.
- A seashell – so that in the middle of winter I can hold it in my hands and remember the sun.
- A new experience – a spice I’ve never tasted, music from an African village, a combination of things I’d never considered.
- A hot drink – to warm my spirits.
- A cold treat – to cool my sometimes out-of-control anger.
- A new idea – send a clipping of a news story, a recipe, a brochure of a wilderness camp.
- Hope – let me know you think I can do it.
- Faith – let me know you’ve believed in me all along.
- Appreciation – let me know I’ve meant something to you.
and
- Cookies – because yeah, even writers have to snack.
Happy Holidays everyone. Joy to you and yours.
Wendy Thomas is an award winning journalist, columnist, and blogger who believes that taking challenges in life will always lead to goodness. She is the mother of 6 funny and creative kids and it is her goal to teach them through stories and lessons. Wendy’s current project involves writing about her family’s experiences with chickens (yes, chickens).
Photo credit: judson
I always look forward to the new Journal my daughter buys me each year. I always have one..
Wendy,
Thank you for all the Hope, Faith, and Appreciation you have gifted me with this year. I have treasured it all, and now wrap it in college-ruled paper and tie it with the string that was used to stitch a bag of birdseed closed. I am sending it your way via little bird express in the hopes that it will add a bit of warmth to your already brilliant holidays.
All the best for a magical and marvelous season!
What a great list. Thanks to all of my cohorts at NHWN, it enjoy your spirit, your wisdom and your words.
So true! As a fellow writer, I agree with all of those.
As someone who just moved to Cape Cod from Times Square and is dealing with 13″ of snow, a snowblower would be welcome!
My darling new neighbors dug me out this morning!
A wonderful list. Happiest of holidays to you Wendy!