Features July-Dec 2002 |
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Right after Thanksgiving all my friends start to ask the question. What can we get you for Christmas or Chanukah? I am now 71 and can't think of anything I really need or want.
How about getting a cell phone that takes pictures? Well, I have a perfectly good digital camera that takes wonderful pictures. "We would be happy to get you a gift certificate to one of your favorite restaurants," my friends say. I have a local entertainment book that allows me to go to many restaurants and save 50% off the price of the meals, so why would I have my friends pay full price for my meals. Theatre tickets are another suggestion but I really don't want my friends to spend $90.00 to $100.00 for tickets just so I can enjoy three hours of a play. A massage is another suggestion that came to me but I have a hot tub at home and find this to be a wonderful way to relax in the peacefulness of my own abode. Also my get-a-way house in Maine allows me all the reflection and solitude I might need. I would like to visit my family in Arizona or North Carolina but I can't even suggest this type of gift. I have coupons to LLBeans so I can get any clothes I might fancy, and my car does not lack for assorted accessories. The catalogues come and I scan them for something I just must have. The Vermont Country store advertises Hearty Indian Pudding and Huckleberry jam. There is electric foot-of-bed warmers and Tailspin cologne. From Harry and David a basket full of holiday snacks or just a big bucket full of moose munch. But nothing jumps out of the page to say "buy me, buy me". With gas prices as unstable as the economy I would not want my friends to cash in their next social security check to buy me just anything. It has been said that the best things in life are free so I have decided that this is what I want. I would like all my friends to forgive their enemies, to contribute to the poor or the world, and to pray for freedom and peace. This would be a most wonderful gift to me. December 5, 2003
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