Dakota Beacon

Only seven days remain until Santa’s big day. For those who haven’t finished Christmas shopping, time is running out. We are down to the wire. Frankly, anyone planning to order gifts “on line” is probably out of luck unless you don’t mind giving presents late. Chances are nil that purchases will arrive before Christmas.

Not to fear! It’s for others to worry and get up tight. After all, it’s Christmas, the season to be jolly, and nothing should steal your joy. Besides, as an experienced procrastinator, I’m here to give all the advice you can stand.

Christmas crunch shopping assumes two forms: a) you don’t know what to buy, and b) you know what to buy but haven’t bought it yet. Put these together and you double your fun.

A quick way to acquire gift ideas is to cruise the mall (or “maul,” if you don’t like crowds). In effect, you overcome inertia by doing what should have been done weeks ago. While scanning the material offerings of our opulent society, think of recent conversations with the gift recipient. Think of their likes, dislikes, desires. Think of their hobbies, activities and interests. If you care about that person, it won’t take long to note a couple of possibilities. There really is something to the old adage, “It’s the thought that counts.”

Food gifts are okay depending on the recipient. Shame on you if you give candies, cakes and cookies to someone you know is trying to lose weight. Also, a splendid bottle of some adult beverage might not be warmly welcomed by a teetotaler. Know your recipient.

Another word of caution. When you buy a gift, buy it for the other person, not for yourself. Unless you plan to borrow whatever it is you give to another person, plan for your gift to be something personal that only they will use and appreciate.

Note I said “use.” A gift need not be utilitarian. But if it is, you must be sure it is for their use and not communal use. Certainly a non-utilitarian gift may be appreciated by others, but remember it’s the recipient who is made to feel special.

When buying books, videos or DVDs be careful your gift is not intended to sway or persuade. Don’t give a gift in hopes of changing another person. Instead of changing, you will probably build resentment.

When all else fails, consider the easy out -- the gift certificate or gift card. Although this generic gift provides an almost foolproof solution to the gift giver’s dilemma, buyer beware. First, a gift certificate or card is very impersonal. It tells the recipient that you don’t know much about them. Still, it’s better than an empty stocking on Christmas morning. Second, don’t skimp. If you skimp, your gift will not only appear impersonal, you’ll look like an uncaring cheapskate. In other words, done improperly, you could be worse off presenting a gift certificate or card than making an excuse for no gift at all.

Here’s what you do. Buy the gift certificate or gift card for $50 or more from a store you know the recipient frequents or whose products they probably use. Then, engage your imagination when wrapping the present to make it appear enticing. Consider a big box, with the smaller gift wrapped box inside. Or, prepare the package to rattle when shaken. A little mystery whets the appetite.

Unless you have kids around the house, it’s best not to hide your gifts at this late date. It’s wiser, simpler and safer to wrap them and put them under the Christmas tree. The last thing you need is to misplace the gifts in an attic or garage and then panic on Christmas eve when you can’t find them. I did that once and ended up giving my wife her Christmas gift on Valentine’s Day. If you do have kids, hide the gifts in plain sight where only you can see them.

These suggestions may well sustain the season’s joy while enduring the Christmas crunch. Come to think of it, someone might be using this advice right now to buy your Christmas gift.

Merry Christmas!

Dennis M. Patrick can be contacted at P. O. Box 337, Stanley, ND 58784 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).