by Gail Jackson

I’m not sure how time goes faster the older you get but it does. It’s a fact. I’m sure of it. Isn’t it the end of the year again?—Already!

It’s fun to have the opportunity to write a column each month, and it’s a challenge to come up with things helpful or worthwhile. I hope I am able to reach this challenge often enough that reading Simply, Gail! is worth your time.

Over the years I have tried to bring you simple, non-commercial and meaningful ideas for gift-giving times. And in past December issues I have included quick and inexpensive ideas for remembrances, like jams and jellies that you could make “out of season,” as well as really last-minute suggestions.

I have friends who spend more time and money on “neighbor” gifts than we have to spend on our own family gifts. That’s not too much of an exaggeration. Ironically, I am often the one they turn to for suggestions for these gift ideas! I offer simple ideas which they latch onto with enthusiasm and then feel the need to expand. Example: a small jar of rich home-made fudge sauce, which makes a nice token all by itself, was presented along with the ice cream and all the other Sundae-making goodies. Another time my favorite cheese ball recipe, again a totally acceptable stand-alone, was given with the addition of a large variety of crackers on a large tray.

I have never been anything but simple and I think, even though I dislike the phrase, less is more. Or at least enough.

We have too much, we eat too much, and at Christmas we are usually the recipients of way too much. One time I had the audacity to suggest to someone that their relatively affluent neighborhood do away with giving stuff to one another and give something to a worthwhile cause. That received a thumbs down. Maybe they could gather their goody plates together and deliver them to a needy neighborhood? How rewarding that could be!

A friend who likes to give a little but doesn’t have a lot, or a lot of time, delivers a small foil-covered roll of frozen homemade cookie dough with baking instructions attached, to be baked whenever the urge hits. She makes them up well before the rush of the holiday activities. These are greatly appreciated a few weeks into January, hot from the oven on a cold night, when the rush is over and the holiday goodies are gone or stale.

A simple gift certificate for a personal service or treat to be redeemed at a future time might be greatly appreciated. They can be as basic or elaborate as desired and exactly fitted to the needs or likes of the receiver. There is probably no need to look further than a pencil and paper to give your child’s teacher the gift of an hour or two of your time. It is highly unlikely there would not be need for such a valuable gift, but if that were the case, the offer would be appreciated more than an another unneeded doohickey.

Even just a note expressing appreciation for their efforts would be a welcome gift. Two years ago our now 41-year-old daughter’s kindergarten teacher moved into our neighborhood. As we both came to realize the connection, she told us she still had a card that Heidi had given her way back then. Obviously it was more to her than “just-a.” It seems safe to say that little things do mean a lot.

One year, after an elderly neighbor lost his wife, our certificate promised a piece or part of our family’s treat, delivered each time I baked. Occasionally we expanded this to include a container of homemade soup. Our gift required no additional effort, expense or time commitment. It was definitely a gift that kept on giving, and a simple piece of cake periodically meant more to him than a one-time elaborate Christmas plate of goodies. Even the “suspense” as to what and when was fun for him. Would it be hard to find a friend who could use occasional remembering the other 11 months of the year?

Lastly, speaking of the rest of the year, I try to keep a supply of post cards or note cards around so I can/will actually drop a “Hi” or “Your talk was great” or whatever message in the mail, rather than just meaning to do so. Snapshots of scenery, flowers, or such make quick and fun post cards, perfect for this purpose. Another take, Heidi shoots photos at her kids’ birthday parties and then her kids write their thank you on the backs and mail them.

Best wishes for a meaningful and peaceful holiday season. Make time to make wonderful memories to hold you and keep you through the year. May you find ways to simplify your life so that you can enjoy it more.