ALT-2 Top Ten Gifts You’d like to Receive
To make a list of ten things one would like most to receive, in my opinion, is something different than simply coveting an item one might see in a store window or a catalog. One may like receiving something they didn't even realize they wanted, or something that is more of an experience than an object. That's one of the joys of Christmas: being completely surprised by a perfect and thoughtful gift from someone. Here are the top ten realistic and meaningful things I would most like to receive, in no particular order.
10. A handmade scarf.A scarf is a cozy and fun thing to wear, whether it's snowing or simply cold outside. Being able to wrap a scarf around my neck that I know was made with time and care by a friend or loved one would make my scarf wearing experience even more special, and every time I wore it, I would be reminded of the joy of having that person in my life.
9. A book of family recipes.I love cooking, and enjoying my family's traditional holiday dishes every year. If I had a book full of these recipes that are made not only on holidays, but for a regular day's meal, I would be able to celebrate both my family history and my most cherished dishes every day, sharing them with friends and even my own children one day.
8. A plate of home made holiday treats.Sometimes, nothing can make me happier than some chocolate, candy, baked sweets and eggnog. It only takes a day to a week to eat them, but they add so much enjoyment to the holidays, especially when they're just out of the oven.
7. A DVD gift set of musicals.There's something about musicals that makes my heart want to sing- whether it's the dancing, the singing, or the pure creative expression they exude. A song from a musical lingers in my mind for weeks after I've watched it. The Sound of Music, Into the Woods, My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls- they're all such darling cinematic gems. Snuggling up with some blankets and popcorn and having a night of singing along to musicals with the girls is just the nicest thing sometimes.
6. A kitten.It's the classic childhood dream: to wake up on Christmas morning and be greeted by an adorable new kitten. I haven't had a kitten since I was about 5 years old- that kitten has long since grown up into adulthood and made her transition. My family and I have no cats now, but to have a new kitten would be like a ray of sunshine in our catless house. We could coddle it with toys and treats, and it would bring a smile to our faces when nothing else could.
5. A pretty piece of jewelry.I'm not a big jewelry person, but it's nice to have a few things on hand that I can wear with certain outfits when I feel like being a little dressy. Some of my favorite pieces of jewelry are things people gave me who probably couldn't think of anything else, but who thought the jewelry was pretty, and that I would probably think it was pretty too. Sometimes, just a pretty gift is enough.
4. A cute pair of slippers.This one is sort of similar to the scarf idea: something cozy to wear in cold weather, and sometimes even the inside of a house can be cold. Even knowing I already have two pairs of perfectly good slippers, it's always nice to have another. Just like the scarf, every time I wore those slippers, I would think of the person who gave them to me, and be happy I had them in my life.
3. A personal concert party.In keeping with my love of music, I would find it a wonderful thing if some night, all my favorite musician friends would gather in my home and play/sing me my favorite songs that they wrote or know, and some of their favorites as well. I am lucky to know quite a few such talented individuals, and for all of them to share the beauty of their talent together with me would be enriching and joyful for all of us. I would cook for us, too. It would be a night full of entertainment, friendship and happiness.
2. A teddy bear.Teddy bears are wonderful. You can hug them, and with their fuzzy softness and outstretched arms, it feels like they're hugging you back. To receive a teddy bear from someone- a cuddly teddy bear carefully chosen- is such a touching thing. When I hug the teddy bear, it's as if I'm hugging the person that gave it to me also, and in that way that person is always with me, sharing their love.
1. A poem.One of the most special things a person can do for me is write me a poem. Being a poet myself, to receive the creative gift of a poem from another to myself is such a meaningful thing: it shows what I inspire in them, what they can create through knowing me.
There is my list. These are the sorts of things that one never forgets: the sorts of things that create memories that last a lifetime, because they're shared with love and with the most special people in one's life.
