I thought I would post our top 10 gift ideas for the holidays. Before I do, I wanted to share my recent "gift experiences". This might help if you find yourself overwhelmed by the mountain of knitting projects you have planned for the holidays . It is usually right about now where we question our sanity and wonder why we just didn't buy everyone that jumbo tin of carmel popcorn you saw at Target.
So, to begin, you have to remember I am not a shopper. While there are many things I need or dream of, most of them can not be found down aisle #4. In terms of gifts I receive, I love gifts that have memories & meaning attached to them. Better yet, unexpected gifts. Gifts you least expect. Gifts that arrive at the perfect moment ~just as they are needed.
Last Sunday, I arrived home from the shop. I walked up the stairs exhausted. Tired and worn out, I smelled something familiar and yet strange. What was it? A little strong...pungent. I know that smell but what, where...Why it was LYSOL. Lysol with possibly a hint of Tilex? My mind was now racing . Lysol, Tilex. Could it be? Did someone actually clean the bathroom? Or maybe the powder room? Did they clean it or just run a wet paper towel over the sink as a tease?
Before my brain could process the smell entirely, I headed for our bathroom. It was clean. The tub, the sink...even the linen closet was sorted and organized. It was amazing. I took a chance and checked the 2nd floor and then the powder room. Clean. Not so much as a tissue or a pony holder out of place. Then David, turned to me and said, "Liv cleaned the bathrooms today."
Liv cleaned the bathrooms today. LIV CLEANED THE BATHROOMS TODAY. Oh, okay. I get it. Its that crazy dream again. Next Oprah comes to my front door and tells me she wants to do a show all about moms who need to lose 20 pounds, have their own businesses, write a blog, and know how to knit. Yeah and can I come with her right now to begin taping...
Well, it wasn't a dream. It was all true. The bathrooms were sparkling. What a gift. And in true Liv style, she posted this note on the powder room wall:
It reads~
"Anyone who pees on the seat, there is fantastic spray - CLEAN IT OFF.
Also flush the toilet. Simple concept. Anyone who can not grasp this concept can
start going OUTSIDE. K. Thanks."
So, that was unexpected gift #2. Unexpected gift #1 happened earlier in the week. I was dreading the trip to the grocery store to do my Thanksgiving shopping. Of course, I had waited until the last minute. So many things were running through my head: I forgot Gigi's orthodontist appointment, one of the dogs had to go back to the vet, Izzy has outgrown all her jeans, did I buy her winter boots yet? Did Max turn in his ski trip forms... Ugh! Why can't I just turn it all off long enough to get into that thankful holiday mood?
Then in walked Jeannine, then Cheri, then Laurie & Kate, Lynn, Debbie & Michelle. They were there to present me with something. Something just for me. Something unexpected:
It was a blanket of squares each individually knit by a different person & tagged with their name.
The center square said" Spirit Work 2009". There were many people involved in this project. Not all were present for the picture. I have the "loveghan" at home but I will be bringing it back into the shop for a while. You need to see it in person to get the full effect.
Well, there it was. A wonderful blanket of appreciation just in time for thanksgiving. I looked at the squares and I realized that unexpected gifts are the things we cherish most. Gifts where someone took the time to do something or knit something with you in mind. Gifts that make things a little easier. Or maybe they say, in their own way, that you make a difference. Special gifts. Gifts from the heart. Gifts that you can not find down aisle #4.