Here are my suggestions for everyone on your Christmas list:
(1) If you have never been to www.despair.com, go. You know those cheesy motivational posters? Well, these are the opposite. And they are funny.
(2) Seriously, though, a few years ago, I got tired of buying things for people who have everything they need and want. So, we make charitable contributions in honor of our relatives, along with a token gift. For example, we’ll send a little first aid kit for the car along with a contribution to Doctors Without Borders. Or, a small Christmas tree ornament of an animal along with a donation to The Heifer Project. Or, a small tool and a donation to Habitat for Humanity. You get the idea.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
I started a list on my blog that I’ve sadly neglected. The New Scientist page in particular has some great gift ideas. Our own family has nearly finished Christmas shopping, and this year in particular it has been much more “practical” items – especially exercise equipment since the baby means getting to the gym is much harder…
Julie,
Thanks for the link to despair.com. The posters are great–just what I need for my office. They remind me of the wry “Remember who you are–but don’t let that get you down.”
By the way, I know you won’t promote it, but if someone is looking for a good, little known book on the Gospels to buy as a present for the earnest reader, they might consider your _Search, Ponder, and Pray_. I bought mine off Amazon. I don’t know how available it is elsewhere.
I second _Search, Ponder, and Pray_. I finally got a copy and have enjoyed it very much.
Julie, I like the charitable contribution idea. Each year I make donations to The Human Fund in the name of each of my co-workers.
Thanks, Keith and Amira.