Some folks have their Christmas shopping done before the calendar page flips over into December. They've got them wrapped, under the tree and are sipping hot cocoa by the hearth with their feet up to the fire by the time some of us realize it's that time of year.
There is the other kind of Christmas prepper—the one who waits until the last minute, grabs what is on sale, throws it in a cheap holiday bag and shoves it under the tree on Christmas Eve.
I'll let you guess which holiday prepper category I fall into.
I'm not one of those people who requires the perfect gift, nor comes up with perfection for everyone consistently. I'm more of a practical, flannel shirt and toolbox kind of giver when it comes to the men in my life. But if you have seen any television commercials from the first of November onward, you'll know what I'm talking about. The enchanted gift is pulled from under a spectacular tree; the overly-shocked female recipient—being watched by her three adoring children and is wearing a size 2 designer dress—opens the gift box while dazzling light and an angel choir sings as the jewelry is gracefully displayed by hands that have never peeled a potato or delivered a calf.
Maybe someone lives like that.
And hey, if you want to give the women in your life amazing jewelry for Christmas, they will love it, guaranteed. Especially if it is the long-awaited engagement ring. And there's still plenty of time to make that big buy, guys!
But diamonds and gold are probably not part of the farm budget these days. And perhaps you need a few suggestions for the ladies in your life. I am talking spouse, mother, children, grandmother here and not the female animal species housed in the barn.
Rule No. 1: Don't show up with a gift that ultimately benefits you or is something you want, need, covet or have decided you can't live without. Examples include new chain saws, tool belts, tractors and farm equipment. Unless, of course, she specifically wants and uses those things all the time. Then Rule No. 1 may be broken. If unsure, ask where she stands on Rule No. 1 and shop accordingly. If she is the primary calf feeder, a new enclosed side-by-side ATV might be exactly what she wants. Hey, I'm not even a calf feeder and would be happy to receive that in my garage on Christmas morning. However, I would march you right back to the farm supply store if I unwrapped a new tool belt Christmas morning.
Rule No. 2: If clothing is on this year's shopping list, unless you know without a doubt the size and color needed, you might want to just take her shopping and let her do the selecting. The surprise factor is gone, but no one must return and exchange items after Christmas—a job which translates into a big pain in the neck. In your eyes she may be a size 10, but time and good cooking has inched that size up a notch or two. She will love the compliment of you believing her size to be smaller than it actually is, but saving the hassle of return and exchange makes up for it. And if you overcompensate and go way too big, well, let's just not even go there, shall we?
Rule No. 3: Practical is absolutely fine, as long as it's personal. I'm a practical kind of gal myself. If I need new what-evers, Christmas is the perfect time to receive it. Make it personal by choosing her favorite color or some other pleasing aspect to the gift. She will appreciate your effort in knowing what to choose that makes her smile.
Finally, Rule No. 4. If you are a hand-made kind of gift giver, she will always appreciate the labor and love you have put into making something with your own hands, skill and creativity—just for her. If you're not that kind of guy, that's ok too. But never be ashamed of the handmade gift, especially when times are tight.
I hope you are all enjoying the festivities and unbridled cookie making leading up to the real celebration of Christmas later this month!
Bev Berens is a mom to 4-H and FFA members in Michigan. Do you have a story to share? Email her at uphillfarm494@yahoo.com.