Only a man would say a gift card is the best gift!
My Christmas-hating husband ran across a recent column by George Will that he could really get behind – a column that suggests that for financial reasons and the health of the economy the best gift for Christmas is a gift card!
Here’s how Will explains the gift card theory in his syndicated column in The Washington Post:
” ‘Scroogenomics: Why You Shouldn’t Buy Presents for the Holidays’ comes from a distinguished publisher, Princeton University Press, and an eminent author, Joel Waldfogel of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton business school. He says that the crux of Yuletide economics, which common sense suggests and research confirms, is:
“Gifts that people buy for other people are usually poorly matched to the recipients’ preferences. What the recipients would willingly pay for the gifts is usually less than the givers paid. The measure of the inefficiency of allocating value by gift-giving is the difference between the yield of satisfaction per dollar spent on gifts and the yield per dollar spent on the recipients’ own purchases.”
“By calculating the difference between the consumption of holiday goods (e.g., jewelry, but not gasoline) in December as opposed to November and January, you get a rough estimate of Christmas spending. Waldfogel’s conservative estimate is that in 2007, Americans spent $66 billion on gifts and produced $12 billion less satisfaction than would have been produced if the recipients had spent the $66 billion on themselves.”
The solution: Cash or Gift cards. Even though 10 percent of gift cards aren’t cashed, the perceived value of the gift would actually equal the amount if the recipient purchased their own present.
Now I am a fan of the “Freakonomic”-type studies and I can understand the science of Will’s assertions but I think he and these scientists have left one thing out of their equation: How angry their wives are going to be when they hand them a stack of gift cards on Christmas morning.
It is the complete lack of thoughtfulness and effort that is the problem with this theory. Handing a child, sibling or spouse a gift card says, “I don’t know you well enough to choose anything that you would like.”
I can support gift cards for teachers, ministers or even the school bus driver. I have no idea what perfume the bus driver is wearing, but my husband better damn well know what I am wearing.
I think Mr. Will and that Princeton guy need to head back to their calculators and consider this anecdote:
When I was big and fat and pregnant with my third child, Michael had a secret present hidden under the tree skirt for me. After everyone had opened all the other presents, he pulled it out and completely surprised me. It was a pair of diamond earrings. It made me feel so special that he went to the trouble to choose such a lovely gift for me. Imagine if that had been a little plastic card to Shane Co. instead of sparkly diamond studs. It doesn’t quite have the same effect does it?
So what do you think? Do you buy Dr. Waldfogel’s theory that nobody values the gifts you are giving them so we should all just give gift cards and let people choose their own gifts? What would you do if your husband handed you gift cards and nothing else this Christmas? Would you give gift cards to your kids? Who are gift cards appropriate for?
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64 comments Add your comment
motherjanegoose
December 1st, 2009
7:18 am
GREAT topic for me today! I am in a funk because my dear sister, whom I love, has presented me with her gift list of very specific items and gift cards to stores she like. She does not want any variation on the purchases as she ( her words and in the past) had taken most of her Christmas stash and returned it for store credit or donated it to Goodwill. She relates that she would rather have a gift card and buy things she would actually want than all sorts of things she is not interested in. HMMMM….
I like to find things that I think would please the person but I guess none of us are doing a good job at that, hence the strong hints. This also applies to her friends and my other sister.
She is particular about things and has a lovely apartment that is coordinated every time I am there.
I have all sorts of stuff: various pictures frames, candles, coffee mugs, pot holders, etc. and our tree is a reflection of years of ornaments given to me…none match. I am also bursting at the seams with the Santas I have collected but they are fun to look at.
So, I am sticking by the list.
My husband gave me 2 gift cards last year ( along with a few other things). I tried to use the Visa card 2 times and it was rejected….quite an embarrassment for me as I had the cash in my purse.
It was not his fault but there was something in the FINE PRINT that you could not use more than 80% of the card at any one retail establishment. He did not believe me until I handed him the card to use, while we were together and it was declined. He spent quite a while on the phone trying to clear it up.
To me…gift cards…not so much. But for my sister YES,
Once, there was a cute little wrapped package under the tree for me that I was eager to open. My husband told me I would really like it. I was so excited until I found out it was a purse sized
SWISS ARMY KNIFE…very practical…what?
HB
December 1st, 2009
7:40 am
I think gift cards or cash can be fun for young teens who haven’t had too many chances to go shopping for themselves with their own $ yet, and our family was big on giving gift cards to Target or WalMart to college kids, which was much appreciated. For the most part, though, I’m against them. What’s the point? No thought there at all. The exception to me is a gift card/certificate to a very specific kind of store–a haircut at the person’s favorite salon, cupcakes at their favorite bakery, theater passes or a card for movie lovers, that sort of thing. Those gifts to me seem more like something you’ve picked out specifically for the recipient.
Christina
December 1st, 2009
7:49 am
I do agree gift cards are more useful. Some of the gifts I’ve received in the past . . . must have cost the givers $10, $15, $30 and I gladly would have had $5 instead. Or even nothing at all – in some cases, I threw out the trinkets within 24 hours. (These usually are “mass mentality” gifts: Aunt So-and-So buys 10 of the same item for all the ladies in her extended family, etc.)
I actually think I’ve heard, though, that gift cards are bad for the economy in tough times. I can’t remember the exact details; maybe someone else does. I seem to remember hearing news stories last year on this topic. If I remember correctly, the store can’t count the revenue until the card is redeemed – until that time, it’s considered the equivalent of an IOU. (Which is why, when stores go bankrupt, they often stop accepting gift cards. Gift card holders are at the bottom of the list of their creditors.) So instead of seeing an influx of sales in November/December, their sales numbers are delayed until Jan/Feb or whenever the cards are redeemed for merchandise. Maybe the system has changed, but I think that’s what was reported last year.
Jeff
December 1st, 2009
8:09 am
To stay on topic, I would never buy a gift card for my wife, or girlfriend. Then again, I’m divorced so the no-gift card idea didn’t really work for me in the long run now did it?
Kathy
December 1st, 2009
8:17 am
I personally would love a gift card to ANYWHERE instead of an ugly sweater or a silly trinket that will sit and collect dust. The adults in our family do not exchange gifts so I don’t have to worry about gift cards or presents. There are so many kids in the family that we focus on them. The teenagers love the gift cards because they can go shopping and pick out their own stuff. They especially love the Starbucks and iTunes gift cards.
Now if my husband got a wild hair and decided to surprise me with a new car for Christmas or a trip to Hawaii, I would CERTAINLY value and appreciate the heck out of it!!
JJ
December 1st, 2009
8:44 am
To me a gift card says “Hey, I couldn’t think of anything to get you, so go get yourself something”. TACKY!!!!!!
Newsie
December 1st, 2009
8:50 am
This happens with my sister-in-law all the time! I ask her what she or the kids want for Christmas, their birthdays, etc… She always responds with a request for a store gift card. It makes me feel like I should just write them a check!
So, I’ve stopped asking. With a little thought, I think I have found gifts that they will like and use.
The key here is a little thought. The Aunt that just gets one gift for everyone did not think about her recipients. Therefore, it is still the thought that counts.
Becky
December 1st, 2009
8:51 am
I don’t buy gift cards and I don’t want one for a gift..If you can’t think of anything to gvie me, just give me the cash..
YUKI
December 1st, 2009
8:58 am
I think that exchanging gift cards is kind of silly, if you do that then you might as well go to the store and just buy yourself something. But, if I had a choice of my MIL picking out something for me or a gift card I would have to go the gift card route. I really think it just depends on the situation. I think they are great for teens and kids…if you don’t know exactly what they want why not let them go and pick out something that they will really use/wear? Would I be thrilled to get only gift cards from my husband? No. But would they go to waste? Certainly not!!!!
DB
December 1st, 2009
9:02 am
I’ll get gift cards for things like restaurants, where I go to the restaurant and buy the card directly. I refuse to pay $2-5 service fee just to get the card at someplace like Walgreens or Publixs — I’d rather just give someone cash before I’d do that. If I give a card, it’s to someplace specific — like American Eagle or Best Buy for teenage nieces and nephews, etc.
As far as the “perceived value”, etc. — I dunno, I was always taught it was rude to sneer at the cost of a gift. My kids love gift cards from relatives who don’t know them well — better than clothes that aren’t to their taste or size.
@MJG: I have a SIL like that — she never likes anything anyone choses, and doesn’t eat out because of sanitary concerns (*sigh*). But she has never had the balls to give me a list of specific things and tell me “these are the only gifts I find acceptable.”
But I agree with Theresa — hubby better not think he can get away with a gift card! Put a LITTLE effort into it, please?! In that case, it IS the thought that counts — and if you can’t be bothered to even think . . .?
jct
December 1st, 2009
9:05 am
I don’t mind getting gift cards. I also will give them on occassion. However, I believe you should use some thought when giving gift cards. My step son will normally buy me a iTunes gift card for my birthday. I look forward to that because I love buying music.
I also give one of my uncle’s Home Depot gift cards. He is near retirement and is always looking for a way to keep his home updated. He loves it. He sent me a photo of the saw that I ‘bought.’
I think it depends on the thought that you put into the gift card. I normally don’t get just a generic visa/mastercard. I want to get a gift card from your favorite store.
GeorgiaSpoon
December 1st, 2009
9:11 am
I am sorry, but for the pre-teen, teen and college age group that I have to buy for – they LOVE the gift card! Visa/MC gift cards so they can use wherever they choose – restaurants, gas, clothes, etc. I personally do not mind the gift card either. My pre teen thinks it is fun to go and spend it! And for that age group, it is not easy to buy them something they like / use, so the gift card works great!!
Tonya
December 1st, 2009
9:13 am
I love gift cards or cash. People don’t know what I like and usually buy me crap. Stupid crap. My husband very rarely buys me a surprise gift unless I’ve asked for it or talked about it. Makes his life easier and more pleasant, and I get something I love. Win-win.
Denise
December 1st, 2009
9:13 am
I don’t mind gift cards, esp. if I’m flying home for Christmas. However, you have to be careful. My trifling sister in law spent my nephew’s gift card on herself. I wanted to kick her behind when he told me that but you know he’d get in trouble for telling me the truth. UGH!
b
December 1st, 2009
9:14 am
I use gift cards strategically. My college student wants one for WalMart–it helps with food and other essentials. My teenager wants at least one to purchase more songs for the IPod. My dad usually gets one to Home Depot. He lives up north and I cannot just mail him a home improvement item. Teachers usually get one to Barnes and Noble so they can get what they want or need. My brother has not worked for two years so he is getting a WalMart card to help buy groceries. That’s about it. I choose to get ones that make sense instead of a generic AmEx one.
Jessica
December 1st, 2009
9:23 am
I think it depends on the recipient. If you buy a gift card for your 90-year-old grandma who can barely see and doesn’t even do her own shopping anymore, it’s pretty thoughtless. A gift card for your Some wives or girIfriends might not like getting gift cards from their sweetie, but I do. I would actually love it if my husband would give me a stack of gift cards to my favorite places (NOT Home Depot!) and then watch the children for an afternoon while I go spend them.
Michelle
December 1st, 2009
9:30 am
I agree with many of the posts about gift cards for teens. We typically try to buy them stuff they will like, BUT, sometimes we will get them a gift card to Abercrombie, etc. Our oldest is leaving for college in January, so he will either get things for his room, or gift cards for Walmart.
We try to put a lot of thought into what someone might like. I do a little better at this than the hubby for extended family.
Now, if someone were to give me a gift card, I would not be offended. Some people don’t know me well (and vice versa) and it may truly be the thought that counts in those instances! :o)
Jon Siegel
December 1st, 2009
9:52 am
Check out http://www.TisBest.org : Waldfogel also recommends charity gift cards, where you make a charitable donation and the card recipient gets to choose the charity the money goes to. He says these are especially good where the specific likes and desires of the recipient may not be so well known. (They’re also outstanding business gifts in a time when companies need to recognize employees and clients, but don’t want to appear frivolous). TisBest makes beautiful cards and they’re totally customizable.
RJ
December 1st, 2009
10:08 am
I do not like gift cards. If I don’t spend every dime of it, the money is lost! I prefer cash. I will give them to kids because they love them, but that’s it. Everyone else gets a gift or cash.
Theresa, I have a family member that doesn’t use the gifts anyone gives her either. She usually passes things on to other people. I don’t buy her anything anymore. She’s free to spend HER money and what she likes. It’s sad, but she’s so materialistic that I even hate shopping for her kids. If it ain’t name brand, they ain’t wearing it. So…I give them cash.
RJ
December 1st, 2009
10:17 am
Oh yeah, my husband knows better than to buy me a gift card. He better put a lot more thought into than that lol!
JJ
December 1st, 2009
10:38 am
If you don’t know what to get me, don’t get me anything at all. I don’t need anything, I don’t want anything. I don’t want ANYONE to stress out over buying me a gift. It’s not worth it. There’s enough stress this time of year, and I don’t want to add to it.
Founder
December 1st, 2009
10:54 am
What if there was a perfect gift card? There is…cash. Its THE original gift card. I created and launched a product that makes giving and receiving cash very cool called the Original Gift Card. http://www.originalgiftcard.com Comes w a cool little sticker sheet to customize the card for any occasion or gift idea. It is, after all, “the always-in-style, freedom-to-choose, never-expiring, always-know-the-balance, perfect-fit, better alternative to the gift card”. Check it out. Now about that gift for my wife…
SS
December 1st, 2009
11:03 am
I think the bigger problem these days is that most adults tend to have the things they need. We have made arrangements with my family as well as my husband’s to skip presents except for the kids. Then the holidays can be about getting together and not stressing out about finding useless crap. I too have been the victim of poor gift-giving and I really like gift cards. A gift card is better than $ because cash or checks get deposited and spent on essentials and bills. A gift card to one of my favorite stores gets me a gift and a shopping trip–a good day. My husband loves me and knows my personality very well, but picking out gifts is not his strong suit. So either I give him a detailed list, which seems silly, or he can just give me a gift card. Usually we skip presents and just do something together for our special occasions and treat ourselves to our must-haves throughout the year.
SS
December 1st, 2009
11:05 am
I think the bigger problem these days is that most adults tend to have the things they need. We have made arrangements with my family as well as my husband’s to skip presents except for the kids. Then the holidays can be about getting together and not stressing out about finding useless crap. I too have been the victim of poor gift-giving and I really like gift cards. A gift card is better than $ because cash or checks get deposited and spent on essentials and bills. A gift card to one of my favorite stores gets me a gift and a shopping trip–a good day. My husband loves me and knows my personality very well, but picking out gifts is not his strong suit. So either I give him a detailed list, which seems silly, or he can just give me a gift card. Usually we skip presents and just do something together for our special occasions and treat ourselves to our must-haves throughout the year. It’s funny because to me a gift card is very nice–someone saying “I want you to have something I KNOW you will like” to others it seems to say the gift-giver is lazy or thoughtless–who knows?
SS
December 1st, 2009
11:06 am
oops posted twice, sorry!
new stepmom
December 1st, 2009
11:16 am
I am saving for a piece of furniture and my b-day was a week and a half ago and then Christmas is coming up. I asked the hubs and the family to contribute gift cards toward the piece of furniture only when they asked what I wanted. That way, when the lovely piece is in our home I will remember all of the family fondly with this b-day and Christmas!
CC
December 1st, 2009
11:26 am
My husband and I love gift cards! Gift cards to restaurants are great! We can enjoy a night out at a nice restaurant. We only exchange gifts with immediate family, so they know the restaurants we enjoy. Since we bought our house 2 1/2 years ago, we’ve asked for gift cards from Lowe’s every Christmas. We’ve been able to make several nice purchases for things we either needed or wanted. We do not need more stuff that just takes up space (trinkets and junk)! I also love gift cards for Target and Kohl’s. Since my husband is unemployed, I feel guilty spending money on clothes and things for myself. With gift cards, I get to pick out what I like or need with no guilt about spending money!
ATL06
December 1st, 2009
11:32 am
I like gift cards of any kind whether it’s for a restaurant a store in the mall or a grocery store. I never have a balance left over I usually have to add money to the balance. For Christmas I am buying my son has asked for some specific games and I cannot remember the names so guess what in addition to his other presents he will be recieving a gift card so that he can purchase them himself.
ATL06
December 1st, 2009
11:36 am
Sorry for the messed up sequence on my last sentence. I had to walk away for a second and when I came back my train of thought was screwed up.
GeorgiaSpoon
December 1st, 2009
11:54 am
“Only a man would say a gift card is the best gift!” – I have to disagree with this statement! As a female – I LOVE gift cards! I can get exactly what I want. Now, I will give my Hubby hints where to get the gift cards from. Gift card is better than what my MIL does – she goes and buys what she wants (usually jewelry) and the he wraps it an puts under the tree!
GeorgiaSpoon
December 1st, 2009
11:56 am
Forgot to add – not sure why you would let your gift cards go unused – but I sure don’t! I always use every cent on there!
princessnik
December 1st, 2009
12:02 pm
I think giftcards are good for the younger generation and exceptionally picky people. Also for relatives who are far away it is less expensive to mail a giftcard than a bulky gift. My niece who is 14 loves to get giftcards because she feels like she has her own debit card. Also because she is hard to fit small waste, ample behind so she needs to be able to try on her clothes. My own daughter who is 6 feels like a big girl when she can go pick out her own things and present the card to the cashier. I try not to get any adults giftcards at Christmas but birthdays yes.
princessnik
December 1st, 2009
12:06 pm
I’m hoping to get some lowes, target, and walmart gift cards for me this year since i just bought my first house this summer. All those minor trips add up to major money
Kelly
December 1st, 2009
12:22 pm
This debate is why I think it’s a good idea to get people you want to give gifts to make a wishlist. In my family, we all make online wishists on myregistry.com so that there are plenty of options for each person. You can add gift cards if thats what you want, or that website even lets you make different “funds” for things you want, so it’s kind of like a gift card without the card. If someone doesn’t like giving gift cards, you can pick out something tangible from their list. I’m very pro-wishlists because then everyone’s happy!!
Lori
December 1st, 2009
1:03 pm
I think the point is – It’s a gift. If it’s a gift card it is still a gift. Anyone who complains about that is ungrateful.
uconn
December 1st, 2009
1:30 pm
I LOVE giftcards… Last year for Christmas, my dad and his wife gave us a nice one to Crate and Barrel to get things for our new house… My relatives have a hard time with me since I always tell them, “don’t need anything or want anything” so gift cards it is… I am in heaven when I see the Target or Macy’s card. I don’t even mind if my finance gets me a gift card… Its all about the thought… Just my thoughts … Of Course I go to the mall just to be amongst the peope and the merriment that is the holidays :)
Tina
December 1st, 2009
2:18 pm
My daughter in law gave us a Carrabba’s card over a year ago and it’s been sitting here in my desk drawer ever since. There isn’t even a Carrabba’s within 40 miles of me so I have no clue why she chose this card. My guess is she recieved it and just passed it on as most people do. I also have (2) Office Depot cards with a little over $10 each on them that are most likely expired. I would much rather have the $45+ dollars than these plastic cards which are worthless to me. Also, two years ago we gave my two teen girls (5) Visa gift cards for $100 each for them to get what they wanted. I had no idea that you lost $5 per card to the card company for fees so they automatically lost $25 off the top and both of them had problems with the cards being declined at various stores. My oldest took hers on a ski trip and used it at a gas station and it used up her available balance for a week and the other daughter returned an item she purchased on hers which took nearly a month to get the balance back on the card. These were the last gift cards I have or ever will purchase in my life and I only hope that I’m not on the receiving end of one for this year.
JJ
December 1st, 2009
2:25 pm
This year I am making a bunch of those fleece blankets that you tie together. I think handmade gifts are the best.
Becky
December 1st, 2009
2:43 pm
I have a sister that fusses each year about not having enough money to buy gifts, so I tell her every year..Just go to the thrift store and buy me a book..Or go to Walmart and buy me some socks because I’m always walking outside with them on and they get ruint(sp)..So what does she do each year? She goes to Victoria’s Secret and buys me a big gift basket of lotion..It really doesn’t matter what I get, I’m always thankful for it..I (like uconn) just enjoy the season and the people…
JJ, I used to do a lot of canning and baking for Christmas and would make up gift baskets of food for friends..I’m not so crafty, so things like needlepoint and sewing aren’t something that people ever get from me..
motherjanegoose
December 1st, 2009
3:03 pm
Well, we certainly have varying opinions today. Nothing new here. Guess there are more who love gift cards than do not.
I will include myself in this statement:
when we have so much of what we need and want, we may not appreciate a simple gift. Those who are less fortunate are eager to get whatever anyone will kindly give them. Others in parts of the country where there is every kind of store in a 10 minute drive, may be delighted with something new.
@ JJ, I am not much for handmade gifts with the exception of my daughter knitting me a few scarves and my new step mom sending us some crocheted pot holders that actually did not smell like smoke….a first in over 25 years.
The scarves always get me compliments and when I tell them my daughter knit them, that is a proud moment. The pot holders absolutely do NOT match our kitchen but I am delighted to receive them. We have not met my husband’s step mom but she is really trying and that means a lot.
@ Becky, I am with you on getting me a few good books and some tea bags, so that I can sip tea while I read…socks are perfect for me too! My sister got me ladybug socks and I always tuck them in my suitcase for trips.
motherjanegoose
December 1st, 2009
3:04 pm
ooops “where there is NOT every kind of store in a 10 minute drive….”
Also the potholders are from my step mother in law.
lmno
December 1st, 2009
3:16 pm
Gift cards do lack imagination, but the writer is correct in his efficiency and economic arguments.
Although a point could be made that ill gotten gifts results in many returns which keep a few more retail employees working after Christmas.
I would prefer that we all stopped buying gifts for one another altogether and just made Christmas into a simple little religious celebration, but I suppose that would crush the economy.’
HB
December 1st, 2009
3:48 pm
I’m with you, JJ. I try to make as many gifts as I have time for — crocheted hats and scarves, tins of home-baked cookies, a matted and framed photo that I think the recipient would really like — my close friends really seem to enjoy these. Some of them are still wearing hat/scarf sets that I made for them years ago.
JJ
December 1st, 2009
3:55 pm
I have a cookie party every year for the kids. I buy the sugar cookie dough and a few cans of frosting, etc. I have cookie cutter collection of some of the cutest shapes. We make a ton of cookies and people mill in and out of my house all day long, and some bring more dough, and some bring decorations.
After the kids decorate them, I put them on a holiday paper plate, and wrap them in green plastic wrap for each kid to take home. The kids LOVE this. Last year I had a bunch of high school seniors, boys & girls, and they loved it. They have been calling my daughter asking if we are doing it again this year.
Traditions.
We also hit the Christmas Parade every year downtown. Again with the tradition, we ride the MARTA and get downtown around 9:30 so we can set up on a curb and get everyone all bundled up. This year we are going to the Festival of Trees after the parade.
Another tradition we have, is we go to see the Lights at Lanier. We meet a bunch of friends outside the islands, then we pile into the back of a pick up truck and head to the islands. We go through the lights, then up to Santa Land and roast marshmellows and ride the carnival rides. Yes it’s cold, but we love it!!!!! It’s the only way to see the lights, in the back of a pick up truck, all bundled up in blankets, etc……
I love Christmas!!!!!
Becky
December 1st, 2009
3:59 pm
@MJG, we were just discussing socks here at work..The only kind I do not want are toe socks..I can’t wear anything between my toes..But you are right, a good book and a nice cup of tea and I’m set for the night..
new stepmom
December 1st, 2009
4:19 pm
I do love some home made gifts. My mom sews beautifully and anything she makes is a treasure. I cannot wait for my baby to wear outfits that Mimi has made…she could compete with Kelly’s Kids and Strasburg anyday.
We are making picture calendars for the grandfathers this year and I am doing a photo gift for my mom too.
The hubs is still a little weary of getting me gift cards for my piece of furniture. His first wife only wanted “romantic gifts,” whatever that means. Last year I wanted a really fine table cloth and this year I want furniture. I keep telling him that one day grandchildren will hopefully fight over who gets grandma’s table cloth and hutch and there is nothing more romantic than having a cozy home for our family. I think I have convinced him. Maybe I need to send him this article!
JATL
December 1st, 2009
4:37 pm
I LOVE gift cards and so does my husband! One of the best gifts I’ve gotten as an adult was when my mother-in-law and father-in-law who are divorced teamed up and bought me a wallet-card full of gift cards to my favorite stores. Being a part-time worker, mostly SAHM doesn’t leave me many funds to shop with like I used to, so it’s a great deal of fun to go out and go shopping just for me! From my husband I do like a few little things, but if gift cards are mixed in that’s great too! And don’t forget the BEST gift card of all -one to a spa! I live for Natural Body gift cards!
HB
December 1st, 2009
4:40 pm
Your cookie party sounds like a blast, JJ. When I was in high school, I used to get a group of my usually jaded teen friends together to go carolling. We had so much fun. And nothing beats riding in the back of a pick-up. I love this time of year and try to make time to hit as many holiday events as I can. Here in downtown DC, a couple of churches have free lunchtime concerts year-round weekly or monthly that are holiday-themed in December, so for lunch today I went to a great Bach Christmas cantata performance. The Kennedy Center has nightly free performances year-round, so I always try to hit a couple during the holidays (Merry Tuba Christmas is a favorite). I’m hoping to get down to Alexandria this weekend for their boat parade — boats sail down the Potomac all lit up. Throw in a Lessons and Carols service, the Ellipse tree and menorah, the botanical garden’s annual exhibit, a few holiday happy hours, and a light show or two, then family get-togethers and Christmas Eve services down in GA — what a wonderful season! Who needs gifts?!
motherjanegoose
December 1st, 2009
4:55 pm
We also have some fun caroling memories. My husband once spruced up his truck with hay and lights all around it. He had music in the cab and opened the windows so that it would flow out out to the bed.
My daughter and all her friends were to pile in and when they finally did, it started raining. No wanting to put a damper ( pun intended) on it…he passed out umbrellas and they proceeded through the neighborhood. Doubtful any hoity toity folks would go for this but it was hysterical.
We lived in Texas before we moved to Atlanta and anyone who was anyone had a pickup…not so much here. Once, we met friends for dinner in Buckhead and my husband drove us in the same truck without the decorations. It was a nice king cab truck. HEEHAW, the valet about lost it when he had to park the truck next to the BMWs and Mercedes. It did not take us long to get it back after dinner…we said, “TRUCK” and everyone rolled their eyes.
Some folks may not know how the rest of the world lives….LOL.
My daughter and I go to a different Nutcracker performance with various ballet troupes each year.
It is a tradition for us to get dressed up, go to dinner or lunch and the the Nutcracker.
motherjanegoose
December 1st, 2009
4:57 pm
OOOPS…I forgot to say that the same year of the decorated truck, we spent several subsequent days driving over to random friend’s houses and asking them to pile in and join us. They still ask if we will ever do it again…we do not have our truck now but wish we did!