Christmas is fast approaching. Good tidings and cheer and all that humbug. Holly and I watched the George C Scott version of Scrooge the other day. Holly says that is the best one, but I think the Alister Sim version from the 50s is the best. It is the actual acting that is really good. I guess it is time to think about Christmas presents. In my view it is the thought that counts. What do I think the person would like? That is a hard one to answer. But actually putting thought into a gift is pretty good. That shows that you are paying attention to the person.

Money is still a good gift to those who need it, cause you are paying attention to their needs. Things they like are obvious, but you have to watch out or you will get them something they already have. If you delve into the things they like, you really need to know them and their hobbies. Gift certificates are good for acquaintances. You can't go wrong with that unless you give a Starbucks card to someone who doesn't drink coffee. Generic things sometimes are thrown away. Really in the end, just receiving a gift is good enough. I have found the best gifts are money and things that I didn't know I would use or like. For me, anything gadget-like is cool, as I am a techno-geek.

Then you have to think, what about people you should know better, but don't. That speaks volumes when you give your uncle a cellphone and they never leave the house. Old people and rich people are the worst to shop for. Because old people typically don't do anything and don't want anything or need anything. Rich people can get what they want and usually have it. The key to defeating this barrier is to find something they don't know they would like, or something better than they currently own. Like getting a mom a new TV or getting an old person some heated slippers and bathrobe.

It is hard to decide but fun. Or you take a chance and go to the mall on Christmas eve and buy all of the perfume you can find. Make sure you like the smell of it. That way all of your relatives will smell good to you. That's the ticket.