Holiday Gifts 2005: Charity and Comfort are In, “Bling” is Out

During the 2005 holiday season, look for glamour and glitz to be replaced by thoughtful, personalized exchanges of gifts that emphasize substance over style. Status symbols are Out; remembrances and gestures capturing the spirit of the season are In.

During the 2005 holiday season, look for glamour and glitz to be replaced by thoughtful, personalized exchanges of gifts that emphasize substance over style. Status symbols are Out; remembrances and gestures capturing the spirit of the season are In.

One woman has urged her friends to send packages of coffee, candy, chocolate bars, and good old-fashioned jelly beans to troops serving in Iraq, in lieu of exchanging presents with her at home. A greeting card reading “Troops away from home this holiday season will celebrate with the care package of goodies I sent in your name” will arrive in the mailboxes of her friends. Although she doesn’t have any family members in the military, she says the idea came to her because it seemed like the best way to express her feelings this holiday season. Similar ideas of donations in lieu of presents incorporate charitable gifts to help those recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

Nostalgia offers a sense of security during seasons of uncertainty, and gifts that remind us of the traditional rituals of the holidays, along with a sense of hearth and home, are recommended. Comfort foods, for example, are an ideal gift, especially when combined with a less perishable item that will endure throughout the entire year. Fruitcakes may come to mind because although some of us wish they would perish, they are as tough as tires, but fortunately they are not in vogue for 2005. A better gift might be a fresh holiday wreath combined with a gift certificate to a gourmet store or book shop.

Wines, cheeses, and culinary books make great gifts, but consider combining them for a creative twist. Offer a bottle of champagne paired with a subscription to a magazine for wine connoisseurs or a book about the world’s great wine regions. One new item that caught our eye is ideal because it is great for adults but also appeals to children – the sort of gift you can buy for everyone on your list. Porridge Poetry is a whimsical little book of culinary poems – including one about kneading dough for Christmas – from Hugh Lofting, creator of the classic The Story of Doctor Dolittle. The “feel good” book includes biographical information about its famous author, beautiful illustrations, and poems that perfectly capture the spirit of nostalgia while maintaining a contemporary sense of wit and humor.

Books like Porridge Poetry are great "stand-alone" gifts and are always handy as stocking stuffers or when coupled with other items such as gifts of food. When presenting a book to someone, add an inscription on the title page, for a special touch. A quotation taken directly from the book, along with a simple salutation, is always appropriate, especially if you find yourself at a loss for words.

Anything that conveys a sense of hope, optimism, security, and comfort is going to be a winner this year, and handmade gifts or cards that are artistically and tastefully created will be popular, as they were in 2001, after the tragedy of Sept. 11. You don’t have to make your own; many stores are stocking entire lines of handmade, limited edition greeting cards to send by themselves or add to a gift-wrapped present.

For a review copy of the book or to set up an interview with Christopher Lofting for a story, please contact Jay Wilke at 727-443-7115, ext. 223

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