a long time ago, and far far away, I realized that since we all had all grown up (and weren't really getting toys for Christmas any more), once the presents were all opened, we'd all go our separate ways with our new books, and quiet would reign.
Nothing wrong with that, of course, except that having traveled many miles to be there, it seemed like maybe we should have something else to *do* (and read our books later, when everyone went home).
The first "thing to do" was born in a thrift shop. I was looking at the painted-on-black-velvet portraits (etc!), and thinking "All of this perfectly awful stuff is just being wasted, getting dusty in thrift stores!" It came to me that we could have a contest. Everyone could bring the most awful thing they could purchase for a quarter or less, and we could vote, and someone would win...... And so it came to pass. It became traditional, and there is a traveling trophy and everything. Many very bad things have been duly appreciated, over the years.
The next idea also originated in a thrift shop. I started buying everyone toys. When my mom was in art school, I bought her one of those kiddy art kits, with stencils and watercolors and whatnot. When my brother-in-law wanted to learn to knit, I bought him a Barbie knitting kit. You get the idea.
I like the idea of giving things that are fun, and funny, and have so little intrinsic value that if the recipient doesn't like it, it can go right on out to their thrift store, for the next person to pass along to someone else. No Receiver's Guilt when what you get doesn't suit your tastes or needs......
I started giving each person a book from the library book sale which I hoped might be of marginal interest.
I am still giving everyone in my family a thrifted tshirt, which I hope may speak to one of their interests (and hope may sort of fit, given I am guessing at sizes!).
I went tshirt shopping last week, and I found this gem.
Tragically, I have to keep it. It's too small for either of the guys who would appreciate it, and I don't know of any smaller Beatles fans in the crowd. Except me.
Apparently its retail-purchase recipient either didn't like it or was the wrong size. It is pristine.
Yay.
.
