By: John Verlinden/TRT Columnist
This Year — Give the Gift of Love
Instead of slogging to the mall and battling crowds all seeking that “perfect gift,” be a rebel. Don’t pull on your goulashes and rush to the car, put on your slippers and stroll to the kitchen. Give them something you made.
It’s gotten harder each year to purchase gifts for the folks on my list that let them know in a really special way how much our relationship means to me. The pressure’s heavy-duty; you want to get something unique and personal, something they’ll enjoy or can really use, and something they probably wouldn’t buy for themselves. You’ve also got to make sure it’s the right style, the right color, the right size, the right price, …. And then, on the coldest, snowiest day in January, long after all that holiday warmth has frozen over; here come the credit card bills.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the holidays; love celebrating with family and friends, but all that running and searching and spending and then worrying that I’d forgotten someone, makes a Grinch out of me. My holiday cheer gets worn pretty thin pretty fast sitting in traffic jams, searching the racks and waiting in line. Who needs something else to stress over these days – last year it got so bad, I ended up exchanging gift cards with most … pathetic, huh?
So this year – do what I’m going to do. Crank up the holiday music, slip on an apron and fire up the range. Who doesn’t love a homemade gift? Everybody can use a plate of cookies or a loaf of your home baked bread, no one already has a jar of your jam, homemade fudge is always in-style, and what’s better for that man or woman in your life who has everything than receiving something that’s uniquely you.
For gift ideas and recipes go to www.muchogusto.com, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. And after it’s all over, you’ll have saved enough money to go out and buy that special gift you wanted but no one gave you, at the half-price after Christmas sale.
Until next time – ¡Mucho Gusto!, ¡Muchas Gracias! y ¡Buen Provecho!
