From the Editor
‘Let’s not exchange gifts this year. We’ll only do one or two gifts this year. We’ll just fill stockings this year.’
Following Christmas exchanges with my parents and Wyndi’s mom and grandma, I’d like to advise everyone that phrases like these are not to be believed.
A small handful of gifts seemed to multiply when Mom and Dad unloaded gifts at our house. Then, when we drovetohaveChristmas with Wyndi’s mom and grandma, what seemed like a few presents under the tree multiplied when we looked behind the chair and found packages extending from wall to wall.
Fortunately, we both know our families and tried to match the generosity blow for blow.
Seriously though, the generosity of both our families was humbling and the thoughtfulness of the gifts were amazing.
Wyndi’s mom (who I’m sure has never heard of Dungeons & Dragons) got me a personalized Bard travel mug for when I’m playing online with my friends. My parents got me an amazing statue, records and several things for our home. Meanwhile, Wyndi got me many things including Gremlins apparel and a full year to a streaming service devoted to noteworthy movies through history. That last gift came with the promise of movie nights with ‘no griping’ over my choices.
Wyndi and I both gave several gifts that alluded to and promised special days with the recipient.
It means a lot when someone spends money on the perfect gift, but time is also a precious commodity. Spend it on special people in 2023.
—Paul Gaudette can bereachedatpublisher@dublincitizen.com.