If you are tired of getting candy, bath salts, fruit baskets, and an endless supply of robes and sweaters for Christmas, it is time for you to speak up. Every year I hear you being asked what you want for Christmas. Every year I hear you stammer and mumble and say that you don’t want or need anything at all. Now you know that isn’t going to happen. You also know that you would be hurt if the kids took what you said at face value and didn’t get you anything. This year, I don’t want you to grumble and fuss as you hang another robe in your closet. Ask for something that you really “want”. It doesn’t have to be something that you “need”; we are talking about getting something that makes you feel really special.
Of course there are things that you want and things that you need. Now is the time to make a list of things that you would like, but don’t feel you can afford to buy yourself. Don’t be such an old poop. Your kids spend more on lattes than they do on your Christmas presents, so you needn’t worry about requesting something that costs a few bucks. Believe me; they will be delighted to know that they are getting you something that you really want.
If your cupboard is filled with unopened bottles of perfume, sweaters that you never wear, or the six robes that you are saving for a rainy day, you have no one to blame but yourself. My mother had a whole wardrobe of robes for ‘just in case’ she had to go to the hospital. Well, eventually she did have to go to the hospital, but by that time she didn’t care whether she had a different robe for every day or not. I’ve been wearing the same robe for six years. Have you ever known a robe to wear out?
I know what I want for Christmas this year. I saw an ad on television for Dragon Software (voice activated computer technology) and I though WOW, what a great idea! (www.givedragon.com). I don’t need all of the gadgets on the market but my computer is my best friend. A voice activated program would make it even friendlier. I can hear you now mumbling about not needing any of those new fangled gadgets, but a computer is right up there with a coffee maker as the best invention ever.
Some people are intimidated by technology, others embrace it; some lose time using it and others save time using it. I love my computer. There are even computers designed especially for seniors so stop mumbling and accept their offer gracefully. Even if you never learned how to type, or have issues with your hands, you can now enjoy all that the world of technology has to offer. Whether you want to order books, shop for unusual gifts, find out useful (or useless) information, research your family tree, or just e-mail family and friends it can all be within your grasp.
Anyway, what I am trying to say is; put a little thought into your response when someone asks you what you want for Christmas. If you love fresh ground gourmet coffee, ask for a monthly home delivery. A gift certificate at the YMCA or local spa, a personal trainer, coupons for meals at the local Sr. Center, pre-paid taxi or bus tickets, low vision products, computer classes, housekeeping services (I keep hinting, but this hasn’t happened yet), meal service delivered to your door (and I am not talking about meals on wheels here). Do you see what I mean? Ask for something that you would really love, but are reluctant to spend the money on yourself. How about a dragon for Christmas?
Comments