Gifting with Joy
Guest Post by Marlene M. Kristoff
Style at a Certain Age Saturday guest editor Marlene M. Kristoff shares luxury retail, home, and design ideas.
Gifting with Joy!! Holiday 2021!
How wonderful to share and spread JOY this holiday with thoughtful gestures of love and thanks…
The Holidays are a time of remembering all the special people in our lives. Certainly, tokens of appreciation are simple joys to give…no matter how small, practical, or luxurious! From a box of cashews for the post carrier, Hot Belgium Chocolate Snowmen for the children next door…to perhaps the new La Mer Lip Balm, as a stocking stuffer for the dear friend who is wildly obsessed with skincare!
Today, the traditional Christmas or Holiday Card has actually become a gift! They are precious and dear $$. Thankfully, we still have a postal service to deliver these gems of love and caring!
Caspari Mini Boxed Christmas Cards
Sending Holiday Cards are a delight to give and receive! Of course, they require special thought and preparation. Select a quality image with meaning, whether printed, engraved, or embossed. Sharing handwritten news and wishes with stamp and seal perhaps…a bit of a juggle with so much to do. We should truly cherish each card as a message and act of love and friendship. They are special ways to stay in touch over the miles with those we love, yet may not be able to see or visit, for whatever reason…for weeks, months or years! Very special hellos, indeed!
Cards also mark the passage of time. We learn of or see families grow and celebrate…life events, even 4-legged additions!! Birth’s, Engagements, Weddings, and moves across the country or world, all become part of the memorable Holiday Card…sometimes with photos too! How thoughtful! How fun!
Throughout this special season, let’s remember those who make our daily lives lovelier, richer, more convenient or pleasurable: Postal carrier, Neighbor, Doctor, Caretaker, Teacher, Trainer, Manicurist, Handyman, Colleagues, and Staff… Thinking of what makes each of them smile and inspires their passions and pursuits. This makes the
selection process creative fun! Do they love art, design, books, cars, music, wine, their new home, garden or city? Are they movie, photography, or animal lovers, maybe gourmands and travelers? Might they be collectors or new parents, grandparents, newlyweds, or about to be? Is self-care, tech, or work from home on their radar?? All these little questions may help ideas flow for your gifting with joy! Ideas abound!
Sugar Packet/Business Card Holder
Each man, woman, or child on your list is special…they made it onto the GOOD list! Certainly, we remember friends, family, and loves in different ways. While some receive cards, gourmet goodies, and little tokens; our nearest and dearest are showered with luxuries great or small!
Hopefully, all cards and gifts are sealed or wrapped beautifully with love and care…some to personally give, some for the post, and some to place under the tree.
I hope you are having fun playing Santa, enjoying your holiday home, and making your way through all of your lists with joy, passion, and lots of love!!
Until next Saturday…cheers!! xoxo MMK
Guest Post by Marlene M. Kristoff
Shop the Post
Where can the Santa Clause be purchased? It is so cute. Would love to add to my collection!
Hi Priscilla, It is available at Gump’s San Francisco…very charming! Santa with Bag of Toys 6in
Originally created in 1924 by Grete Wendt, this figurine was inspired by the image of the hard-working Santa who wants only to deliver his presents on time. Founded in 1915, Wendt & Kühn is one of Erzgebirge’s most beloved workshops. Heirloom-quality and prized collectibles, each painted wood figurine is handcrafted in the Saxony region of Germany by skilled artisans using techniques passed down from generation to generation.
Handcrafted wood.
Handpainted.
Handmade in Germany.
6″H.
$350.00
https://www.gumps.com/pages/search-results-page?q=santa+
Holiday cards use to be a delight to receive. I’ve found over the years more and more come preprinted including the signature and mailing label. There are even companies that offer that serve. Send them your card list and viola, they preprint, address, and mail the card. They have no personalization. If I’m lucky I receive a photo card, but again with no personalization. I’m aware everyone is very busy juggling home, kids, work, parents . . . but if we can’t take time once a year to wish friends and family all the best, what is the point of sending a card?
The way, do you remember Brett cards? I have a few saved, as some of the cards were embroidered and so beautiful, I framed them. Merry Christmas and Happiest of Holidays to all.
Hi Hetty,
Yes, I agree that a personalized touch is the point!!
I bought Stationery at Gump’s in San Francisco …and yes, of course, remember the beautiful Brett cards. I included many of the quality companies in my post…including D’Arconte – beautiful engraving, Paula Skene – lovely embossing and Caspari – gorgeous printing in Switzerland! Kind thanks for your note…have a beautiful holiday and enjoy sending your cards!! xoxo MMK
Lovely …And don’t forget to save as much as possible of that beautiful wrapping paper to reuse next year! Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than protecting the planet. But I’d also posit that putting a gift into a shoebox and wrapping it in a paperbag that your kids have decorated would also bring the joy and love you mention.
Merry Christmas!
Hi Maeve,
Yes, thank you….repurposing is always wonderful!
As long as it has meaning, all manner of wrap is terrific!! My nephews used to send craft paper wrapping with colored stamped images….too cute! Happy memory!
Enjoy the season – Happy Holidays to you! xoxo MMK