Christmas 1987 was pretty simple. Fewer people and maybe lower expectations? I barely remember exchanging gifts, although I DO remember dragging a Christmas tree down Broadway to our apartment on Duane Street. We could never have imagined online shopping back then. It’s more convenient than the in-person rush, but a big job with almost infinite choice. And I have far more people to shop for now! As usual, I will tip you all off and then procrastinate another week, but I am planning on having a fantastic Christmas. Here is what I am dreaming of…
(One note: Sid has also put together his own list if you are looking for the masculine point of view.)
TO GET: I wanted this watering can last year but no one pulled through. Which means that I have been watering my orchids with my gooseneck tea kettle. It works just fine, but this would be far better. Hope my girls are reading this. So pretty I might use it as a vase to stuff some flowers in!
TO GIVE: We have been making these stretchy flares for close to a decade now, but there has never been a better year for making sure each of my girls has a pair. One of my daughters is hugely pregnant... one works a very physical operations job and spends a lot of the day bending and lifting... two of them now use wheelchairs full-time and will love the comfort and easy on/off of the elastic waist, and the last one... well, she grew up in the age of athleisure and has always loved "soft pants". A win times five. I will divvy up the black and navy so they can trade around as needed.
TO GET: If you know me, you might know that I need another pair of cowboy boots like a hole in my head. But my dear friend and designer Lan always looks at me and says, "It's not about what you NEED" and she is absolutely right. Especially when it comes to gifts. Sid suggested that we name these boots after Tammy Wynette, the most beautifully soulful country singer. I only have a few high cowboy boots in my closet, and these are a knockout. I love the star motif. Hoping I can wear them to… stand by my man.
TO GIVE: We have started a tradition of offering wrapped versions of our candles around the holidays for easy grab-and-go gifting. They are wonderful to keep on hand when I need a last-minute host gift. 308 happens to be my favorite scent (although 138 is our most popular by a landslide). It is of course the most feminine-smelling. I raised a houseful of women so I think that is fair.
TO GET: I need to brush up on my history of Louis XIV, but I don't need to think very hard about where I will put this glorious piece of art that is also a candle. The petite Louise one on my mantel is lonely for a man.
TO GET: I really want this little spritzer of cologne. I love how I smell in the morning when I walk out the door, but by my second cup of coffee at my desk I need a refresh. This would be so elegant to pull out of my purse, and who doesn't want to be reminded of Positano? It is citrus-based so you really can't overdo it… I can spritz again around tea time!
TO GIVE: This Monocle book on Japan is so beautiful. Maybe I can include a plane ticket or two. Who do you think will be the lucky recipient? Do you think he's reading this?
TO GET: I cannot think of a cozier cardigan and I hope it is not spoiled to say I kind of deserve it. It has been a FULL year and I will wear it every day of my holiday vacation at home.
TO GET: I love this stuff and am due for a refill. It is pricier than soap and water, but the ritual and smell of it are worth every penny. Heidi must have imprinted me as a child, because anything remotely associated with Austria/Switzerland/Alps calls to me.
TO GIVE: My friend Tori Mellot created the most beautiful book. Since I am only Southern by marriage, I can hardly believe our house is included. Imposter syndrome! No kidding, it has some seriously beautiful homes to page through and be inspired by. This is a coffee table/kitchen table/bedroom dresser book that I will give it to my daughters who are only half Southern themselves.
TO GET: These socks are named for the Japanese aesthetic philosophy that "finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness." They are terrific-looking but that sentiment makes them quite perfect for me! Sid loves Chup socks so I can pick up a pair for him as well. Since they are men's socks, they will probably be imperfectly fitting as well… which is FITTING. I will make them work. Wabi-sabi!
TO GIVE: I have no business asking for a single piece of Marie-Hélène jewelry. Do you know if there is a MHT Anonymous group I can join? This is the one I WOULD ask for if I didn't have a problem. The woman in your life will adore it.
That's all for now. Like I said, I have another solid week ahead of putting off my real gift-buying! What can I say. The eleventh hour is a thrill. Merry everything to you and yours.
