The Unexpected Gift

It’s 7 p.m., the sun has set, and there’s a nice fire glowing in the fireplace. Suddenly the doorbell rings. You wonder who it is. After all, you weren’t expecting company. You peer through the slats of the mini-blinds before opening the door. Hey! It’s your fourth cousin twice removed with his wife and three kids. And what’s this? They brought gifts. With a smile pasted across your face, you invite them into your home, wondering all the while if there are any Halloween candy left over you could package up quickly and give them as a gift. This Christmas, don’t be stranded without a few extra gifts for those unexpected visitors that seem to come out of nowhere during the holidays. There’s always someone you forgot and while it isn’t the end of the world if they don’t get a gift, it would be a nice gesture. There’s your child’s school teacher, bus driver, or a neighbor who watches your home while you’re away. The gift doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. It could be a miniature wreath or a pack of fiber optic, battery-operated mini Christmas trees. The point is to have something that’s not gender-specific on hand, wrapped and ready to go at a moment’s notice.