Show us your presents.

**skauwt** · 25th December 09, 08:00 PM

my other half got me a few surprises ,a metal detector a gem/rock tumbler the must have christmas jumpers ,house coats and winter wear and some world war 2 games for the wii

and one of the gifts i find will work perfectly with my kilt accessories is a leather cufflink box

i also got my partner a wee sewing machine so heres hoping she`ll be good enough one day to make me a kilt

**piperdbh** · 25th December 09, 08:38 PM

I agree with Hamish 100%. I enjoy gifts as much as anyone, but there's nothing that I really need and most of my wants are satisfied, plus we're running out of space to put stuff. The donation idea is a good one, or go somewhere with a person who would be alone on Christmas, or cook a bunch of food and invite some folks over.
That being said, here's my present to myself:

**Hamish** · 26th December 09, 05:40 AM

Originally Posted by DougC

So--Hamish, what was your chairty of choice? My wife and I like Kiva and have had a donation given in our name (and given for others) for the last couple of years. Nice to see them at the top of the page here--not preachy/soap boxy at all...Merry Christmas!

Hi Doug,

My number one charity is our nearest hospice (St. Barnabas Hospice in Worthing) where, fourteen years ago, my partner received amazingly loving care, given tirelessly over several months. The help and support given to me at that time was also exceptional. St. Barnabas will therefore always be at the top of my list. The British Legion and two childrens' charities are also on my list.

By the way, the Kiva website seems to be inaccessible at the moment!

Take care,
Ham.

**Heming** · 26th December 09, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

Quite a number of years ago, we decided to notify everyone with whom we exchanged presents that we would, from that date, stop giving them and would instead make donations to nominated charities to the value that we might have spent on our family and friends - and hoped that they would do the same.

I've had the same practice for the last five years. This year's charity of choice was "Erlik Oslo", a local charity that provides honest work and honest income for homeless people in Oslo.

**BobsYourUncle** · 1st January 10, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

Quite a number of years ago, we decided to notify everyone with whom we exchanged presents that we would, from that date, stop giving them and would instead make donations to nominated charities to the value that we might have spent on our family and friends - and hoped that they would do the same.

We adopted this very practice in 1990, when my mother passed away. Our family gives an annual donation in her memory to the non-governmental, nonprofit public library where she served as a trustee of long standing, and to which she devoted many, many hours of toil. And yet, like Cessna152towser, there are others to whom we feel compelled to give, and we feel blessed to be able to do so. I have enjoyed this thread. You are a great group of folks. Thank you all.

**Tatonka** · 25th December 09, 08:41 PM

My wife said I had been good this year. I still can't believe it is mine.

**Stilletto_Rebel** · 26th December 09, 01:22 AM

Originally Posted by Tatonka

My wife said I had been good this year...

Whatever it is you're good at, keep doing it!!

kiltedwolfman · 25th December 09, 08:45 PM

Nice!

**cessna152towser** · 26th December 09, 04:34 AM

Well until I read Hamish's post I was not going to contribute to this thread.
The only Christmas present which I received was a gift voucher for a local food store, from the agency through whom I employ domestic help one afternoon per week.
I used it to buy some pre-packed pre-cooked meals to put in the freezer for eating over the next few days.

Throughout the year friends and extended family have given generously to me, gifts, hospitality, companionship, etc.. I expect nothing from them at Christmas, this is my opportunity to have the joy of giving something in return. I enjoyed choosing, wrapping and sending presents to several people who had hosted me during the year. I bought gifts for Ann who is no longer able to choose gifts, I sent money to my daughter because she is going through a bad patch. I have taken great pleasure from all the thankyou e-mails I have received from gift recipients over the past three days. I'd have been embarrassed if any of these people had sent me Christmas gifts, they have already given me plenty of kindness, friendship and hospitality during the past year.