A long-standing family tradition of mine is the post Thanksgiving dinner Pollyanna selection for Holiday gifts. An addendum to the tradition is a discussion of the horrendous gifts received in years past, like the Flavor Flav doll bought in jest but accepted with earnestness or the rabbit-fur shawl that cycles through the family, horrifying all who touch it. One year I even received a commemorative Lewis and Clark Sacajawea stamp. (It remains the only stamp in my collection.) More often than not, though, we receive our gifts gratefully, use them once and forget about them for the rest of our lives. Thoughtful gifts, it seems, are a thing of the past.
With the holiday season approaching rapidly, I urge everyone to think about the gifts they’re giving. Your iTouch will soon be outdated. Your brother will grow out of his sweater. We all should look for a gift that gives incessantly. Whether it’s a handwritten note or a session at camp, make sure your recipients cannot simply put away your offering. Sneakers are forgettable, experiences are not. A session at camp is a gift that can last a lifetime. I guarantee you won’t find a warranty like that in any department store.
So, happy holiday season from everyone at Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs, and remember, this season, give from the heart!
