| "bottom-link"> | | | | and blossoms like the snow. Stories say that a |
| It’s the most wonderful time of the year | | | | shepherd maiden named Madelon followed the 3 |
| again and before the entire yuletide celebrations | | | | kings into the manger and witnessed the offering |
| begin, every makes a list, checks it twice and | | | | of gifts. She cried when she realized that she had |
| chooses presents for those dear to us. This | | | | nothing to offer, but an angel saw her and took |
| article gathers the most popular gift ideas available | | | | pity. With the wave of an arm the angel parted |
| for Internet shoppers out there. The global gift | | | | the snow for her and out blossomed a white rose |
| economy comes to life and centers on the | | | | with pink tips, now called the winter or Christmas |
| yuletide season. It’s a multibillion-dollar | | | | rose. |
| industry and is the retailers dream come true. It | | | | Gift Baskets |
| breaks cultural boundaries since even | | | | Chocolates gift basket is a true basketful of |
| non-Christians enjoy the occasion because of the | | | | treats. Chocolates are a gift of indulgence and will |
| universal delight in gift giving. | | | | be appreciated no matter what the cost is. Eyes |
| A lot of trade and increased economic activity | | | | will pop at sight of M&M’s or Belgian |
| really connects many regions of the world and | | | | sweets centered with a stuffed animal. It is |
| this joyful act of giving builds bridges between | | | | assured that on Christmas Eve that this will |
| cultures from distant lands. | | | | always be one of the first baskets opened and |
| Fortunately, the Internet age enables as well as | | | | more importantly shared by the family. |
| affords us to send the most meaningful to the | | | | Ornaments |
| most spectacular gifts to most parts of the | | | | This is a nifty idea. Given once, but will always be |
| world. | | | | used during this special season with the giver |
| There are probably a million websites dealing with | | | | always remembered. Beautiful ornaments such as |
| Christmas gift economy, unfortunately most of | | | | candelabras, a Japanese Christmas lantern, |
| these do not tell you what to buy or what not to | | | | Chinese Christmas bells, and many others can be |
| buy. They just offer everything! | | | | a cultural coup for many families specially if they |
| Fortunately, after scouring the first dozen or so | | | | are of another faith. Christmas is a great equalizer |
| pages some sites did offer a few gift ideas that | | | | and an ornament for their tree will be something |
| really agreed with my sensibilities. I have collated | | | | cherished and may even be passed on to the |
| these gift ideas into 5 categories and hopefully | | | | next generation. |
| they agree with yours. | | | | Candles |
| Flowers | | | | Christmas candles come in sets or can |
| This tops the list since I just realized during my | | | | stand-alone. Aromatic ones bequeath scents that |
| research is that real fresh flowers are one of the | | | | trigger memories of days gone by and the many |
| best Christmas gifts given that they symbolize | | | | seasons to follow. There are a lot of candle types |
| fragrance and freshness; and will be sitting at the | | | | available in the market but be on the look out for |
| center of the midnight feast of every recipient. | | | | stand outs like a set of green, red and white |
| But more than that the poinsettia and the rose | | | | sparkling candles or those in a candy cane design. |
| plays such deep significance to the season and | | | | Religious candles are meant for the altar so aim |
| the rose both of which are surrounded by legend | | | | for the candles that can be a table piece for |
| and lore. | | | | families or your loved one to enjoy for a warmer |
| The Poinsettia is called Flower of the Holy | | | | Christmas Eve. |
| Night in Central America, but Mexican legend | | | | Stuffed toys |
| says that it came into the world as God’s | | | | I try to stay away from expensive gifts, I prefer |
| answer to the humble offering of poor siblings, | | | | the ones with more meaning and personal value. |
| Maria and Pablo. They could only contribute wild | | | | Stuffed toys or animals such as bears, ponies, |
| plants and weeds to the Christmas manger scene | | | | giraffes, elephants and many others provide |
| during their town’s festival and were | | | | comfort and joy. Most companies even offer |
| mocked by other children. Miraculously, the green | | | | Christmas themed ones which you can attach a |
| plants turned into the red star like leaves we | | | | personalized message to. Besides being a |
| know today. | | | | keepsake, it can be easily packaged and sent to |
| The Europeans on the other hand, believe the | | | | any place in the word without any fear of |
| Winter Rose as the true Christmas Flower for it | | | | damage. |
| grows deep in the mountains during the season | | | | |