As we approach the holiday season, my thoughts turn to gifts. I dislike buying 'for the sake of it' or just so that someone will have a parcel to open. I prefer to buy things that I know people will really want or need.
In truth, I am usually listening out for hints all year round, and I try to make a note so that when December rolls around I have some good ideas to work with.
As the grandchildren get older, they are becoming really good sources of information for their parents. 'What does Mummy want for Christmas?' I will ask, or 'What is Daddy's favourite thing at the moment?' One of them has a mobile phone now, and sent me clandestine pictures of their Christmas lists! Unfortunately, the pics were a bit blurry, but I managed to make out one or two details!
For the kids themselves, there were a few years at the beginning when we tended to give their parents money to pay for swimming lessons, dance classes and the like, but when they hit about four it became evident that parcels were required. Nowadays, they want things I need to have explained to me. What are air up pods, for instance? And they like clothes with logos on them - and, no, not 'George'!
My husband and I give each other token gifts but again, we like to make them count. But there is a danger of buying him things that I want him to have rather than things he wishes for himself. I recognise that I am probably a difficult person to buy for. I just don't really want or need anything!
And here's the rub. We are so fortunate. So many people are struggling these days. It seems incredible to me that we live in a country where thousands of people - even working people - rely on food banks, where heat poverty is a thing and where so many vital research programmes and basic community resources need charitable support.
But we do! And so we try to support as many of them as we can.
So that leaves me with you, my dear readers.
My gift to you is a discount on six of my most popular titles. Knock yourselves out!
May I remind you that you can buy all my titles direct from me, regardless of where you live in the world. Prices quoted are in GBP but the wizardry behind the site will convert them into your own currency. I'll send you a file that will transfer seamlessly to your eReading device, just as though you'd bought it from the big boys. It won't cost you a penny more but Mr Bezos won't get a dime.
In addition, several titles are enrolled with KU, so if you subscribe to that, help yourself!
I am mindful that the holidays can be a gruelling time for many. Those wonderful emergency and support workers who keep us safe, shop workers and those in hospitality. Thank you!
If you're alone, or feeling alone, Christmas can be tough, and of course our thoughts dwell fondly on those who will not be here this year.
On the other hand, if you have hoards of family and friends descending, beds to make, food to cook, gifts to buy and budgets to stretch, the holidays can be equally demanding and frankly, we can be glad when they are over.
For me, things will be fairly quiet - just the way we like them. And in the new year I'll be back at work on the new installment in the Talbot Saga ... watch this space.
I wish you a very happy, peaceful Christmas.
Comments