In these last few days before Christmas, I'm sure there are plenty of us scrambling to get our last minute shopping done. Are you buying any books for friends or family (or even yourself)? Do you expect to receive any bookish gifts from others - books, or book-related?
Fortunately, I finished my Christmas shopping last week, so I don't have to battle the last minute crowds! I've really had to scale back my gift buying this year. Truth is, I may or may not have a job anymore at the beginning of 2009 - my boss is still trying to figure out a way to keep our doors open, but I'm being realistic. (After all, I am the bookkeeper and I know first hand what our situation really is.) Therefore, I only bought presents for my immediate family. Many of my friends are in the same boat as I am, so we were in agreement about our gift-giving this year.
The only reader in my family is my dad and yes, I did buy him a book. (Bob Schieffer's America). Books are my favorite gifts to give, especially when I know I've given them a book they really wished for. Just seeing the look of surprise on their face makes me happy. However, there aren't a lot of bookish people in my life, so those times are fewer than I wish. I would love to buy everyone in my family a book, but that just wouldn't work.
For that same reason, I don't expect to receive many bookish gifts this year. My mom has been known to give me books because I'm always talking about one book or another. However, this year I'm especially looking forward to the gifts from my dad, because he's a wood worker and he always makes his gifts and they're always so beautiful. He doesn't allow us in his shop when Christmas time nears - its like Santa's Workshop out there!!
I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and that you have much joy this holiday season!
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Sorry to hear about your job situation - a lot of folks are in that same spot this year, unfortunately. It's wonderful, though, to get those handmade gifts from your dad. I have a few things my grandfather made for me, and I really treasure them. Hope you have a merry, if unbookish, Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHand made gifts are so neat and precious. Hope things work out for you - job wise.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas
Robin
Sorry to hear about your job. I love handmade gifts! They are among the best presents.
ReplyDeleteI finished my Christmas shopping during the first week of December. Some of my closest friends decide that we won't have exchange of gifts. But I mostly did the shopping online and have the retailers send the books to the recipients.
ReplyDeleteI don't have to jostle to the mall for gifts but I'm eying for a couple new coats and sweaters for myself! :)
I didn't post my response to this week's musing question because I've been talking about holiday sales and supporting the book industry this entire month. So I'll pass and read everyone else's answer.