All I want for Christmas

Published 8:00 am Sunday, November 18, 2018

Shopping can be easy and fun when thinking outside the box

Bah-humbug may be an initial reaction to the Santa-bearing-gift graphic of today’s feature, but truth be told, many readers have realized Christmas is just around the corner. The cold snap last week gave way to things to come and holiday gift giving is nearer than some would like.

When retail stores started putting Christmas decorations on the shelf before Halloween — the writing was on the wall — so, this is actually late notice. Time to think of what to get those special people in your life — family, friends, coworkers and even strangers. The deadline for sending the annual Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child is Monday.

If you missed the notice in last Friday’s newspaper, there is still time today and tomorrow to get those trinkets that mean the world to children overseas that have nothing. Word of Hope World Outreach Church is a drop off location for the second year in Iberia Parish. Colorfully decorated boxes with instructions can be picked up and used or any standard shoe box will do. Suggestions on items for specific age children, whether gifts are for a boy or girl, are on the church’s Facebook page.

Collection has already begun and boxes can be dropped off at 705 W. Admiral Doyle Drive today from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the final day, Monday, from 9 a.m. to noon. Contact Kristin Mitchell at 365-5651 if you have any questions.

Something for Everyone

Shopping Local is a mantra that lasts all year long, but it can mean more at Christmas for local establishments especially those trying to end the year in the black. Black Friday is coming this week and instead of adding to the traffic congestion in larger towns, try some creative gift giving by thinking outside of the box stores — unless they happen to be within your city/parish tax base area. In that case, shop away.

Last year seeking a unique gift for a wedding of two baby boomers whose mates had died, a surprise find at Paul Schexnayder’s Studio + Gallery made the perfect gift — an art piece of a split heart sewn together with leather cord. It represented the love they had found again, together. That’s creative gift giving blessing both the receiving couple with a symbol of their blended hearts and for the local artist who created the piece. Consider different kinds of art for your loved one’s Christmas gift.

Spending time together is often the way to celebrate all year. With season tickets, show specific tickets or a seasonal pass for area attractions like Rip Van Winkle Gardens, Bayou Teche Museum, the Iberia Performing Arts League, Shadows-on-the-Teche and other regional non-profit historical locations will help them meet their financial goals for another year — and the gift can last beyond the unwrapping season. Walking the gardens of any historic attraction can bring a respite that will be much needed when spring arrives. Where do you like to go?

Consider Local Merchandise

If family is away from home, or friends that love to visit the area, the natural solution is to prepare a gift basket from area manufacturers like Tabasco, Konriko, Cane River Pecans, Uncle’s BBQ or other seasonings like Mr. C’s Alkaline Seasoning, Cajun Chef and many other products from local producers representative of the area. With overnight shipping even Legnon’s Boucherie Boudin, Bi-Lo seasoned meats or other refrigerated products can be delivered in time for Christmas feasting. Nothing better than home cooked meals when you live in a bland cuisine state.

One New Iberia resident sent prepared and frozen crawfish etouffee along with the ingredients and a recipe to her California grandson for graduation. He enjoyed the treat remembering the last time he visited and months later continues to talk about how special it was to receive the unique present.

Depending on the age of the recipient, a simple trip to the local drugstore could land a treasure trove of seasonal over the counter medications. Hand lotions and personal body care products can be expensive for every adult and for those on fixed incomes, getting a gift basket with usable items beats a generic gift anytime. Some local shops have their own line of gift items unique to the community.

Every independent merchant looks for handmade and crafted retail items that might draw the attention of their customers, but first the buyer has to cross the threshold to shop. Blue Butterfly is another one of the local shops carrying unique gift ideas, but boutique clothing is another item where buyers can shop local easily. Then later if an exchange is required, it will be much quicker close to home rather than a drive through after-Christmas-traffic to return something that didn’t fit.

Susan’s just moved locations in downtown but they are still a downtown merchant. The Grand Theater and shopping center as well as those on other major streets, some popping up all the time, need local traffic to stay in business. After shopping in your hometown, try the antique or knickknack shops in other regional communities. The experience beats the traffic congestion anytime plus, a lunch or dinner with friends in the community makes a shopping day pleasant instead of a chore.

Check Tech Out Online

Before heading out to purchase those high dollar electronics, check out the J.D. Power and Associates multitude of reviews of electronic gadgets or major home improvements, if they are on your must-have Christmas list. The deals have already started. Ahead of the official Black Friday, Cyber Monday shopping day is tomorrow. It might be helpful to have a good idea of what you’re shopping for online, with local electronic dealers or big box stores.

J.D. Power released a collection of links for various things that might be discounted or bundled in some way, items that could be on the Santa list. Among the noted rankings are reports on wireless network quality, customer care and wireless purchase experiences. Wireless routers, home security satisfaction, Smart thermostat satisfaction reports, in-car multimedia technology, television service providers, telephone providers are all things to consider when making those teenage technology investments — or for all ages. Kitchen appliances, online flower retailers, vacuum cleaners, laundry appliances are great gifts when needed and combine the gifting spirit with the practical. J.D. Power and other review sites can recommend all types of home furnishings or those hand held electronics.

Forever Hobby Gifts

The availability of digital content has made it easy to forget how pleasurable it can be to pick up a good book and get lost in a story.

Researchers at the Yale School of Public Health analyzed 12 years of data from the University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement Study concerning reading habits. Among the 3,600 participants over the age of 50, those who read books for as little as 30 minutes per day over several years were living an average of two years longer than those who didn’t read.

Studies have shown that reading improves fluency and story retention while providing a host of additional benefits to young children. Studies even suggest that reading can help a person be more empathetic to others’ feelings. Research published in the journal Science showed that reading literary works (not popular fiction) cultivates a skill known as “theory of mind,” which is the “ability to ‘read’ the thoughts and feelings of others.”

Reading also can be calming, helping to reduce stress as a result. By losing oneself in a book, worries and stress can melt away, says research conducted at the University of Sussex.

Several regional authors have new releases in time for Christmas including Paul Schexnayder. His second book in the series of Joy and Wonder is available as well as other local authors and regional historical books at Books Along the Teche Bookstore. Signed copies are great gifts and if your family is a mystery fan, James Lee Burke has a new one set in New Iberia.

Consider a literary gift for 2019 with registrations to the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival. Tickets are on sale for excursions that locals and out-of-towners can enjoy together experiencing authentic Cajun events all weekend. Check out the free ticketed and paid events at the Festival’s website or on EventBrite.com.

Start the season early with a host of Christmas events to be featured in next Sunday’s newly designed Daily Iberian. There is a lot to see and do in the Teche Area.