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Christmas season is here - we're all thinking about
what we can give to a special someone, along with the
usual family and friends stuff. Sometimes it actually
becomes a bit depressing trying to fit everything in and
keep somewhat of a budget (unless you are one of the
fortunate who don't have to worry about budgets.)
The person who almost always doesn't get on your list is YOU.
I say almost always because I've been known to buy
something for myself (usually since my birthday is
just before Christmas I can palm it off as buying
myself a birthday present).
But in fact, you will enjoy Christmas even more if you
buy something for yourself, and plan ahead to make it
something which will give you added enjoyment and
satisfaction long after the Christmas season has long
faded. What is that, you might ask?
Have you ever built a fly rod? Do you need a new rod?
If you haven't and no, don't need another this is
absolutely perfect for you. Order a rod building kit.
Even better, go to our
Sponsor Page and find Hook & Hackle. Click through
to their website and find the super deals they have right
now on rod building kits. Pick out one you don't need,
in a weight you probably don't already have and order it.
In fact, if you have a regular fishing buddy, order two.
(Yes, they are cheap!) That way the two of you can keep
in touch over the cold, frozen-water months and do something
together which will improve both of your lives. You can help
each other and solve the little problems together. An adventure!
Something to look forward too. The satisfaction of having
something you made which really works.
This is a win-win situation.
But wait - there's more.
I'm asked "what can I get for my wife?" a lot. Well, don't
do the 'usual' whatever that is. Get out of the rut. Also
get off your butt and put some real effort into this one.
Arrange a "date night." Buy a couple of tickets to a local
event, (concert, show, even movie) get dressed up, take your
lady out for dinner and a show. If the budget allows, book
a nice hotel too. Need a babysitter? Try swapping kids for
a night. Your friend, family member or neighbor might be
looking for something different and very nice too. The tickets
go in a nice card on the tree marked "Date Night." One year
JC bought tickets for the boat, Victoria Princess from Seattle
to Victoria BC. and we had high tea at the Empress Hotel. The
whole town was decorated for Christmas and it was a wonderful
present.
Here's one for the young fellows in your family. You should
probably know what their major interests are, buy them a good
book. I'm serious. The numbers on the school testing, at
least here in Washington state are absolutely appalling. Middle
and high school boys can't read, their math skills are terrible,
and they fall way behind the girls. Buy them a book and make
a point of reading it WITH them. They will know you are concerned
and it will encourage them to stop 'playing dumb' which seems to
be the biggest deal of all in school right now, like "It's cool
to be stupid." They have no idea of course what this will cost
them down the road. If you are lucky enough to have a son who
is interested in fly fishing the choices are wonderful (including
the rod-building kit.)
When my daughters were at home, I made a point each Christmas
to make sure they each had presents in three categories; something
for the body (clothes) something for the hands (craft projects)
and something for the mind...usually books! I've been known to
buy children's cookbooks so the girls could also create real food.
There are some for middle and high-school kids as well.
Think positive, make this Christmas one you all will remember
with the fondest memories. ~ DLB
If you would like to comment on this or any other article please feel free to
post your views on the FAOL Bulletin Board!
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