Bob Thomas Writes

As Christmas approaches I find myself, once again, debating the merits of buying gifts for people that I hardly speak to in the course of the year.
It’s especially hard to cough up a few dollars for the various delivery, service, maintenance and other people in my life. After all, they get paid very well for what they do. I know, I pay them! None of them has ever come to me on Christmas and said, “Here’s a nice gift, Thanks for being a great customer this year!” And I’ve never gotten a gift from the mailman! . . . of course, I’ve never given him one either! Maybe that’s why my mail always looks like it was stepped on the first few weeks after Christmas. The only ones I feel like I have to give a gift to are my Urologist and Proctologist! The reason is obvious I think. I want them to think nice thoughts about me as I stand before them on my annual visits!
And of course, I give a little something to my Ex-wife ! She did spend 17+ years by my side and I think that’s worth a little something extra in her stocking! I know that, as I look in the mirror every morning, I’m amazed that she hung around as long as she did. . . if I had to wake up with a 250lbs, gray bearded “bear” in my bed every morning I would damn sure charge extra !. . . at the very least, I would look for a nice gift on Christmas morn!
I think that the nicest gifts I’ve gotten over the years are the ones that weren’t intentionally given to me. Things like the memories of my family gathered around the fireplace or table. . . all laughing and teasing each other. My Son’s laughter on the few Christmas Mornings I’ve spent with him. My Wife’s whispered “I love you”. Gifts like those can’t be bought. And the people who give them aren’t aware of how grateful I am to have received them. Unlike ties, sweaters and other “stuff”, I can recall these gifts anytime and enjoy them to the fullest. . . and I do. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas