March 14th 2020

December 19th 2014

Merry Christmas.

I just had the most wonderful idea, 

for those husbands who never seem to hear their wives ask for anything, 

and are oblivious to what they actually want. 

This only encourages husbands 

and children alike 

to buy unnecessary gifts 

or think spending a bazillion dollars 
will make it be a great gift.

It is not always true. 

Learned not only from experience, 

but from a great source of St Thomas, LDO wisdom,
THIS is what we would like.
You can't buy it or wrap it,

but we sure would like it under our trees:

Surprise. The element of surprise is hard to have for women who are the planners. Surprise her with A flower, kind words, help, a hug, or a genuine compliment. They are more impressive gifts than diamonds and new cars.

Deal with it. Family is family. Remember to stay by her side (and on her side)
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Care.  We want YOU to say, "put on your pyjamas and I'LL make some popcorn." Then YOU choose a movie you will both like and snuggle on the sofa. or Ask her to go for a walk with the dog/cat/hamster and wish upon a star.

Smile. It is infectious.
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Special. Arrange for a friend to come take photos of the two of you, and surprise her by having a frame bought and wrapped for the picture.

Laugh. Even if you do not think its funny.
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Love. Take your wife out to a diner you USED to go, before life became what it is. Afterwards, get the coffee to go, and take her to see Christmas lights on the drive home. (have a blanket and christmas cd tucked in the car.)

Dance. Like no one is watching. ****with her
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Kind. Be the kind generous person she knows you are. Be genuine. Make an effort to have good thoughts. Listen with all your attention and give your full attention to the person you’re talking with.

Sing. Sing carols, like you sing your favourites in your vehicle when you are alone.
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Happiness. All wives dream of the perfect Christmas. No fights, no arguments, no family squabbles. Give her hope by being on your best behaviour and avoiding too much alcohol that frees up your tongue and your attitude.

Play. Spend time playing with your children/granchildren/nieces/nephews during the holidays.
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Giving. Don't only be excited about what you give, remember that what you get and your reaction is worth as much as anything you bought! Most gifts have had thought put into them, even if you don't remember asking for it. Be excited about any gift you receive.

Memories. Remind her how much you love her by kissing her under the mistletoe.
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Peace. Remind her that she has done a wonderful job. That she makes your holiday special. That she makes everyone's holiday nicer.

Intimacy. Hold her hand, the whole holiday through.
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Blessings. Your wife would not be with you if she did not love you and consider you a huge part of her life. This year, remember how blessed you are to have her even if it came with her family. Make her Christmas happy by being nice to everyone, even in-laws.

Friends. Arrange a coffee meet up with her friends, have 1 invite her, surprise her with the rest.
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Obligation. Release her from an obligation she has made. Take the teen girls shopping on boxing day for her, surprise her by doing a chore you know she plans to do before she gets up, finish a job you started months ago and put a bow on IT as a gift!

Time. In her world there is not enough time with YOU, take time to be together.
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Kindness. Surprise her with a trip later in the evening to get her favourite coffee, donut or burger! This act of kindness may be just what she needed at that moment.

Prosperity. Show her you CAN cook instead of take out, and save the expense.
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Share. Tell her what you loved about everything this holiday. Tell your children about your childhood Christmases. Your wife loves you and your past is what made you who you are. Share yourself this year. Keep the negatives back until she actually asks.

Joy. Be her hero and help her or someone else out of a car or carry their bags.
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Beauty. Let her get ready first, not last. Give her time to be the woman she wants to show to the world. Not the haggared, last minute, mess she has to be, because she was ironing your shirt, or finding someone's lost socks.

Temper. Keep yours in check! No swearing at traffic, other shoppers or long lines.

(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

Rest. Tell her to sleep in and make sure she gets to! or Empty the house of pets, children and family and give your wife a one hour break.

Safety. Drive safe this holiday. Do not speed on the highways when you know it bothers her.
(The smile you give her is worth more than you know.)

All these things do not fit in a box. 

They are not buy-able at a store. 

Many husbands hear us say these things 

but few ever take the time to do them.

They assume we know.

And now I hope you share these ideas. 

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have some happen for you?

8 simple ideas.........

• Put treat in stockings on the back of the chairs for guests when they come to dinner
  (better yet hang a christmas bag on each chair for guests to put their small gifts or prizes into
  add a ziploc bag for a laugh and encourage taking leftovers!)
• Do not linger at the open door when saying good bye
• Talk to other "veterans" before trying to cook your first turkey
• Fill a pump dispenser thermos full of boiling water or have a second coffee maker running with just water, so you'll be ready to fix a fast tea or hot chocolate for a drop in guest
• Have a few small wrapped gifts like picture frames, nice note books or small gift cards
  taped to a small box of chocolates, in case you accidentally forget someone
• Make more space in your fridge by keeping your condiments off to the side in a picnic cooler
• Never wrap a gift in a box NOT from that store.
  It makes returns more difficult if they need to be made
• Save your gift lists from year to year to avoid duplication

good night