FashBlog.com

By Christina VanGinkel

Do you remember as a child being all excited on Christmas morning or your birthday to open all of your gifts, only to always get at least one present that was something you would rather not get, such as a pack of socks or a hand knit sweater two sizes too big? Now that I am older, I know why that doting Aunt or parent was so intent on giving these items to us children. When I was just a bit older, I suddenly had an appreciation for a soft, fresh from the pack pair of socks, or a sweater that may have been a bit big, but was perfect for snuggling in on a rainy afternoon. These gifts were actually the adult's way of showing the child that small things in life can mean a great deal. They never came with words of wisdom though, so their meaning was usually lost.

The best part of this though, is that now that we are all grown up, there is nothing stopping us from always having a drawer full of brand new socks, or a closet full of snuggly sweaters perfect for wearing while we curl up with a good book. All we have to do is remind ourselves why these small luxuries can mean so much. When life's stresses are big, often these small details lift the stress away. This is, however, not to tell you to go and blow your grocery money on that wild pair of magenta pumps that caught your eye. Do not create more stress for yourself. It is to tell you that the next time you have a few spare dollars, instead of grabbing the newest magazine on the newsstand with headlines about who in Hollywood is dating whom, buy yourself some of life's biggest luxuries that come wrapped in the barest of packages. After all, why should we worry about the stars lives, when our lives are filled with enough daily drama of our own these days?

Moreover, ff you happen to have an upcoming birthday party, do not try to refrain from bringing a package of socks as a gift, especially if the recipient is an adult. Then go for it, I say. Better yet, bring the ultimate basket fit for any adult. Fill it with several pair of the softest, snuggliest socks you can find. Toss in a pair of slippers, and even add a few things like a loofah sponge and foot massage oil. If you want to go all out, toss in the most luxurious bathrobe or pair of pajamas you can find. Want to raise the bar even further yet? Knit or crochet a sweater that is just a wee bit big for the person you are giving it to, but be sure to make it out of the softest yarn you can find. Include a good book or two, and a pair of slippers, to show them just how much you care, and to let them know the sweater is for snuggling in. Funny how the older we get, the more simple a gift, the more we appreciate it!