The Gift

Now that Halloween is behind us (my least favourite holiday—but that is for a sidebar conversation), I feel the pull towards the intensity of the December holidays. The changes over the last two Decembers have been monumental. December 2020 was unprecedented and was followed by December 2021 (pivoting), and now we are heading to December 2022 (hybrid). This might be the first time since the Great Pandemic began that we will physically gather with friends and family. And so this prompts me to ponder gift-giving. ⁠

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Humans attach a lot of significance to the act, from offerings of worship and tribute to tokens of appreciation. Gifts were the manifestation of sacrifice – since one would give something of existential value, like food or property. Now, they are infused with affection and embody feelings. I think of this when I look at the old pocket watch my grandmother gave my grandfather as a wedding gift. When it comes to buying a gift for the ‘person who has everything,’ I think that thing must bring joy and remind that person of how you feel about them.

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I have always loved pens and paper, so I think we have something in the shop for everybody. A good writing instrument can become a companion that spurs us on to introspection or consoles us on our travails. We write with ink on paper and leave proof that we are here! ⁠