Some people have an incredible talent for picking out The Best Gifts for their family and friends. My daughter, Jennifer, is one of those people, as is my friend, Diane.  It is always obvious by their choices that they are aware of what someone wants or needs. They choose gifts that I never would have thought of choosing for myself; but once I have them, I know they are things I can’t live without.

My husband ties with Jennifer and Diane in the Gift-Giving arena.  Whether it is a physical item,  an especially planned outing,  or an event that I might be interested in but probably wouldn’t pursue on my own, he always manages to surprise me.

Me?  I didn’t inherit that gene.  When it comes to gift-giving, I freeze.  My mind goes blank, and I can’t think of a single thing that my friend or family member needs or wants.  In desperation, I go shopping and just browse the stores for things that might be “calling” their name.  Sometimes I am lucky and “hear” them calling to me… sometimes I’m not so lucky.

I have been able to surprise my husband, Rick, with a Christmas or birthday gift only a few times.  I guess I’m too obvious in asking questions about things he wants, or he just knows too well how my mind works and can guess what I chose.

But this year?  I think I’ve nailed it!

Rick loves when I make photo books for our family.  It is difficult for me to find the extra time to do that, so I have been rather negligent in this area over the past few years.  Last Christmas (one more year or not having a special surprise for him), I was determined to have one THIS Christmas.  I decided to keep all of my weekly Personal Notes and incorporate them into a photo album.  I’ve done that faithfully this year.  Once my Personal Note was written for the week, I copied it to a photo album.  The notes are written from my perspective, of course, and are not always about family; but they chronicle our year, touching on events or situations that, usually,  we’ve both experienced.

Rick always looks for my newsletter to hit his email box on Saturday morning.  He likes reading the Personal Notes.

This will be my special gift to him this year.  The gift of our year in print….

So, Rick…. whenever you read this, come find me.  Here’s a picture of your gift.  I hope you like it.  And I hope you’re surprised!

Merry Christmas!