THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 72 NOV 2023-JAN 2024 theconnectionsnj.com - With the holidays right around the corner, one big thing crosses many people’s minds. No matter what you may celebrate, gift giving is an important part of this time of year. One of the hardest questions, and even one that gets me sometimes, is, “What gift to get?”. After all, you want to get a gift that people are going to like and use, but not something they already have. Here are some tips I have picked up from the trials and errors of my gift giving experience. I like to start by thinking about the person’s age. Get more specific than a kid or an adult. For example, if you are getting a gift for a kid, are they a toddler, or are they a teenager? You can usually stop there if you do not know the person really well. From this information, you can get a gift that they might really use in their daily life. This strategy is also good for a Pollyanna or White Elephant, when you may not know exactly who is getting your gift. For example, once my friends and I were doing a gift exchange. I got a gift with different colored pens and highlighters that I might use in school. If you know the person well, you might want to dig a little deeper and get something more personal. Another good thing to think about are things that you already have. I do not mean re-gifting here. What I mean is that you may have something that someone else may like. For example, I have a logic game that I really like. One of my friends also likes logic puzzles. As soon as I got the game, I thought of this friend immediately. So, when their birthday came around, I got them the same game, already knowing they would appreciate it and enjoy it. Next, a good idea might be to think about their hobbies. You can get something that goes in that category. One of my friends likes baking, so I got them a baking gift. I also think about what situations the person may be in. Like one of my friends was redoing their room, so I got them a decoration they could put in their newly renovated space. One mistake often times is to ask what they want. While this ensures they will like the gift, it can lead to problems. You see, one of my friends told my friend group about something they really wanted. Then two of my friends found out they both got her the same gift! Instead, use their ideas as inspiration rather than buying that item alone (maybe check with the other friend if they decided to buy it) or you could split the gift from both of you. Then you could even add in a little something extra since it’s from two people. Gift giving can be so much fun, and something you can do not only this time of year, but any time of the year. I hope this advice helps you find the perfect gifts for everyone this holiday season and beyond! Gotta Get a Gift? By Riya Ramani Happy Holidays! Teen Tips For Gifting There is a clubhouse where we live. It is the center of our social life, and I find myself drawn there several times a week. The beauty of it is that in addition to food and beverage, there are other people, also enjoying the socialization. Whether it is Trivia Night, Bingo, movies, a cover band or other entertainment, cards or Mah Jongg, there is always something to do, always someone to meet, and a means of staying involved with the outside world. Engaging with people of different ages is refreshing, and there are days when being 70-something makes me older than others and days when I am the younger one at the table. Additionally, I love having a reason to get dressed and put on my best smile! In essence, Independent or Assisted Living facilities are similar. There are others with whom to have a conversation, food and beverage, games and movies, connections that bring people together, and shared experiences. Although the residents are usually senior in age, some are younger in spirit and that can radiate to other residents. The ability to discuss shared memories is very compelling. In contrast, living in one’s room or apartment with no company but the television and eating meals in solitude, the hours slowly ticking by can create a sense of loneliness that is untenable and deleterious for the health of seniors. Many enter these facilities thin and weakened, having lost their appetite not only for food, but for life. Remarkably, engaging with others at mealtime or snacking with a group can rapidly return the resident to their full vitality. Many facilities make meals and snacks the center of the day, posting menus and even having the meals on display. At some facilities, the residents have positions of importance, such as running the Country Store or helping with crafts. Having the ability to feel strong, capable, and yes, even younger, is wonderful. Also, many want to share their past with new friends and can do so by discussing their careers, family, pets or friends. The Baby Boomers are aging and our numbers are enormous. We always envisioned ourselves as forever young. Although that was hubris and quite foolish-we are the generation that has created ways of maintaining our youth longer than any before us. By running, working out, lifting weights, and living socially, we are working to make our lives as long and as meaningful as possible. I see no evidence that we will ever change! SENIOR CORNER Socializing May Be the Key to Longevity By Ellyn Mantell Remarkably, engaging with others at mealtime or snacking with a group can rapidly return the resident to their full vitality.
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