It is the habit of women in the south, particularly those of a certain age, to always keep at the ready a gift, wrapped appropriately for the relevant holiday. It is usually a trifle; a mason jar of preserves from the Loveless Café or, God forbid, another silver-plated picture frame, a re-gift from an earlier holiday.
When that unexpected gift giver appears, reciprocity is at hand. As the intended recipient briefly disappears and returns with a wrapped gift, tag less, you know – unless your mother sent you – that gift is not for you but for some person unknown to even the recipient herself. What is more, she knows that you know.
In that moment the joy of gift giving is vaporized. Swallowed by the quid pro of a transaction no more interesting than the one at the grocery store earlier in the day.
I am more than a little jealous of these well-prepared women. I have never been able to summon the discipline necessary to anticipate a once-sided Christmas trade months in advance. The artifice, too, is a bit beyond me as I try to always give things that will be warmly received and without summoning that the months-ago-wrapped picture frame.
I can, however, and I am, grateful to all the gifts I receive, large and small, on Christmas, every other holiday and even the ordinary work-a-days.
That includes you.
May these days of traditional and celebration be a blessing to you all.
Emily Evans
Managing Director – Health Policy
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