by Dee Brun

The holidays are all about the joy of giving, being kind and doing onto others.  But there is something to be said about the joy of “getting”.

We never talk about how nice it is to receive, because that sounds selfish and rude. But we all enjoy getting a nice gift from that special someone who took the time and cared enough to brave the crazy Christmas mall crowds. Someone who knows us so well and wants nothing more than to see the love, joy and surprise on our face when we open our treasured gift…and hear us express our deepest gratitude for the lovely, SHOWER RADIO.

Seriously…I want to know what marketing genius is filling mens’ head with the idea that a CAR EMERGENCY KIT makes a great gift for your special lady. Yes, they are handy, practical and necessary. Yes, it shows you care for my safety, but so does MACE.

I also donʼt recall ever mentioning that I wanted the DVD collectors edition of THE FIRST FIVE SEASONS OF AMERICAN IDOL – how thoughtful!

Unfortunately it only gets worse before it gets better. All bets are off when you become a mother, because then the gifts become about MAKING YOUR LIFE EASIER…now doesnʼt that sound romantic.

Nothing screams I WANT YOU NOW like a new floor steamer, or how hot and steamy would you get after opening your new dust buster?

My worst gift ever was a four piece, blue quilted, Winnie The Pooh diaper bag set…I was speechless.

I know itʼs supposed to be all about the thought that counts, but seriously!  Cut the crap and buy “ME” a gift.

Not the house, or the car but “ME”, the “ME” that you couldnʼt keep your hands off of for more than a few hours not that long ago. The “ME” that you tried to talk into doing “it” in the back of the cab in New Your City. The “ME” that did that thing to you, that one time…with the thing…remember…YA…that “ME”!

So my solution to this dilemma, go out and treat yourself. We know we donʼt need big fancy things, just something a little personal. So get your hair done, or your nails all polished up and be sure to let “him” know he is picking up the tab. Just think how happy you will make him when he no longer has to go to the mall. That alone is worth a spa day!

“All I want for Christmas” Collins…with a wedge of, HOPE… itʼs not another waffle iron….

2 ounces Gin
2 ounces White Cranberry or White grape/Peach Juice
1 ounce soda water
1 stem cilantro
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice

Muddle the cilantro with the lemon juice and add to a shaker full of ice with juice and vodka. Shake well and strain into martini glass, then top with soda. Garnish with some fresh berries.

CHEERS!

Dee Brun aka CocktailDeeva is the author Libations of Life, A Girls Guide to Life One Cocktail at a Time, resident Cocktail’ista on CBC’s The Steven and Chris Show; home entertaining columnist at Toronto Star Yourhome.ca; Home Entertaining Guru, writer, humorist, wife, mother of 4, TV Junkie, shoe-aholic and borderline George Clooney stalker.