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Christmas decorations are already
on display — not only in the stores, but at neighbors’
homes. The usual holiday music fills the airways, and all
the traditional sounds, sights and smells of Christmas are
in evidence, but somehow it doesn’t seem quite the
same this year.
Now that we are officially in a recession, (which most
of us guessed long before the experts declared it) I am
confused and conflicted. Am I supposed to throw caution
to the winds and boost the economy by buying extravagant
presents for myself and the family, or should I batten down
the hatches and ride out this economic storm by filling
everyone’s stocking with coal?
It is distressing to note that even, or perhaps especially
due to, the difficult economy, the increased commercialism
of Christmas continues. Advertisements for expensive watches
and perfumes have lessened, but some shoppers are still
willing to rise at 3 a.m. to try to secure a “bargain.”
I have arisen at that horrendous hour only to: (a) feed
a hungry, wailing baby, (b) help a sick family member, or
(c) experience the sunrise over the temples in Cambodia.
But to fight an unruly mob for a plasma TV? Not if I never
own one in this lifetime.
Rather than resort to a Scrooge-like attitude, I’ll
probably settle on Christmas items that are more practical
than frivolous, and even though the department stores have
been courting me with a barrage of coupons for weeks, I
prefer to shop locally.
I hope to see the many local merchants who contribute such
a special character to our communities continue to succeed,
and I enjoy discovering the uniquely personal gifts they
carry. Most Connecticut towns have wonderful small shops.
Herewith just a few of some of my favorites:
Guilford Art Center (Route 77, off Exit 58) A year-round
school and arts showcase offering one-of-a-kind hand-crafted
items from the simple to the very luxurious. I recently
spotted unique cork coasters and chef aprons with clever
sayings, wonderfully smelling handmade soaps — all
for under $25. If your budget permits, imaginative and elegant
animal pins are a stunning gift.
Also check out the Creative Arts Workshop at 80 Audubon
St. in New Haven for unusual gifts made by artists from
all over the country.
Museum gift shops are always a good source for gifts you
will find nowhere else. The British and Yale art museums
in New Haven have decorative arts and jewelry, and the Peabody
is a good choice for children’s gifts.
Church bazaars are plentiful this time of year and offer
gifts that are handmade and very affordable.
Also in Guilford, Blue Moon Artisans carries an interesting
potpourri of jewelry, glassware and much more. Charming
small pill boxes and flowered glass refrigerator magnets
were just two of many inexpensive gifts.
In Madison, a new tea emporium called Savvy Tea has practical,
but different, gifts. Located at 28 Durham Road, just behind
Webster Bank, they have a selection of more than 250 different
types of loose tea, a variety of cheeses and pies from Michele.
There is also a large, relaxing lounge area. I spotted handsome
tea canisters for only $10, or $14.99 for a really large
size. Charming infuser tea mugs from China are just $10
each.
At R.J. Julia Booksellers on Madison’s Main Street,
I found colorful luggage tags with funny sayings, scissors
with floral handles and mugs with inspirational sayings
... all very reasonable. For just a bit more, what traveler
wouldn’t appreciate a wonderful plush pillow with
lap robe in a zippered bag, and, of course, books to suit
every interest, from small books for animal lovers to impressively
magnificent coffee-table books.
I also like Books and Company at 1235 Whitney Ave. in Hamden
for its gently used books, interesting card selection and
some offbeat jewelry.
For customized necklaces and bracelets, seek out little
Bella Perlina, tucked away next to the Madison Hose (as
in Fire Hose) Company on Madison’s Main Street. You
can have individually created jewelry made from a dazzling
assortment of beads to match or complement any outfit at
a very reasonable price.
Lastly, theater tickets are a thoughtful and welcome surprise.
“Cats” arrives at the Shubert in mid-January,
and who can remain gloomy while watching the timeless magic
of the ethereal Nutcracker Ballet? It will weave its spell
once again at the Shubert Friday through Dec. 14.
By shopping carefully and prudently, we can please the
recipient and still take the time to absorb and enjoy the
true meaning of the holidays, ourselves.
Jean Cherni is founder of Senior
Living Solutions, a retirement advisory service. Contact
her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds, Branford
06405.
H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
is a full-service real estate company with more than 100
agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
Corporate and & Commercial offices are located in North
Haven, where the company was founded in 1958. All listings
can be found in color on the web at: www.hpearce.com. |
