BY TIM KEARNS

With Christmas right around the corner, it is time to think about a gift for that special someone in your life. A Southern Gentleman doesn’t just grab the first thing that he sees. He puts thought into the person receiving the gift and chooses something that will make their face light up on Christmas morning. That doesn’t mean, however, that he needs to mortgage the house or charge up the credit cards to buy a thoughtful gift. One begins the process by being observant; listen for little hints that are being thrown out. Are there things that are mentioned periodically in a passive way: “I really wish I had...,” or “such and such would make life easier for me.” Little nuggets of information throughout the year would go a long way to help make gift-giving easier. How much more would a gift mean to her if she opened it and said, “Wow! You remembered me telling you that?” Or, “how did you know I liked that fragrance?” That my friend, will make your gift supersized by comparison!

However, if you miss the hints, use information you already have; her style, color choices, the accessories she buys for herself, etc. Become the gift detective that creates lists of potential items that you know she already likes or needs. One thing I notice is that stores are filled with winter clothes and items because, after all, it is winter. However, there are tips and hints that you should be taking note of for all twelve months of the year, make yourself a gift list as you hear ideas throughout the year. It may be summer and your significant other might see or mention something that would be a good gift idea-- just jot that down in the notes area of your smart phone and look at it when the holidays roll around. With online shopping you can get anything, at any time, regardless of the season. For example gents... I’m at the beach with my wife and she sees something that she thinks might be “handy to have,” I’ll drop that back in my notes and order it later. I can hear her now on Christmas morning: “how did you know that was something I was interested in?” Awe honey, you know I listen to everything you say! (Wink, wink).

If you’re still having a hard time finding the right item, how about giving thought to a labor-intensive item that gives her some relief in a time of need. As an example, if she’s a new Mom, how about a few hours of babysitting service she can use when she’s at her wits end? If she works away from the home but still takes care of her own house cleaning, how about a certificate for a house cleaning service she can use when she feels the need for some time off? She already has a nice car, but after a rainy winter it might be nice to have it fully detailed? There are many options for those gift cards here in Williamson County. How about the gift of flowers? There are a variety of options for a monthly arrangement to show up at the house or her place of work? Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

A Southern Gentleman is going to think outside the box. He’s going to listen. He’s going to pay attention and this holiday season he’s going to step up and get a gift that will be thoughtful and meaningful! This is our year guys, let’s get it right! From this Southern Gentleman and my family, I wish all of you a very Blessed Christmas and New Year!