AGES & STAGES
with Mocco Wollert
THE joy of buying presents! I am like a bower bird and used to start assembling presents from August onwards. There were wonderful specials to be found in pop-up shops and unusual things on bargain tables which one never sees again around Christmas time. I have a special drawer where I keep trinkets, books , candles and specialties which I collect all year round so, come birthdays or anniversaries, I always have
presents on hand. It is not only the joy of finding items that will bring surprise and cries of joy but also the fun of wrapping them up, and choosing beautiful paper and ribbons. One of my biggest joys was buying Christmas or Easter presents. That joy was taken away from me quite a while ago. When I ask the parents what a grandchild might like, the answer was usually, “oh, just give him or her some money, then they can buy what they want.” I have accepted that fact over the years, but it has taken away a great lot of joy for me. Many families are hard pressed to find presents for their children and grandchildren who have everything. I hear it time and time again: “I just don’t know what to get her – or him – they have everything.” One year I decided not to buy any presents at all and instead gave the money to the Salvation Army. In return they issued wonderful certificates, nominating each teenage grandchild on them as a donor. When I gave them to the children at Christmas rather than a present, it went down like a lead balloon. I certainly was not a beloved grandma any more but had become persona non grata big time!
But consider the following. How about, when you make up your spending budget for Christmas presents, you divide that sum – one half to buy presents, the other half going to a charity. Or maybe to a neighbour in need of something. Are there relatives in your family who are half forgotten? Who might need some help and who would never ask? What about a homeless person? They don’t even think of presents but would certainly welcome just a cup of warm coffee or a blanket? Maybe that money could be collected into a fund for a monetary reward for our firefighters, our nurses, paramedics and doctors? They often put their lives on the line for all of us and are mostly paid a pity or nothing at all. They certainly deserve a present from all the people they keep safe – us! It would maybe be a good way of introducing even small children to becoming a “giving person” rather than a “taking person”. Christmas can be a joyous time with family and friends, with barbecues and drinks on the lawn, with emphasis on celebrating Christ’s birth together, without being a mini toys-are-us under the tree on Christmas morning. May your Christmas be blessed and your presents be beautiful.
with Cheryl Lockwood
‘TIS the season to drink coffee. For many, this is year-round. I have developed a new appreciation for the wondrous drink as I have made my coffee from scratch – right down to growing it! I don’t have a green thumb and confess I did not even know the identity of a little shrub that was already settled in the overgrown garden of the house we bought seven years ago. Discovered after some extensive weed pulling, it seemed quite attractive, so I left it where it was growing. Obviously, it was hardy, a prerequisite for any poor plant that falls into my hands. I’m fairly sure I could kill even the artificial variety.
“Everyone has been very polite and extremely helpful, especially as we were unaware of what to do. Mum is very happy with her treatment.” Resident’s Family Member At Algester Lodge, we provide to you high-quality residential & respite care, nestled in a bushland setting with landscaped gardens. Depending on your need we offer quality and security with 24/7 Registered Nurses on-site. Respite Care will be beneficial to you and your loved one to give you both peace of mind. If you require a break from your supportive role, please call our caring staff at either location.
We’re here to help 12 YOUR TIME MAGAZINE / December 2021
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We offer Residential Care and Respite Care ALGESTER LODGE 117 Dalmeny Street, Algester, Queensland 4115 p: (07) 3711 4711 f: (07) 3711 5699 e: admissions@algesterlodge.com www.algesterlodge.com
BUNDALEER LODGE NURSING HOME 114 Holdsworth Road North Ipswich, Queensland 4305 p: (07) 3201 8772 f: (07) 3201 7926 e: admissions@bundaleerlodge.com www.bundaleerlodge.com
Proudly Australian owned & operated since 1970 Brisbane
24/11/2021 4:59:10 PM
