Some Wintry Thoughts
When Jack Frost starts painting a complex crystalline pattern on some of our windows (I live in Phoenix, so frost is rare … but I have lived in areas where the ice scraper was my friend … that or one of those fake credit cards you get in the mail), we know that winter has arrived. And, along with winter come the winter holidays.
Have you ever wondered why so many cultures have a celebration during this time of year? Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa … just to name a few. Some will say there is mystical significance … and that may very well be true. But I think it was just a good idea to gather the family together, share the warmth and make it through another harsh winter. 
No matter what our winter holiday traditions are, there is an underlying theme that seems to permeate them all: family, friends and the celebration of these bonds that make us a community.
During the coldest time of the year, we all seem to gather to celebrate life and those we love. We gather to enjoy good food, good conversation and good company. We reminisce about past holidays, remember those we love who are no longer with us, and plan for the future. We share photos, we share gifts, and we share laughs.
No matter our age, our race or our nationality; no matter our heritage, our upbringing or our traditions; at winter time, we live, we laugh, and we love.
And that is my wish for you … long life, rich laughter and the warmth of love we all deserve.
Chocolate Inspiration
I believe that all chocoholics the world over would agree that a great way to celebrate the Christmas season is with a chocolate holiday gift. This popular (and addictive) confection has become a holiday tradition that many of us truly love, especially those of us on the receiving end. Here are some ideas for chocolate Christmas presents:
Chocolate Humor
Laughter is the best medicine … especially for the stresses that come with the holiday season. So, when selecting a chocolate gift, maybe choosing one with a sense of humor would make a good choice?
When you’re looking to help out your co-workers, the Christmas Survival Gift Tin is a fun idea. This 3-gallon gift tin, decorated with a survival motif, is filled with chocolate treats for every palate: chocolate popcorn, chocolate-covered pretzels, nonpareils, chocolate caramels, cookies, chocolate wafers, a Lindt bar, hot cocoa, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter chocolate, and chocolate cappuccino.
Another fun choice is the Mistletoe Man Magnet. The idea is to hold this chocolate bar “strategically above head and standby for action. NOTE: Individual results may vary.” This “proven formula” contains premium dark chocolate from New Zealand and is sure to get a smile from the ladies on your list.
Sophisticated Chocolate
Humor is all well and good, but there will be times when a little sophistication is what you want. For this goal, you can go for the wooden box filled with chocolate. Several companies offer the wooden keepsake box along with chocolates:
- Asbach Uralt Brandy Filled Chocolates in Wooden Luxury Box – 400g/14.1oz
- The Tea Room’s 8 Organic Chocolate Bars In Gold Wooden Lacquer Box & Leather Wallet With Money Clip
- Wild Huckleberry Chocolates in a Collectible Wooden Box
Java Chocolates
Two flavors that have been paired wonderfully are coffee and chocolate. So, for the java drinkers on your list an espresso flavored chocolate gift might just hit the spot.
- Ghirardelli Chocolate Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
- Dark Chocolate Covered Gourmet Coffee Beans From Costa Rica
- Chocolate Covered Especially Espresso Coffee Beans 20oz
Non-Edible Chocolate
Of course, if you don’t want to contribute to an expanding waistline with your gift, you can tantalize the minds of your gift recipients with non-food chocolate gifts. There are plenty of books, CDs and and movies that have taken inspiration from chocolate.
Books
- Chocolates and Confections: Formula, Theory, and Technique for the Artisan Confectioner
by Peter P. Greweling
- The True History of Chocolate, Second Edition
by
Sophie D. Coe - I’m Dreaming of a Chocolate Christmas
by
Marcel Desaulniers
Music
- Coffee, Chocolate & Men
by Jen Rathbun
- Putumayo Presents: Music from the Chocolate Lands
(Compilation)
- Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory: Music From The Original Soundtrack of the Paramount Picture
with Gene Wilder
Movies
- Chocolat (Miramax Collector’s Series)
- Like Water for Chocolate
- Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Blu-ray Book) [Blu-ray]
Christmas Gift Baskets
A well chosen basket can be a great holiday present because the recipient gets so much in the package. I like to give Christmas gift baskets because they are so much fun to pull together. There are many designs and countless arrangements to consider. And, even if you don’t create one yourself, you are certain to find pre-made Christmas gift baskets for everyone on your list.
Are you buying one gift for a group of people? It could be for the folks at work, a client’s place of business or even family members that live far away. Gift baskets are great for this type of giving because there is often something for everyone within the larger gift. You can find many different themes that are perfect for a family of four or you can find Christmas gift baskets for couples, too.
Here are some popular themes for Christmas gift baskets:
Gingerbread
The gingerbread man arrangement is a popular choice for many people who love the old fashioned theme. These baskets often will contain a mix to bake your own, but there are also pre-made, but assemble yourself Gingerbread house baskets, too.
Holiday Food Assortments
This kind of basket is perfect when you’re not sure of your gift receivers taste. As gift basket like this will be filled with such things as gingerbread cookies, flavored popcorn, hot chocolate, fruit cake and more. Some basket designers add special touches like a solider nut cracker or a container shaped like a sleigh. Add some ornaments and you have a fantastic traditional present.
Corporate Christmas
What about the office? Christmas gift baskets can have a corporate theme, too. These holiday containers are filled with various office inspired items including mugs, coffee, gourmet treats as well as handy desk supplies including pens and frames. If you can fit the item in a basket, it can be included in the presentation.
Something For Breakfast
These presents are wonderful for a family who loves share the morning meal together. This type of basket can include pancake or waffle mix, special pancake syrup, assorted gourmet tools for breakfast and the like. You can also find regionally themed breakfast baskets for a Southern, New England or even a Mid-Western traditional breakfast meal.