The Most Challenging Gifts
Presents for my best friend
The very first Christmas that Keith and I lived together he received a nice stash of holiday gifts. My two kids were still of a nice gift-giving age and I was highly motivated to produce three significant piles underneath the Christmas tree.
Each Christmas, Keith would usually analyze the other piles before settling on his gifts. Honestly, I had never asked if he preferred electronics or gaming equipment to the more standard canine gifts. I remember gifting various bones and toys and usually an updated bed. With four ‘Keith’ beds in the house, the new bed replacement was done on rotation, with the oldest bed finding its way to the garbage.
While I’ve never directly asked Keith for a list of desired gifts, I have also never given him something that I projected he would want. For example, Keith has shown no interest in participatory sports ( never chased a ball ), so I don’t shower him with athletic equipment and make him play sports. I put thought into it.
I’ve always done my best to make the Christmas experience fun and surprising for Keith. As he grew older and Christmas gifting strategy evolved, I began to hide his gifts in the garage or basement after I shopped and avoided making direct eye contact when I got home, lest he be suspicious.
The biggest challenge with the surprise factor is the lack of any separation between us. We are together all day and night and my movements are tracked. I have to be diligent in the morning not to step on Keith when I exit the shower. I am allowed privacy in the bathroom, however, I know he is on the other side of the door.
To make the Christmas season even more stressful, Keith’s birthday is December 15th. After years of doing unique celebrations for his birthday and Christmas, I have admittedly begun to allow the two events to grow together. While we still share a steak on the 15th for his birthday, the rest of the day has lost its festiveness as I throw all of my gift energies behind Christmas. I have no real excuses, though I tell myself that he has reached an age when birthday parties are no longer necessary and at 11 years old it is better that he rests. As noted, I have no real excuses.
This year, I’ve resolved that we will return to the old days when Keith got what he deserved. On his birthday, I am hosting a nice dinner at a quiet restaurant within walkable distance for his closest friends. I have also purchased Knicks tickets for the two of us.
In addition, Christmas gifting for Keith will be everything it should be. A survey from Rover.com states that 87% of dog owners gave Christmas gifts in 2020. I’ve always been way ahead of that curve and this year I’ve been carefully monitoring the things that make him happiest. There will be recurring gift shipments, gourmet foods and tickets. The grand gift will address his love of barking at other animals on television. I have ordered a digital subscription of all National Geographic safari films.
I am sharing all of this in confidence and ask that you respect the surprises.
Happy Holidays!
