I’m now 18 years old and even though I’m a student and still go to school, I’ve got my own money and this means that I’m a part of the “give presents for everyone” group. I have to buy a present for my girlfriend, my father, my fathers girlfriend, my big brother, my big brothers girlfriend – and their kid, Asta.

And don’t misunderstand me; because I really want to give them presents. I love my family and my girlfriend and I think they deserve a gift from me. I think the gift-giving thing had become a big part of the Christmas that we know today. The questions is: Is this good or bad?

Does people expect too much? The people I know does not expect to get a lot of presents – They expect to give a lot of them. Ant that’s that problem with the Christmas we know today.

Everyone is giving each other presents. But why? Why do I give my family presents? Because I love them? yes.. But also because I kind of have to. Today we don’t question it. We just do it. Because it’s always been like this.

I think that it should be like this instead: You give a present to the people you love really much if you’ve seen something that you know they need or will be really happy with. If you see something and think: “Oh, Mark would go crazy if I gave him this” then buy it! – if you have the money for it of course.

What I am trying to say is that you should not feel forced to give everyone a fine present for Christmas. You should only have to give a present if you really want to or if you, as mentioned before, have seen something that you know someone will be like.

How do you feel about this? Am I totally wrong? Should everyone just go one the way we do it and give presents that people want for no good reason?

By the way, if you think my writing is not very good in this article, you’re probably right. I’m so tired and it’s Sunday. Sorry

Quilts are beautiful and very inexpensive to make. They can easily be made out of your old clothes. Just cut them in quilting squares and sew them together.  On cold, winter nights, your loved one will be nice and cozy as they feel the love you put into the wonderful gift you made for them.

If you know how to crochet or knit, you can always make a scarf, hat or gloves. This is a really nice gift for children. During Christmas break they will be outside playing as the hats and gloves will keep them nice and warm. It’s also a nice gift for ladies in your church. They will love it if you put a note in with the gift set that tells the person that you prayed for them as you made it.

Another gift idea comes straight from your kitchen. You can make cookies, candy, cakes, pies–you name it! Who doesn’t love all the goodies during the Christmas season? Most people don’t have the time or energy to bake after working long days.  If you are a stay at home mom, you have to bake for your family anyway, so why not bake a little extra the week leading to Christmas and package it as you go. Then you will have nice homemade baked goods wrapped and ready for your friends. You can get inexpensive tins to put fudge in. Your children can help you bake cookies and put them in pretty boxes for neighbors. Pies are always nice for friends who are having extra company for the holidays but don’t have the time to bake a ton of things. Home baked gifts are always a real treat! 

For grandparents, you can have your children draw pictures. Have them do their best. When they are finished with the picture, you can buy an inexpensive frame and wrap it up. Grandparents love sentimental gifts. Another idea is to take pictures of the children with their grandparents over the year and make a collage or photo book. You can make these right at your computer.  Use your imagination for these one of a kind gifts. Put clever sayings under the pictures or tell a story in a booklet about what the children love about their grandparents. It’s an extra thrill if you ask the children to tell the story and then quote what they say in the book. This way, grandparents know just how much they are loved.

If you don’t have the time to make all of the gifts you give, then you can buy little things and make baskets for people. Over the years, I have given several different themed baskets to friends and they have been a big hit. Below I have listed a few ideas that may help you out.

For individual friends, you can get a pretty basket and put in a nice mug, a few packets of hot cocoa, some cookies and a book. Arrange it so it looks pretty. If you find an inexpensive blanket you can put that in the bottom so your friend can snuggle as he/she reads while drinking a nice warm cup of cocoa.

For couples, it’s always nice to give a gift that they can use together. You can get a nice sized basket and put a game in it (something like Uno, playing cards or Connect Four that is a two player game). Along with it you can put a couple of sodas and some snacks.  Younger couples usually love baskets like these.

For families, baskets might be a little tricky. Usually there is an age difference with children. The best kind of basket in this situation is a movie night basket. Start with getting one or two family movies. Then load up on the goodies! Get some microwave popcorn, movie candy (dots, m&m’s, chocolate covered raisins, mild duds–you get the point). Put in a few drinks and there you go–family movie night!

There are so many different ideas you can come up with to make homemade or inexpensive gifts for Christmas–or any time of the year. What matters most is truely the thought you put into it. Everyone needs to know that they are loved and thought of. What better way to show that you care than to put effort into the gifts you give to loved ones? Whatever you give this year, make sure you give it with your heart. You will see extra bright smiles this year! Merry Christmas!!

The British Association had sought 7,000 English learners in 46 countries to inquire about the most beautiful English words that they may have considered. Additionally, the British Council also sought the views of non-English speaking countries via its website. Over 35,000 people from the non-speaking countries participated in the online poll, including 3500 votes from China.

Below are 50 of the most beautiful English words out of a total of 70. They are arranged from the most to the fewest votes.

1. Mother

   

2. Passion

   

3. Smile

   

4. Love

   

5. Eternity

   

6. Fantastic

   

7. Destiny

   

8. Freedom

   

9. Liberty

   

10. Tranquility

    

11. Peace

    

12. Blossom

    

13. Sunshine

    

14. Sweetheart

    

15. Gorgeous

    

16. Cherish

    

17. Enthusiasm

    

18. Hope

    

19. Grace

    

20. Rainbow

    

21. Blue

    

22. Sunflower

    

23. Twinkle

    

24. Serendipity

    

25. Bliss

    

26. Lullaby

    

27. Sophisticated

    

28. Renaissance

    

29. Cute

    

30. Cosy

    

31. Butterfly

    

32. Galaxy

    

33. Hilarious

    

34. Moment

    

35. Extravaganza

    

36. Aqua

    

37. Sentiment

    

38. Cosmopolitan

    

39. Bubble

    

40. Pumpkin

    

41. Banana

    

42. Lollipop

    

43. If

    

44. Bumblebee

    

45. Giggle

    

46. Paradox

    

47. Delicacy

    

48. Peek-a-boo

    

49. Umbrella

    

50. Kangaroo

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