It's time to recapture the excitement you had as a kid at Christmas. If you've not started your shopping yet, try something retro, such as taking the time to go out and buy personal gifts, rather than choosing them online or purchasing gift cards. Then wrap them up nicely and don't tell anyone what you bought. (Surprises are more fun.) Be creative. Hide a smaller gift inside a heavier gift. Remember the smiles on your kids' faces, as they examined their packages, "CSI"-style, trying to figure out what they got? I may be wrong, but I don't think the grins are quite as wide when they open envelopes. Your effort will be well worth the joy it brings.
NEIL F. ANDERSON, RICHFIELD
