Big giving isn’t always the answer

This writer’s block thing is really driving me mad. I’ve been

thinking about this column for weeks now, but I’ve been sitting at

the computer for almost two hours now, and I’ve got nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

A million ideas are running through my head right now, and most of

them concern what else I should be doing. But since I’m racing

against my deadline, here it goes:

I have decided to write a book called “It Doesn’t Take Much,”

which will be the essential guide for gift-giving. In light of the

holiday season, I suspect that it will a bestseller. And because I’m

currently filled with the spirit of Christmas and the probability of

finding a publisher is quite low, I’m going to share it with you

today.

To any male searching for the perfect gift for a female, I have

one word for you: flowers. There is no chance for failure. They come

in many different shapes, sizes and prices. No girl can resist

flowers, no matter what her age.

Now, for the female with the same gift dilemma, things can get

complicated. Guys are extremely more complicated than girls. Buying a

gift certificate might be too impersonal, but a watch may imply that

the relationship is more serious than it is.

I have come to the conclusion that guys don’t care much what they

receive, as long as they are not in trouble when they receive it.

They most likely won’t complain, because that would upset the giver,

and that’s the last thing they want to do.

In compiling this short guide, I’ve realized that gift-giving is

about the simple effort put into the gift. Sometimes the most

important aspect of a gift is the fact that the giver actually

remembered. It doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s holiday season

or their life, for that matter.

People like to be thought of. It’s as simple as that. So many

people in this community have so much to give to others who have so

much to receive.

Some of the best gifts I have ever received have been the

simplest. A smile, a kind word, a helpful comment, a new friend.

These are the gifts that should be treasured the most. Material items

are nice, of course, and I will be buying and receiving them this

season, but the gift I most hope to receive are the simple,

unexpected ones.

Well, I might be hunted down by the store owners of the country,

but at least I’ve gotten over my writer’s block.

And by the way, congratulations to the girls’ volleyball team from

Newport Harbor. You are all champions in my eyes, and I thank you for

an exciting season. That’s all for now.

* KATE GUESMAN is a junior at Newport Harbor High School, where

she edits for the Beacon. Her columns appear occasionally in the

Forum section.