Editor's Note

Here we are in December and closing out another year that flew by at wide open throttle. By the time you read this, we’ll be in the thick of the holiday season, attending Christmas parties, listening to Christmas music, and counting down to Christmas Day. And if you’re anything like me and did NOT start shopping in July (I seriously envy people who are that organized), there are likely still gifts to take care of on your list.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to prefer giving gifts that have meaning, rather than just stuff that’s eventually forgotten or wears out or loses appeal. Of course, if you have young children, they want toys, and young adults might need things for starting out, but the adults on your list likely buy what they want and need, and it can be challenging to choose gifts for them.

Here are some ideas that might help.

Locally crafted gifts

These items serve a dual function in that they can make great gifts and support local artisans. There are countless arts and crafts fairs in the coastal area this month and you can find anything from locally produced honey to hand-crafted Bulldog gear to paintings of your local area and much, much more. I went to the Christmas Market at Sunbury Crab Company a couple weeks ago and found a Christmas ornament with a small map of Liberty County (where I live), decoupaged onto an oyster shell. I bought one for myself and one for a friend with her county displayed. Which brings me to the next option.

Memories

Decorating my tree each year brings back a host of memories, from ornaments I made as a child to ornaments my kids made, ornaments I’ve been given by friends, and others I’ve purchased to commemorate occasions throughout the years. Yes, my tree is an eclectic hodgepodge, but I love it! Memories don’t have to be in the form of ornaments though. I’m in the process of going through the family photos and creating albums for each of my adult children. One year I made a shadowbox for a friend with little tidbits of our shared adventures. You could also frame photos of special occasions for family or friends.

Something personal

One of my favorite gifts in years past was a paint-on-canvas wall hanging made by my dear friend Neva – an abstract of the Georgia coast, in my favorite colors, that now hangs in my office and reminds me of her and of this coast, both of which I adore. I find myself staring at it when I need inspiration, or when lost in thought, and it never fails to make me happy. Another favorite was a copy of Peterson Field Guide to Birds. Although I’m not what anyone might consider a serious birder, I do enjoy being able to identify the birds I see in my yard or when out tromping around in our coastal region for magazine articles.

Determining things or activities that make someone happy and finding just the right gift not only makes gift giving fun, but also guarantees the gift will be genuinely appreciated.

Gifts of Giving

Let’s not forget those who would appreciate gifts that do a bit of good in the world. For more on this, see our annual “Season of Giving” on page 17 for ideas.

Regardless of what you give or receive, I hope you all make beautiful memories with those you love and that you remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Enjoy the issue!

See you out there!

Amy Thurman Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com

Merry Christmas!

Left, an ornament I purchased at the Sunbury Christmas Market - I failed to grab a business card so don't know the artist's name, but I love it! Above, a paint pour created by my dear friend Neva. A photo doesn't do the colors justice - it's gorgeous!