There are some things that do not change from generation to generation. These are the things that fond memories are made from. There are also the things that we want to do differently than our parents did with us. The things that we want to do differently probably are those that have created hurtful memories for us. We all had good and bad experiences in childhood, the key is to be able to move on from our past and create happier memories for our adult years.

One of the experiences that may have caused either good or bad memories is the toys for Christmas that we received. For me I have both kinds of memories that I think about when I reminisce about the toys for Christmas I received over the years. When I was seven years old I wanted a Barbie doll. The dolls had come on to the market the same year that I was born and my name is Barb. When I was younger everyone called me Barbie. So many of my friends owned Barbie dolls and I thought I should have one. My parents did not have much money so my mother did a great deal of shopping in discount stores. She was the queen of off brand merchandise. That year for Christmas when I opened my present I found that I did receive a doll. It was the same size as a Barbie doll, however it was a Vivian doll. This was the cheaper off brand version. The Barbie doll clothes fit the doll. The difference was that the Vivian doll did not have the same feet so the high heeled Barbie doll shoes did not fit. Also the face looked different. I was very disappointed with the doll. I did not think that the couple of dollars that mom saved was worth it. I do not remember any other toys for Christmas from that year.

I think my mother realized from that experience that cheaper is not always better. I never did enjoy playing with that doll. From that time on it seemed that we received brand name items for our toys for Christmas. Now that I am a parent I make sure that my children have fond memories of the holidays. They do not get everything that they put on their lists because moderation is a lesson I want them to learn, but the things that they do receive are high quality and specifically what they ask for. I am sure there are things that they will do differently when they parent their children, but hopefully the hurtful memories they have from childhood will be few.

As the Christmas holidays approach each year, it’s time to turn one’s mind to presents for family and friends. More people are buying on Internet sites but a lot of people prefer to browse round the shops, looking at the decorations and soaking up the festive atmosphere. It can be difficult to choose for everyone and store vouchers are always appreciated if you are really stuck for a Christmas gift idea. There are Christmas catalogues too that offer good quality items at affordable prices and you can select in the comfort of your home, beating the crowds.

Traditional presents for men tend to include aftershave, socks or sporting goods. A more unusual spin can be put on these, such as novelty golf balls or cartoon character socks. There are also boxed sets of wine and cheese or bottles of whisky in presentation cases. Sports lovers will also appreciate a book of the most challenging golf courses or a history of baseball or football.

Toiletries and cosmetics are always a good stand by for the lady in your life. A bottle of perfume, especially if it’s her favorite scent, will not go to waste. Only give chocolates to those ladies who are not dieting. A DVD of a romantic comedy is another good Christmas gift idea. Anything with Hugh Grant or George Clooney is bound to be enjoyed!

Experience gifts have become very popular these days. They may include something that the recipient has wanted to do for a long time, such as going up in a hot air balloon or driving a race car. Adventure packs are popular with people wanting a challenge. There is even one for going down in a cage to observe sharks! For the less adventurous, a day at a health spa would be welcome. Some experiences will spark new hobbies such as falconry, game fishing or clay pigeon shooting. A year’s subscription to someone’s favorite magazine is another worthwhile Christmas gift idea.

Children of course love Christmas and the hard work is worth doing, when seeing the look on their faces when they open their presents on Christmas morning. There are countless toys on the market and the more traditional wooden toys are becoming more popular each year. Educational toys are available, such as chemistry sets and alphabet games for younger children. Story books are favorites too as a Christmas gift idea, especially classic fairy tales and modern authors such as Roald Dahl and J.K Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series.