
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 15, 1995                   TAG: 9511150083
SECTION: HOLIDAY GIFTS                    PAGE: HG10   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: JOANNE ANDERSON
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

TIE UP A TRADITION AND GIVE IT AWAY

Holiday memories and warm fuzzy feelings often are tied to our Christmas decorations. We have ornaments from special friends, candlesticks from a relative, a holiday dish purchased on vacation, decorations made as children or by our own children and grandchildren.

Buying Christmas merchandise for Christmas gifts makes a lot of economic sense. You can buy a nice ornament for less than $10. This is particularly appropriate for a co-worker, neighbor or acquaintance to whom you wish to give something that is not elaborate and does not imply reciprocity.

A newly married couple might have very few Christmas ornaments and decorations and may be seeking to begin holiday traditions of their own. You could start them with one of the many village pieces or plan to give a holiday dish every year to create a set after some number of years.

A yard or house decoration would be appreciated by a first-time homeowner. A cotton throw blanket, window candles, outdoor lights, wreaths, even an artificial tree can be used season after season.

Starting a collection for a child is worthy of consideration. There are many "baby's first Christmas" items, but dolls, Santas and bears are good for children of all ages. Christmas books, cassette tapes and compact discs can be enjoyed for years to come.

Sweatshirts, socks, neckties, underwear, sweaters and a host of clothing feature holly and poinsettias, Santa Claus and elves, bells, trees and stars of the season. Table linens, bed linens, kitchen and bath accessories come in holiday colors and themes. There are plates and mugs and serving dishes, candleholders and wreath holders and stocking holders.

Buying Christmas decorations this time of year is easy because so many stores stock so much.

And, finally, no one is too old for a stocking stuffed with little goodies. Here are 25 ideas for stocking stuffers:

pens and pencils

candy

small flashlight

key chain

mittens

toy cars

ornament

gift certificate

small tools

travel game

sticky notes

ear muffs

small soap or lotion

computer discs

travel clock

deck of cards

little New Testament

small picture frame

packet of seeds

jewelry

votive candle

night light

pocket tape measure

roll of film

piece of coal

by CNB