Christmas gifts are a special way to show someone how much you care. The best was a photo I framed of one of the best memories and to this day is cherished. Fortunately, if I did give the worst gift, I was never told!! Hopefully that’s a good sign! Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty Best: One year my Father-In-Law’s beloved dog passed away. He was very sad. The whole family worked together to get him the perfect black labradoodle. It was a wonderful surprise and grew into a great dog. Worst: I’m going with every toy that made loud and annoying noises when the kids were little. James Welch, Pastor, First Baptist Fort Lauderdale One of my best purchases I have made was a Blue Java Ice Cream Banana Tree (The bananas taste like vanilla ice cream). Worst purchases are when I buy the deal over quality. Jesse Carroccio, Station Manager, Moody Radio South Florida Gifting others is my source of joy, but I've only sometimes got it right. One of the best gifts I purchased was for my mom when I was 16. I bought her a promise ring and told her, "Will you be mine forever?" Through that special gift, we committed to being there for each other always despite it all. She wears it to this day. The worst gift made was an outfit purchased for one of my daughters. I thought, "She'll love this..." Her response was, "Mom, what possessed you? This is so not me." I've since learned not to assume I know people's personal tastes in fashion. Dr. Jessica Vera, President, Chief Executive Officer, Elite Foundation It had been a particularly good business year, so I shopped for a piece of jewelry for my wife at Tiffany’s. I found the perfect stylized heart-shaped pendant necklace. My wife is wonderfully, blessedly frugal, and I knew she wouldn’t respond to ‘the little blue box’ with a smile, so I got another necklace from Costco, used that box, and ‘mistakenly’ left the receipt inside. Thankfully she loved it and didn’t try to return it to Costco! Wears it every day. James ‘JT’ Taylor, Head of Automotive, Truist Securities The gift I was most excited to give was a set of throwing knives to a buddy of mine. He is a lover of knives, and they were a complete surprise to him. I think they might have been one of the best gifts he received that Christmas. The worst gift I ever gave was to my dad, and it was a gift I did not purchase. I received a small free book during my time at Bible college, and I gifted it to my dad that Christmas. Eventually that book somehowmigrated back into my old bedroom... I don't know if my dad ever read it. It became a lesson that I need to put more thought and effort into gift giving. Justus Martin, Staff Photographer, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale The best purchase I've ever made was my car. Haven't had any issues with it. Purchased it in 2017. The worst purchase I've made was a pair of shoes. I liked them.in the store. When I got home, things changed. Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church Best purchases: 1st edition / first printing and signed if possible, of one of their favorite books; An experience or event ticket; I bought my son an inflatable kayak, so he’d always have it in the car because he’s so spontaneous. Worst purchase: I gave my son a stuffed animal black sheep because he used to say he was the black sheep of the family. He said he still needs therapy! lol Lisa May, Executive Director, Live the Life South Florida For Christmas my husband and I decided to start “making memories" with our grandchildren instead of purchasing toys that they will forget about by next year. So, we have special events that we go to such as The Nutcracker, Cinderella, The Polar Express Train Ride, etc. Those are probably the best purchases we have made. I think it is a waste of money to purchase toys or items just so children have something to open on Christmas Day. I remember a story I heard one year that a minister did not have enough money to give their children gifts to open on Christmas, so instead he and his wife decided to share the gift of what they believed their calling was for their children. For instance, he believed his son had the gift of leadership, so they gave him items that related to the call of God. Those are the "true gifts" that God has given us. Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary Despite celebrating Christmas for over seven decades now, my worst and best gifts both occurred last Christmas. I like My Pillow products, and I thought my wife might enjoy the My Pillow Slippers as she tends to run around the house barefoot. That’s what I get for thinking! She absolutely hated everything about them! Sorry, Mike Lindell. Fortunately they have a great return policy, and I was able to send the slippers back and, with the proceeds, purchased two sets of bath towels and a throw blanket with which my wife and I are both extremely happy. It was the best of times right after it was the worst of times! Merry Christmas to all! MikeMcDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company Wants to Know… Dennis DeMarois Dolores King-St. George Doug Sauder Fidel Gomez Fred Scarbrough Helen Wayner James Welch Jesse Carroccio Dr. Jessica Vera James ‘JT’ Taylor Justus Martin Larry Lacy
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