Rockin' Around the Computer Screen

It’s that time of the year again. It’s time to deck the halls, chug the egg nog, and start shopping for the recipients on your never ending list that seems to, well, never end.

The only problem? You’re family already has everything.

You could be really thoughtless and buy a couple dozen completely impersonal gift cards in the checkout line at Walgreens. Or you could go the ho-hum route and buy the tried and true yet again: a tie for dad, a CD player for the brother, gold clubs for Uncle Mark, cashmere sweater for Grandma (insert yawn here).

But if you really want to knock the stockings off your loved ones and show them that your truly care, put some thought into every gift and look no further than the internet.

Most everybody has either been the giver or receiver of a picture in a frame, capturing a special memory, from a friend or family member. But if you want to take the sentiment to the next level then make a photo mosaic (pictured) might be the answer. The crafty people on designmosaic.com make the whole process simple by allowing the creator to upload as many photos as they’d like and choose the main photo. Within one to two weeks a personalized mosaic made up of tiny thumbnails will be at your doorstep. The prices range from $19.99 to $49.99 depending on the size of the print and puts a clever twist on any picture.

For the environmentally-conscious in your life, look no further than inhabitat.com. Bike-chain picture frames, eco-friendly clothing, and solar-powered messenger bags are just a few of their specialty items. Any green-loving pal life is sure to be impressed and will proudly wear any of their organic clothing or accessories. The website has an assortment of such novel ideas as a necklace with a water faucet charm, reminding the wearer to save water. Their gifts are a little harsh on the wallet but definitely good for the Earth.

If you really want to get creative, cafepress.com can be a one-stop virtual shopping trip for any type of person on your list. Enabling just about anyone to feature their one-of-a-kind designs on clothing and other products, you might have to refrain from buying a few things for yourself (one for you, two for me?). For the family awaiting a soldier’s return, an entire category is devoted to t-shirts with sayings such as, “All I want for Christmas is my daddy to come home”. Funny slogans such as “My boyfriend can beat up yours” or political statements like “Defend marriage against what? Relevance?” can be found in any category on the website. Type any word or phrase into the search box and you’re sure to find a perfect present.

If you’ve ever heard someone repeat something so much that they might as well get it tattooed on their forehead, you can at least tattoo it on their clothing! Custom ink will print any saying or picture you desire onto an article of clothing of your choice (sweatshirts, T-Shirts, boxers, etc.). The only hard part is not laughing at loved one’s reactions when they see their signature phrase on their new shirt.

While these are only a few of the infinite gifting options on the web, you can be sure to start crossing names off after only a few clicks.

And who can forget the best part ?

You can shop in nothing but your Santa hat!

'Tis the season... and I just can't wait!

It’s almost here: the smell of gingerbread cookies and cinnamon candles will waft into my nostrils on a daily basis, storefronts will glimmer with silver tinsel and fake snow, and there will be a general feeling of goodwill and joyfulness penetrating the atmosphere. Ladies and Gentleman, Christmas is about to arrive!

I find a different reason to love the holiday every time December rolls around, but the warm feeling of holiday cheer infiltrates every inch of my body right on cue every year.

Perhaps the greatest joy of all is seeing the excitement in a child’s face in anticipation of the 25th. The youngest ones take pride in their handcrafted popsicle stick ornaments and picking out the “perfect” tree, even if it closely resembles Charlie Brown’s infamous Evergreen. Some little ones spend hours on their computers constructing wish lists of toys, complete with full descriptions and price comparisons, with enough pages to reach the moon and back. On the night of Christmas Eve, children can barely stop wriggling long enough to catch a wink of sleep, hoping to catch a glimpse of Saint Nick snacking on the Snackwells cookies they laid out.

Children and adults alike seem to be sprinkled with sugar and spice and everything nice, turning into regular saints around this time. Those who like to curse at the homeless men begging on Arden way the rest of the year are now compelled to donate cans to the hungry or buy a little girl a Barbie doll as part of the Wish Tree. The sounds of the Salvation Army’s bells fill the air and people are more than happy to unload their change. It’s unfortunate that this doesn’t go on the entire year, but you have to start somewhere right?

On a more shallow level, we can’t forget the all-consuming smells and tastes of the holiday season, which leave my senses in a state of month-long euphoria.

Fragrance and cosmetic companies jump on the chance to market special-edition peppermint lip glosses, cinnamon body scrubs, and vanilla sprays. Candle shops offer a plethora of Christmas-themed wax goodies, and almost every place you walk into smells like it’s been sprayed with a “Christmas” air freshener.

So your taste buds don’t feel left out, there’s a smorgasbord of holiday specials in every café and candy shop around town. Starbucks offers my favorite seasonal treat called the Cranberry Bliss Bar, a mixture of cranberries and vanilla frosting to go along with their peppermint mochas and gingerbread lattes. Holiday cheer can also be found in the form of cookies, cakes, and candy canes that are either for sale or offered up by friends and neighbors. Peppermint ice cream anyone? Yum!

Even better than material objects is the theme of family that becomes so widespread by the end of the year. The hustle and bustle of everyday life comes to a halt as relatives come together to share a hearty meal, a glass (or four) of eggnog, and catch up on the year’s happenings. While not everyone has the time to catch up with Aunt Martha on a weekly basis, Christmas is the perfect excuse to do just that. There aren’t many moments that bring more contentment than realizing how lucky you are to be cozy, well-fed, and surrounded by loved ones on a holiday.

Whether you celebrate Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or none of the above, you’re sure to encounter (and enjoy) some of the many perks of the holiday season.

The only downside to the festivities? That they can’t last the whole year!