Giving presents is a talent; to know what a person wants,
to know when and how to get it, to give it lovingly and well.
–Pamela Glenconner
At this special season of the year, we ponder over what to get that loved one who loves to ride her bike. Maybe a special jersey or some earrings made out of recycled bike chain. Or, if you can go all out and get his bike fitted with new electronic shifting or watt meter pedals, “what a twinkle that would bring to his eye.” Perhaps your cyclist might enjoy a few of my favorite finds of the year: Smart Wool arm warmers or Swiftwick socks. (Twelve socks or knee hi’s) The list that follows may surprise you. Please think about giving these gifts to your loved ones on the 12 days of Christmas, which traditionally start on Christmas Day and end on January 5:
On the first day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of my Undivided Attention
On the second day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Enthusiasm
On the third day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Creative Energy
On the fourth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Simple Seasonal Pleasures
On the fifth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Tenderness
On the sixth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Good Cheer
On the seventh day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Beauty
On the eighth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Communication
On the ninth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Surprise
On the tenth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Wonder
On the eleventh day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Peaceful Surroundings
On the twelfth day of Christmas, I gave to my true loves;
The gift of Joy
Taken from Simple Abundance (December 12) by Sarah Ban Breathnach
To sum it up: he or she wants Encouragement–
If you still need help, contact Woody or Brian at Woody’s Bicycles in Sewanee or Mark or Thad at MOAB in Murfreesboro or Franklin.
Merry Christmas and be safe out there,
Julia Harrison, Secretary of the Highland Rim Bicycle Club