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PAGE 38-SUPPLEMENT TO McHENRY PLAINDEALER - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 19741 Early shopping offersgift-gi ver biggest choices By SUSAN ZUCKER He's a master of his craft ... the happiest, jolliest, most generous man of the year! He's Santa Claus, back again with an important Christmas message for us all: kindness, brotherhood and love. He'll be making the "chimney scene" with gifts in his pouch and goodwill in his heart, and so we celebrate this season following Santa's example, by giving gifts to our close friends and our loved ones. It's a good feeling inside to give presents and keep alive the spirit of the holi­ day, and shopping for the right gift for someone close should be an enjoy­ able task. So Santa says, shop early. Start now to organize your gift list be- for The fireplace 4" vv * Treat your home to something special for the holidays. Call Us Now For . . . Built - In IDoodburning fireplaces. Stop in today and discuss with our experts what you need for your home. See Our Complete Line Of fireplace Accessories & Gift Items Many unusual items that are sure to bring holiday cheer. Ash To See Our Pine Cone Novelettes Free in home sunieys on fireplaces . j Jflamt Se 5?tartb fireplaces St. 31 At Ame* toad Crystal Lahr Ph. 915-455-0320 fore the Christmas rush turns this happy assign­ ment into a weary and hec­ tic chore. There's less time- In 1974 there's one week less than last year be­ tween Thanksgiving and Christmas (that means less shopping days) -- some­ thing to keep in mind when mailing greeting cards, as well as doing Christmas shopping. It might even be best to begin a holiday list before Thanksgiving. When making up a list, keep everyone in mind. Even just an acquaintance usually merits a Yuletide thought, whether it be a greeting card, or a box of candy. The size of the gift or the price can take a second place to the thought behind the gift. Those little gifts When shopping for the season, sometimes it's wise to buy a lot of little "token" gifts. These are the inex­ pensive things that people appreciate and enjoy. Just another way of saying "Merry Christmas and thanks," to teachers, milk­ men, and others. And you can give many little gifts along with the big presents to the family members, too. It's also smart to take advantage of a store's Christmas ideas. Check out newspapers, magazines and department store windows for special items adver­ tised. They just might come up with a solution for the "man-who-has-everything" problem. A gift should be a per­ sonal matter, that is, a part of yourself goes with the thought. The special choice should suit each individ­ ual. It's up to you to put your own homespun touch­ es to the holiday. Stores and shops come up with so many good gift­ ing ideas that a wise per­ son knows how to use them to advantage and give them homemade touches with a warm, old-fashioned accent. For example, in­ stead of buying the chil­ dren only the latest toys on the market, why not go to the hobby department and pick out a selection of do-it-yourself kits. The fun and accomplishment of making it yourself adds a personal feeling to holiday giving. Use your imagination A little imagination put towards each present can make the ordinary seem outstanding. Instead of the usual wrapping paper, why not sprinkle in some dif­ ferent fabrics and mate­ rials? For your teenager, wrap those smaller gifts in faded denim 'material, which can be used for patching jeans or making little projects. Put a little more of the Christmas spirit in every­ thing you do this holiday by picking up Yuletide ideas from your surround­ ings. Look to the Christ­ mas suggestions that you find in community func­ tions, school pageants, re­ ligious activities and Christmas displays or ex­ hibits. Then use your crea­ tive talents and natural re­ sourcefulness to make Christmastime a special oc­ casion for the whole fam­ ily. Just remember to shop early, and begin thinking about your own gifting ideas to work on for the big day. The spirit and ex­ citement of Christmas is far from lost or forgotten. It's there for us to enjoy, if we know how to find it. DOLL EXTRAS When little sister gets a new doll from Mom and Dad, her big brother can do his part by giving her clothes for the doll, a wardrobe trunk or any number of extras. And don't forget, every new doll needs a carriage! SS US FOR THE MOST TASTEFUL HOME DECORATIONS CHARMING CENTERPIECES IN PLAID • POLKA DOT & STRAWBERRY Fl IP • WREATHS • POINSETTAS • CUT FLOWERS • GARLANDS CUSTOM DESIGNS ALWAYS AVAILABLE, PETAL & STEMS 3301 W. ELM ST. McHENRY, ILL. PHONE: 385-4747