Perfect present

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

Christmas has come and gone and by now many presents have been: returned or exchanged; broken; put away until they end up in a garage sale, a garbage bag or are donated to St. Vincent de Paul (which fund its services through sales of donated items in its thrift shops).

In addition, these "perfect presents" cost millions of dollars, much of which went onto already over-used credit cards. (Catholic Charities provides credit counseling for people seeking a way out of crushing consumer debt; call your local office for information and an appointment.)

While cash is often called the perfect gift because it always fits, some people find that it's a bit impersonal and perhaps even shows a lack of real interest in the receiver.

For those feeling "giver's remorse" a week after Christmas, there is a solution, and even a logical opportunity for a second chance that will not send anyone to bankruptcy court.

That opportunity is Epiphany, which this year the church in the U.S. will celebrate on Sunday, Jan. 4. A second alternative is the traditional day for the observance of Epiphany, Jan. 6 (the 12th day of Christmas of carol fame). Epiphany is perfect because in many countries it, not Christmas, is the date to follow the example of the Magi and give presents.

Now that we have two options picked out for the day, all we have to do is find the perfect present. Fortunately, that's not only easy, it's inexpensive: Visit your family members, especially elderly family members, be they parents, grandparents, an aunt or uncle or brother or sister, or even a friend.

A recent nationwide telephone poll of senior citizens conducted by Home Instead Senior Care - the world's leading provider of non-medical home care and companionship for seniors with offices in Green Bay and the Fox Cities/Oshkosh - found they highly value such visits.

When asked what gift would make the holidays most special this year, 84% of seniors said "having family with me" and another 4% said spending time with friends. Second place, at 9.2%, was attending religious services. That means 88% of seniors place more value on visitors than any commercial present.

It's not too late to make this holiday special for an important senior in your life. It's even the perfect time to resolve to make such visits on at least a monthly basis.

Your own immediate family with whom you live on a daily basis also could benefit from spending more time with you.

Make your presence the perfect present.