| As the seasons blow their breezes, the cycle of life is | | | | globetrotter, before presenting gifts to hosts, do your |
| marked by rhythms that break the monotony and | | | | homework on cultural etiquette and social connotations, |
| tedium of daily routines. Holidays are those clarion call | | | | including the color of the gift-wrap paper. Be extremely |
| moments that force one to take a deep breath and | | | | alert if your holiday gift is for someone from Japan, the |
| review life. Shake off the weariness and refresh body | | | | Middle East, Latin America or Asia.For a family trip, |
| and soul.The calendar teems with holiday occasions | | | | holiday gifts must be planned systematically, with a |
| the world over, celebrating diverse customs and | | | | budget and a list drawn up. Include the number of |
| traditions. Whether a formal or religious ritual or informal | | | | people or households being visited and family favorites. |
| celebration, holiday gifts must be custom-built for the | | | | To save suitcase space, one sleek gift per family will |
| occasion. If you are familiar with the event's | | | | suffice, provided it is of substance and value. Electronic |
| background, then choosing an apt gift will not be too | | | | gifts, home furnishings/accessories, books that range |
| tough on your nerves. Picking up a few extra gifts is | | | | from the latest best-sellers to timeless classics or a |
| always be wise-you never know who you want to | | | | collection of spiritual essays or lectures, talismans, |
| toast with.Business associates exchanging holiday gifts | | | | gourmet chocolate, wine, personal care items, build-it-up |
| can inject a little lightheartedness into their gifts. You | | | | kits, DVDs, jigsaws and board games for kids, can all |
| must of course guard against business improprieties or | | | | spell leisure and enjoyment.As couples, holiday gifts |
| negative sexual overtones in the choice of gifts. | | | | can be easy, as you know each other's idiosyncrasies |
| Personal care products, lingerie or jewelry are best | | | | and cravings. As friends, it gets easier-you just know |
| avoided. Scan from an array of computer accessories, | | | | how to make the good times roll. Theme parties with |
| photo frames, tabletop decorations, that old-faithful | | | | costumes and music can be a lavish holiday gift idea |
| coffee mug in multicolor, diaries and distinctive | | | | that injects the maximum enthusiasm at holiday time.If |
| stationery.A cross-cultural holiday gift needs to be | | | | you are staying at home for the holidays, send your |
| seriously researched. Your international friend or | | | | cards out early. Surprise your janitor, baby sitter, |
| colleague or host will not take too kindly to incongruous | | | | neighbor, nurse or mail man. Spread the good cheer |
| offerings that patronize or slight. As a holiday | | | | and count your blessings. |