Christmas Gift Guide
Part One of Two
By the CS&T staff
Most Catholics want to give at least some Christmas gifts that encourage
their friends and loved ones to live and love their faith better. But
do you sometimes wish that you had a friend to guide you through the many
available items? In this guide, The Catholic Standard & Times’
staff members share with you, our extended family in Christ, the gifts
we are giving or have given to our own family and friends.
Statues, icons and photographs
Our Lady of Fatima music box statue Measures 13 inches and plays Ave Maria,
$35 (#122830). Call (866) 513-1917, mail World Apostolate of Fatima, the
Blue Army, USA, P.O. Box 976, Washington, N.J. 07882-0976 or log onto
www.bluearmy.com.
Mary, Mother of the Life Within statue
A replica of a statue that exists in only two places in the world: Washington,
N.J., and Fatima, Portugal. Eight inch statue: $30 (#90013); 14-inch statue:
$65. For ordering information, see entry above. Prayer card is also available
for 30 cents (328762).
L’Innocence framed print
A powerful reflection on the innocence of Our Lord and the tenderness
of Our Blessed Mother. Created by a 19th century’s master artist,
this painting will appeal especially to those with classical tastes and
a simple love of beauty. Comes in a solid wood, gold frame and non-glare
glass, 10” x 18,” at $40. Log onto www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com
or call (800) 854-6316.
Icon of St. John Neumann, Philadelphia’s fourth bishop and
first saint
National Shrine of St. John Neumann Gift Shop, 1019 N. Fifth
St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, (215) 627-3080.
Icon of St. Katharine Drexel, Philadelphia native and heiress
who became Philadelphia’s second saint
The St. Katharine Drexel Mission Gift Shop, 1663 Bristol Pike, Bensalem,
Pa. 19020, (215) 244-9900, Ext. 381.
Portraits of Pope Benedict XVI
Contact Catholic News Service, 3211 Fourth St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20017,
or access the CNS Web site, catholicnews.com and then click the icon on
the bottom left column, or call (202) 541- 3292.
Portraits of Cardinal Justin Rigali and his auxiliary bishops
Contact the Philadelphia Archdiocese’s Office for General Services
at (215) 587-0549.
Jewelry with religious themes
Cross of Glory locket
A beautiful, gold-plated, heart-shaped locket with green enameling, 1/2
inch by 1/2 inch. from the Vatican Collection, with crystal and turquoise
on the cover, comes with an 18-inch chain in a lovely green box.
The Vatican Library Collection of Jewelry and Gifts contains authentic
recreations inspired by the historic masterpieces found within the library.
All items carry a seal of authenticity from the Vatican Library Collection.
$20 (SKU 7219).
Web site: www.aquinasandmore.com. (On the home page, click on the More
Search Options link, and scroll down to enter the SKU number.)
Life of Jesus cross
Milestones in the life of Jesus, from the Nativity to the Ascension, are
portrayed in six inset scenes on this hand-painted crucifix.
Web site: www.findgift.com/Holidays/Christmas/Religious/
Our Father prayer watch
The Our Father prayer is inscribed on the face of this silvertone watch.
Quartz movement, sweep second hand, and genuine leather strap. Web site:
www.findgift.com/Holidays/Christmas/Religious/
Story bracelet
Each bead and charm on this bracelet is designed to represent an event
surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. Hand-crafted of glass and metal,
this Christian charm bracelet comes boxed with a card that explains the
signifi-cance of each symbol. An initial may be engraved on the silver
disc. Fits wrists from 7 inches to 7-1/2 inches.
Web site: www.findgift.com/Holidays/Christmas/Religious/
Writers of the Good Word silver pendant necklace
This exquisite 1 1/4in. diameter silver pendant from the Vatican Collection
has the symbols of the four Evangelists around the center cross which
has 10 crystals. The names of the Evangelists are engraved around the
border. Comes on a lovely 24-inch rope chain with a safety spring clasp
in a green gift box. From the Vatican Library Collection of Jewelry and
Gifts (see previous page for more on this collection). $28 (SKU 5213)
Web site: www.aquinasandmore.com. (On the home page click on the More
Search Options link, and scroll down to enter the SKU number.)
Special
gifts for youth
The gift ideas, for infants through teenagers, are from The Catholic Child
Company. To order, call 1-800-363-2233 or visit www.catholicchild.com.
A special gift for the child who will be receiving
holy Communion or Confirmation in the coming year:
Photo Story Jr.
This is a unique kit that contains special pages for writing and laying
out photographs, decorative borders, personal options and more. When completed
to the satisfaction of the young author, mail the works off to the publisher
in the prepaid envelope included, and voila! You'll receive back your
very own archival-quality hardcover book that’s been laser-reproduced
and professionally typeset. Normal production time is four weeks. Internet
production is also available. Every child will cherish his or her personalized
book —whether it’s about a special event or simply an original
story— even more as the years go by. Book measures 7 inches x 9
inches with 18 pages, $28.95. (Catalogue description.)
Web site: http://www.catholicchild.com/prodinfo.asp?number=30158.
First Christmas baby gifts for new parents:
Tiny Hands Precious Feet
A collection of lullabies by the Catholic vocalist Rose Marie Rudolph
and her family. With more than an hour of music, this CD is perfect for
bedtime, nap time, any quiet time, $9.95. (Catalogue description.)
Web site: http://www.catholicchild.com/prodinfo.asp?number=16900.
Lift the flap Catholic Bible
A fun way to introduce a baby or toddler to the Bible. A board book featuring
14 stories with plenty of nooks and crannies to “peek” behind,
$10.95. (Catalogue description.)
Web site: http://www.catholicchild.com/prodinfo.asp?number=13009.
Ages 3-6
Faith-filled Friends
Fun to pray with — and play with — these 9-inch fabric dolls
of St. Therese of Lisieux, Mother Teresa or Our Lady of Guadalupe help
introduce toddlers to the heavenly friendship of Catholic saints, $16.95.
(Catalogue description.)
Web site: http://www.catholicchild.com/prodinfo.asp?number=19930.
Ages 6-9
Prayerful pillowcases
Each pillowcase contains a machine-washable, heat-sealed image and prayer
such as the Guardian Angel prayer, Prayer to St. Michael, or Prayer of
St. Therese. Helps children to remember to say their bedtime prayers and
comfort them as they fall asleep, $11.95. (Catalogue description.)
Web site: http://www.catholicchild.com/prodinfo.asp?number=20352.
Cat Chat audio shows Entertaining musical stories about the Catholic faith
that are told by lovable characters, for at-home or on-the-road. Each
CD is approximately 50 minutes long. Titles include: “Amazing Angels
and Super Saints;” “A Christmas to Remember;” “Mary
Leads Me Closer to Jesus;” “Jesus in My Heart;” “The
Mass Comes Alive;” “A Special Easter Vacation,” $13.95.
(Catalogue description.)
Web site: http://www.catholicchild.com/prodinfo.asp?number=18024.
Ages 9-12
Pen Pals
Great stocking stuffer. Pen pals keep your child’s saint close at
hand. Each pen is topped by a statue of a saint that comes along with
a sturdy resin base for safekeeping, $11.95. (Catalogue description.)
Web site: http://www.catholicchild.com/prodinfo.asp?number=20128.
Teens
The Scorpion Files
Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’ inspirational classic, “The Screwtape
Letters,” this material is creatively presented as a packet of collected
letters exchanged between Scorpion, an experienced demon, and Agent 6,
his trainee. Teaches teen the teachings of the Church and the methods
Satan uses to deceive and mislead, $11.95. (Catalogue description.)
Web site: http://www.catholicchild.com/prodinfo.asp?number=10071.
Catholic games for the family
Scat
How many Bible categories can you match before time runs out? Roll the
letter die to determine the letter for that round. You roll a “C,”
and start the timer. … How quickly can you think of a place Christ
walked? “Canaan.” Things that separate us from each other?
“Carelessness.” A name for the Holy Spirit? “Comforter.”
The player with the highest score after three rounds is the winner. For
2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up, $24.95. (Catalog description)
Web site: http://www.catholicchild.com/prodinfo.asp?number=21901.
Apparel
for the family
“Xtreme Papa” T-shirts
“A very cool tee with the famous photo of the late John Paul II
wearing a beret and sunglasses. His words “Be not afraid”
are emblazoned on the back, kids $16 (SKU 9307). adults $18 (SKU 9306).”
(Catalogue description.)
Web site: www.aquinasandmore.com. (On the home page click on the More
search options link, and scroll down to enter the SKU number.)
Presents for the hard-to-buy-for
Gift ideas for frail loved ones
By Lisa M. Petsche
Special to The CS&T
Friends and relatives of seniors who are house-bound or reside in a care
facility often find it difficult to come up with suitable gift ideas for
Christmas.
They must take into account, for example, any physical impairments —
such as vision or hearing loss — their loved one may have, as well
as activity restrictions because of a medical condition. Selecting a gift
for someone who is cognitively-impaired because of Alzheimer’s disease
or some other type of dementia can also be challenging.
Here are some ideas to consider, depending on the situation:
• Toiletries: moisturizing lotion, soap-on-a-rope, deodorant, toothbrush
and toothpaste or denture cleaner, conditioning shampoo, facial tissue,
cologne, lipstick, nail polish.
• Grooming supplies: comb or hairbrush, hair accessories, hand mirror,
electric razor.
• Clothing, such as track suits, pajamas or nightgowns, underwear
and socks. Consider adaptive apparel: Velcro-closing dresses and shirts
that makes dressing easier.
• A throw for the sofa or bed, or a lap blanket if the person uses
a wheelchair.
• A tote bag that attaches to a walker or wheelchair.
• Home safety equipment, such as a smoke alarm or non-skid bathtub
mat.
• Earphones for the TV or radio, if the person has roommates.
• A lighted magnifying glass (include extra batteries).
• Rechargeable flashlight that automatically comes on when the power
fails.
• Favorite edibles, such as take-out coffee or food, fresh fruit,
or homemade treats that take into account any dietary restrictions.
• A table-top or window decoration, such as a stained-glass sun-catcher.
• A newspaper or magazine subscription, large-print book or book
on audiotape.
• Fresh flowers (bring a vase) or a low-maintenance plant.
• A bird feeder.
• A drive around town or in the country, if the person can get in
and out of a car with minimal assistance.
If the person resides in a nursing facility, the staff may be able to
provide other suggestions. They can supply information regarding preferred
brands of toiletries, proper clothing and suitable treats.
If you’re on a limited income, you don’t have to spend much,
if any, money to show that you care. That’s because the most appreciated
gifts of all are free: your time and affection.
Lisa M. Petsche is a clinical social worker and a freelance writer
specializing in family life and seniors issues.