First, I would like to validate everyone’s feelings that the holiday season can be way too much. Last year, I had a mid-season pity party in a cold Michael’s parking lot over this fact, which I am not planning to replicate this year. I am not now, nor will I ever be, one of those people who shop in July for a holiday half a year away. I’m just your run-of-the-mill consumer who is trying to summon the seasonal magic without offending the earth (or my bank account).
Secondly, an introduction. My name is Devon. I have four kids and one husband. Despite my many needy offspring - my oldest is 9, my youngest is nearly 2 - I try to make time to surf at least a few times a week. I pursue surfing regularly because I see it as endorphin-filled bliss without the suffering (unlike some other forms of exercise).
Third, this is not a gift guide, but in case you are racking your brain for ideas, I do believe everyone is always in need of some comfort this time of year.
Speaking of gifts, I saw an ad on Instagram recently for a journal you give your parents or elders with a bunch of random prompts like,
“Tell the story of how you met your Valentine…” or “How did you deal with your grandparents dying…?”
I can’t think of a gift my dad would like less.
Writing about his feelings and memories? I’m laugh-choking on my kombucha just thinking about how disappointed he’d be opening it.
However, there are often two paths to one destination. My dad and I have always bonded over our shared love for the open ocean. He taught me to surf when I was nine. I think he only slightly regretted it once “Surf-Mania” kicked in and I was begging him to surf with me in the most terrible conditions, just to scratch the itch.
Recently, we took to the water for some waves, lobster fishing, and whale watching on my parents’ boat. I had really been craving time with them. I’m aging, they’re aging. It’s terribly expected and unexpected all at once. Fortunately, we aren’t too old to set out on a boating adventure to the middle of nowhere together (especially after Elon Musk made that fancy satellite thing).
It’s crazy how different California can seem from the water. There are so many untouched pieces of it; sprawling hills, deserted beaches, deep caves. My kids were close enough to dolphins to see them blink. We got to surf beneath fog-covered cliffs without anyone in sight. We ate spaghetti, swam in freezing water and let the boat rock us all to sleep. My dad and I had time to talk over the 12 hours of ocean travel. Even answer a personal question or two. Just as it gave me peace to see that, offshore, the California landscape remained relatively unaltered, I felt comfort knowing that my relationship with my dad was much like it’s always been.
Sometimes the best gift is something physical: a warm blanket, a favorite meal, a small tree to grow. Sometimes the best gift is time.
What are your favorite thoughtful gifts?
When thinking about physical gifts, I try to opt for supporting small businesses who keep the environment in mind. Some of my family’s favorite VOITED blankets are the Ripstop Blanket in ocean navy and cameo green and, of course, the CloudTouch® Blanket. I love that every Voited order offsets 5KG of CO2 and plants one tree (the gift that keeps on giving, you know?). These blankets came in especially handy on our boat trip. We also take them with us to the beach on Sundays. It’s the only thing that doesn’t get completely covered in sand when we return to the boat or car because it shakes right out!
What kind of tree do you like to gift?
A classic- the olive tree! Get it? Extending an olive branch? My mom gifted me one once and it just seemed like such a meaningful, eco-friendly way to wish someone peace and joy during the holidays.
What is a favorite meal you like to share?
A meal my family and I really enjoy is honey-tamari glazed chicken served with green onions and rice. It looks gourmet, but it’s super easy and usually suits almost any palate.
About Devon’s Poetry
My poetry usually starts in my phone notes, or in my head while I’m surfing. On good days, I have time to organize these thoughts into something coherent. It almost feels like singing a song and I don’t have the best voice, so it seems best that my lyrics stay on the page.
I am currently working on my first book of poetry, which I’ve kind of been saying for a few years, but hopefully it will be worth the wait! I certainly have had new perspectives now going from being a single, autonomous person to a mother of what feels like 85 children some days.
Head to devondemint.com to discover more of her beautiful- and very giftable work - handsewn, handpainted poetry!
