'Tis the season for a stogie, fa la la la la, la la la la……
For the past few holiday seasons, I’ve found it's getting harder and harder to give gifts. Not only has creativity fallen through the cracks, but presents are not as monetarily feasible as they once were: there are televisions for sale that cost more than my car. Because of this, holiday shopping has become an increasing burden, for me and many others. As we find ourselves trapped somewhere between the shopping mall and memories of holidays of yore whose true meaning wasn’t on a display stand at Macy’s, we think about how it used to be.
There was a time when the holidays were about more than purchasing the latest technological brand or the most expensive cashmere sweater. It used to be so easy. A tie, a purse, even soap-on-a-rope were all suitable gifts. Back then, it was the thought that counted. But lately, these gifts have become less acceptable. Even the hand-made card I give my parents each year is being met with less and less enthusiasm, no matter how much glitter I add.
Still, we haven’t lost this battle yet. With the onset of the season we are given the opportunity to reinvent the true spirit of the holidays. We have the ability to give a gift that says something more than “I have a huge limit on my credit card.” One way we can do this is by giving the gift of cigars.
Why Give Cigars as a Gift?
Cigars may not seem like a run-of-the-mill holiday gift but, in this age of overblown commercialism, this should work in their favor. Unlike brand name hand bags or a clothing line overseen by a professional rapper, cigars represent what the holidays are really all about: friendship, celebration, and happiness.
Giving a cigar as a gift conveys that some actual thought went into the gifting process along with your paycheque. Cigars, which possess a loaded meaning, are often exchanged in the same manner friends exchange a knowing glance or a comforting pat on the shoulder. They are intimate and caring.
What Kinds of Cigars to Give?
The type of cigar to buy depends on who it's for. For a cigar novice, samplers make excellent gifts, as it gives them an opportunity of finding one he or she truly enjoys. If not, a box of mild cigars – such as the Macanudo from the Dominican Republic or the Casa Toraño from Honduras - usually works best for beginners. For the cigar connoisseur, purchasing a box of their favorite brand or a brand you know they are dying to try is the way to go.
Article comments