GOOFYPAL GIFTS 1984 – 2022
WHY I DO IT: While creating this 27th (!) consecutive Christmas gift for my family and friends, I once again have thought about the previous offerings, and what gift-giving and gift-receiving means to me. As I wrote in a note accompanying my 2006 gift, the previous January I had exchanged thoughtful emails with one recipient about the gift giving process – their comment nicely expresses how I feel:
. . . I've been thinking about Christmas gifts and how the giving and receiving of them has changed over the years. I really like it when I get it "right" and connect with someone I love and care about through a material item symbolizing my knowing about them. Of course, I don't always get it right perfectly, but as I said last night the thought and love are both there and it is different for each person…. I know that we both try to connect with each other by gift giving.... none of us "needs" stuff like we did as children, or even young adults, so the reason for giving has to be different. For me the reason is to show my love in selecting and taking time to wrap and mail the gift. That is enough for me, it is only a bonus and feels good when the person accepts it and really likes it.
Exactly so! I originally began sending identical gifts because I felt isolated from my far-flung family and had no idea about what gift they would enjoy. The solution was to send something personally meaningful to me and hope that it would be enjoyed by some (if not all) recipients. This has helped me become better connected with family members and friends. My motivation throughout has been to create a shared connection among those I love, by having everyone share a communal experience on Christmas Day, knowing that the same item (and gift wrap!) was being opened simultaneously around the country.
I do realize that sending identical gifts is contrary to what “experts” suggest, that “a gift should suit that person so well that it is something [he or she] might have picked out.” Hmmm – duct tape?! A slinky?! Yet my method does meet the experts’ criterion that “the gift-giving tradition can be a symbol of a person’s love for another, an opportunity to establish a special connection with someone.”
For me this always has been a labor of love, with part of the gift being the substantial time and energy taken to purchase the item, create accompanying notes about it, then mail. Each year I decide whether to continue my Christmas tradition of sending a gift package, and what item resonates with me. I enjoy both the process of creating the package and the outcome of how recipients react to it. My attitude is to embrace the activity of preparing and sending the gift, keeping it fun and never allowing the process to become stressful or a chore. Although the cost per gift and postage has been relatively modest, the total expenditure for some 30-40 recipients has added up – yet very worthwhile for the joy it brings me!
“Thank you” from recipients has ranged from heartfelt to thoughtful to perfunctory to none – via postal mail, email, voicemail, text, phone chat, and in person. Of course I appreciate being thanked. Yet those who did not offer thanks, or even acknowledge receiving the gift, have helped me remember that gift-giving should be done freely and unconditionally with no expectation about the outcome. Zen!
These feelings were validated in a 70th Birthday Book created by my son, where family and friends often commented on my Christmas gift. One entry in particular captured my intention, and I’m grateful for it:
A big thank you, Tom, for sharing your creativity and good humor with us through your annual Christmas gifts…. although they are by design very simple, Tom clearly spends a lot of thought on picking each one. The slinky, the roll of duct tape, the candy bar – each one has a special meaning for Tom and, usually, for everyone he sends them to. But the best part is that, unlike every other gift, Tom’s come with liner notes [with] reflections on the meaning of the present, a bit of history, his personal memories associated with it, and a good helping of humor (of course) – and it all contributes to a feeling of care and thoughtfulness. And, because so many of us in Tom’s extended family receive the same gift, it also creates a sense of community among us.
THE GIFTS OF YESTERYEAR
Briefly described below is each year's gift, along with comments about WHY it was chosen. Several of the listed gifts precede the current series that began in 1996; these gifts were sent only to immediate family members and close friends. It is enjoyable for me to reminisce about the process and the outcome of all these efforts. I do not know what the FUTURE may bring, but I definitely am very grateful for my PRESENT and PAST years of gift giving!
1984: KCRW and Clay Christmas Music. Three audiocassette tapes were recorded – from a live recording of Christmas music from my local Santa Monica, California public radio station – interspersed with early 1960s Christmas “talent” performances by the “original 7 Clay” children and their parents.
1990: “We Three Kings” by The Roches. An audiocassette tape of a Christmas CD which remains one of my favorites – by a sweetly melodic trio of singing sisters known for their unusual, rich harmonies; they began recording in 1970s and developed a niche following, never achieving mainstream success.
1991: “100 Silver Bells”. A notorious 100 minute audiocassette containing cool-Yule excerpts of 60 versions of the classic Christmas song – created in memory of hearing Johnny Mathis croon the tune throughout my Phoenix childhood. This quirky gift was a precursor of what was to come!
1992: “90 Tarnished Bells”. A 90 minute audiocassette containing additional versions of “Silver Bells” and spoken word sequences, themed to that year’s racial unrest in Los Angeles.
1993: “Christmas At McCabes”. An audiocassette recorded live from local radio station KCRW of a folk music concert from Santa Monica’s famed McCabe’s Guitar Shop – along with “A Holiday House Party With Los Lobos” live rock music concert.
1994: “An Almost Acoustic Christmas”. Audiocassettes recorded live from local radio station KROQ of a rock concert from the Los Angeles Universal Amphitheatre – plus Christmas CDs of “Unusual Musical Instruments.”
1995: “The Nixon Years”. Two 100 minute audiocassettes of Tricky Dick quotes, memorabilia and rock music recorded from a local KMET radio broadcast. (Limited distribution)
1996: A Roll of Duct Tape – with notes on its history, philosophy, ingenious uses, famous quotations. This began a series of five practical gifts – and the identical gift-giving series continues to this day!
In homage to my Dad’s fondness for duct tape (think furniture repair!), and oddly inspired by a Wall Street Journal 12-2-96 article, the gift was launched in a haze of goofy smoke. It was accompanied by a 90 minute audiocassette tape of “One (Duct Tape) World Christmas 1996” music, with a comedy intro.
1997: Eveready Flashlight – battery not included, with the needed energy to be supplied by recipients.
Symbolic of the light that was shining more brightly with each passing day, as the result of my new healthier life and spiritual path begun on April 22 that year, a flashlight was a fitting follow-up gift.
1998: Magnifying Glass – another practical gift, useful for discovering new places and things.
Chosen to provide a usable gift, yet also symbolic for me of the tiny yet noticeable steps taken that year to discover new things and to make progress (not perfection) toward a healthier, more spiritual life.
1999: Whistle (Y2K Ready!) – to celebrate the New Millennium 2000, and to signal for help as needed.
Foreshadowing the “goofy-fun” gifts to come in later years, this was a practical item that also could be used for entertainment. My wish was that “this whistle be a safe and celebratory sound in your life!”
2000: Compass (also Y2K Ready!) – the last of five practical gifts, yet also of symbolic significance.
“Oh, the places you’ll go exploring the New Millennium… to seek your path with heart….” In addition to practicality, it was a symbolic reminder of daily choices taken toward seeking happiness and serenity.
2001: Slinky – the first of five goofy, fun gifts to bring recipients “tidings of comfort and joy.”
After the sorrow in our hearts and minds caused by the tragedy of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, it was time to send a carefree gift – a classic toy still made in the USA, from a simpler mid-20th Century America.
2002: Purple M&M’s – official candy of The New Millennium, “melt in your mouth, not in your hand.”
This nostalgic American comfort food was intended to soothe spirits in a year of terror threats and 9-11 memories. Purple (then my favorite) won a M&M’s worldwide color vote, and represents Chakra Seven.
2003: Crayola® Crayons – a fun, nostalgic outlet for creative impulses in both children and adults.
Another gift intended to soothe spirits as we moved toward the decade’s midpoint. In an era where the majority of toys come from foreign countries, these crayons continued to be made in the USA.
2004: Brian Wilson’s SMiLE CD (a favorite music album) and Travel Mirror (for practice in smiling).
A joyful example of human survival and redemption from a troubled musician who released his 38-year delayed artistic masterpiece, this raised my spirits at a sad time due to son Zach’s very serious illness.
2005: “Make It Funky!” DVD, “Concert for the Gulf Coast” DVD, and Cajun Spices from Louisiana.
To pay homage to New Orleans and offer hope for its rebirth after hurricane Katrina and much political neglect, recipients were invited to get funky and spicy by listening to its music and cooking its food.
2006: Gratitude Gifts. Essays about “The Gift-Giving Of GoofyPal”; “Letter Writing: Reviving The Lost Art”; “Tips on Writing A ‘Thank You’ Note”; and “The Attitude Of Gratitude.” This transitional gift, for putting essay ideas into practice, included first class postage stamps, note paper and envelopes.
2007: Unique and Personalized Christmas Ornaments, with two Payday Candy Bars (one to share). This began a series of emotionally resonant gifts for a smaller number of recipients. A different ornament design was selected for each person at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, with names engraved. Payday candy bars celebrated my 60th birthday and sister Terri’s recovery from a life threatening illness.
2008: Celebrating HOPE by “End of an ERROR…Beginning of an ERA” coffee mugs, button, stickers. The 1.20.09 inauguration of President Barrack Obama (“Yes We Can!”) renewed hope that our country would achieve positive change. Inspiration for this gift came during Thanksgiving visits to sister Karri and brother Mike – and meeting newborn Hudson plus Aaron, Jesse, Laura, Peter, Sam, Wendy.
2009: Watchword BELIEVE by reusable canvas tote bag, customized with kanji character “believe.” Following the previous year of hope, 2009 brought sociopolitical turmoil, disillusionment and disappointment. The gift was selected for reasons both practical and symbolic – carrying a reusable tote eliminates environmentally harmful plastic bags – and it demonstrates a belief that Earth can be healthy.
2010: Watchword HOPE by reusable canvas tote bag, customized with kanji character “hope.” This gift was selected as a companion to the previous year’s “Believe” bag: we need to believe in hope! Inspiration came from experiencing with son Zach the Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil “Love” show, then watching with him a John Lennon PBS biography and hearing “Imagine” with its message of hope.
2011: Watchword SERENITY by book “Shortcuts to Inner Peace” and TCHO dark chocolate candy. With our country’s sociopolitical turmoil continuing (although some hopeful events occurred), the gift focused on stress reduction. The book described 70 simple stress-busting rituals, and the chocolate was yummy. Inspiration resulted from events that occurred during a Thanksgiving trip to the Heartland.
2012: Watchword ACCEPTANCE by CD mix of 24 “Que Sera, Sera” renditions; and dark chocolate. Another gift intended to reduce stress and bring serenity, this time thru music (“whatever will be, will be, the future’s not ours to see, que sera, sera”). Plus gourmet dark chocolate candy from Trader Joe’s. The song title is a childhood saying spoken by mom when she wanted her seven children to practice acceptance. The 24 versions of the song were selected to vary musical style and tempo, a joyful flow.
2013: Retro gift of a legendary Moleskin notebook, and personalized “GoofyPal green and red M&M’s. Despite being fashionably cool with loyal users, this paper notebook is a throwback to the 20th century mode of writing – very retro compared to computer tablets such as the iPad. And M&M’s are decidedly “old school” – although still a popular, iconic American candy, it is not a “gourmet” chocolate product.
2014: Quotable Beverage Mug, “When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade” OR a Toy Lemon. This is a proverbial saying recalled from my childhood, one that I passed on to young son Zach in the form of a poster on the wall that he fondly remembers. In a lighthearted way, the saying encourages optimism and a can-do attitude in the face of adversity or misfortune. Lemons suggest bitterness and a sour taste (life problems) while lemonade is a sweet drink (a bad situation transformed into a good one). The accompanying notes describe the origin of lemons and lemonade; culinary, medicinal and other uses; and numerous variations of the saying. The notes also provide examples of people “making lemonade from lemons” – for me, by practicing a 12-Step program; for a niece, by moving from New York after 9-11; and for son Zach, by leaving a job in TV news editing to return to school for a career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, while facing serious health challenges with grace and humor.
2015: “JOY” continues the spiritual theme of recent gifts – with a gift of four Almond Joy candy bars. Sociopolitical turmoil and personal challenges continued to exist, making it sometimes difficult to embrace joy in our lives. The candy, and accompanying notes, were intended to bring recipients “tidings of comfort and joy” by increasing their physical, mental and spiritual health. “Joy” now a favorite word!
2016: “HARMONY” Christmas Music CD and Dove Chocolate Candy Bars, for Unity and Peace. Inspiration for this gift came from the divisive, contentious U.S. Presidential election – making it difficult to achieve harmony in our lives. Although much Christmas music is cheesy schlock, some of it is beautiful and engenders feelings of peacefulness, serenity and harmony – and it can help us recall special times in our past. Dove chocolate bars taste yummy, and its name suggests a feeling of harmony. This remains a favorite gift, I listen to the CD every Christmas; suggest you do too (or download)!
2017: Honey produced by Arizona bees and packaged in a jug, bear bottle or individual snack sticks. This gift began a new series of gifts that are produced in Arizona, selected in joyful recognition of my February move back to the state. The Arizona Desert Wildflower Honey is produced and packaged in Tempe, Arizona by the Crockett Honey Company, a local family owned business. Plus Honey notes.
2018: Olive Oil Infused With Dark Chocolate, produced in Arizona at the Queen Creek Olive Mill. The Olive Oil was in a bottle, or in a candy bar. Inspiration came in June at a Meetup event at the Olive Mill, located 25 miles southeast of my Jacinto Circle home. The accompanying notes describe the history of olive oil, its various types, and its uses in addition to the cooking of healthy and tasty food.
2019: Inheriting Brother Jim’s “Funny Nose/Glasses” With Comforting Cookies From Arizona Bakery. This gift was in joyful memory of my brother Jim, who departed Earth on Feb. 27 – while mysteriously leaving a box of 35 new, unopened “funny nose/glasses” – a goofy inheritance for me, and for us! Also, to provide joy alongside this bittersweet gift, a box of artisan-baked cookies was included from a local, family-owned bakery, Urban Oven. The accompanying notes included a detailed biography of my spiritual totem, the Disney cartoon character Goofy, along with “fake news’ and trivia about the Goof.
2020: During Covid-19 pandemic, Goofy and Arizona Flag Face Masks, and Arizona Chocolate Bar. Two versions of custom-designed Face Mask: one with Arizona State Flag, one with Goofy replacing the flag’s Copper colored star – symbolizing acceptance of the pandemic reality, yet celebrating our way forward in the new year. And for joy, a milk chocolate bar (wrapper showing the nearby Superstition Mountains), from local candy company. Notes included article, “The Year When Everything Changed.”
2021: Personalized GoofyPal Christmas Ornament with Goofy’s face and the name of each recipient. Designed by me and produced by an Arizona artisan, this joyful gift was sent to an expanded list of 55 GoofyPals, appreciating that all my family and friends have survived the Covid-19 pandemic. Gawrsh!!!
2022: Disney+ Premium: A 12 Month Ad-Free Video Streaming Subscription. Up to 8 of my GoofyPals can simultaneously watch extensive video content from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and National Geographic. A GroupWatch feature allows users to create a private viewing party, watching the same content, wherever they’re located, reacting with 6 emojis and controlling playback (pause, fast-forward, rewind). And the goofypal.com website updated with extensive new content and redesign. This is the first “virtual” gift, unlike all previous “tangible” gifts that could be physically touched. Yet still JOYFUL!