For It Is In Giving That We Receive
A 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
With my Mom’s passing in September, I almost didn’t write the annual Solvitur Ambulando Holiday Gift Guide this year. Life seems different without her – now without either parent. The final vestiges of my childhood have shrivelled up and vanished, like the Ghost of Christmas Past in my beloved A Christmas Carol. Mom’s death has put me in a reflective mood – more somber, less cheerful than I usually feel this time of year.
Still, I recall how much Mom reveled in giving gifts. It was a way she showed her love. I will treasure the gifts she and Dad gave me through the years – maybe I will base next year’s Holiday Gift Guide on them. That memory reminds me that, yes, gift-giving can simply pile stuff onto our super-materialistic lives. But also — a thoughtful gift can convey affection, consideration and love – maybe when we don’t have the words to express the true emotions of our heart.
So, gentle readers, my annual Gift Guide is below. You can also read Guides from the past several years, with cumulatively over 100 ideas for kids, adults, kids at heart, and charities too.
Charities
If you are reading this august newsletter, the likelihood is that you have life’s basic necessities covered. You probably don’t need more “stuff.” Consider making a donation to one of these charities, supporting people who may not have those necessities or who have unfilled mental, emotional and spiritual yearnings. And if these don’t call out to you, your city or area undoubtedly has a charity that welcomes – and needs – your support this holiday season.
As you likely know, I have worked with St John Center for several years. The team provides desperately needed support for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Please consider making a donation. Or, St John Center always needs supplies for its operations and the guests. Current items in high-need include:
HotHands Hand Warmers
Men’s boxers and briefs
Wool hats
Gloves
A small, beautiful retreat center about an hour outside Louisville. I’ve spent a few refreshing, clarifying days there over the past three years.
My dear friend
serves as a lay Zen teacher at ACZC. I visited her there in October and sat zazen, which I had wanted to do for a long time. It turned into an uplifting, lovely evening. In case you hadn’t heard, rent in the City of Angels ain’t cheap, and I know they’d gratefully welcome your support to keep their little community strong, thriving and firmly in place.Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion
As the North American Seat of Drepung Gomang Monastery, the DGCEC in Louisville “is a welcoming community that
offers opportunities to study and practice Tibetan Buddhism
raises awareness of the endangered Tibetan culture and associated human rights issues
provides programs relating to the practice of universal human values, interfaith dialogue, and peacemaking as inspired by His Holiness the Dalai Lama”
I have visited many times and find it a lovely place of peace, reflection and healing.
My family and so many friends have suffered from cancer. Gilda’s does such special work in uplifting the spirits of cancer patients, survivors, families and caregivers. Please consider donating here.
Food and Drink
My friend Rachel Lutz makes the loveliest mugs and ceramics. Several years ago, she gifted me a mug and I still use it every day. As I write this, it sits less than an arm’s length away, holding my beloved Christmas Morning Tea, my daily restorative in this holiday season. Thank you, Rachel!
Over the summer, I got into BBQ Brawl on the Food Network. Bobby Flay plus two more team captains select BBQ chefs to compete each week, with judges Rodney Scott, Brooke Williamson and Carson Kressley judging each team’s fare. On one episode, Brad Leighninger smoked “Dino Ribs” and Brooke called it “the best beef rib I’ve ever eaten.” Also over the summer, my friend Aaron got me into the Meat Church videos and rubs. So I looked into what the Church had to say about Dino Ribs. Let’s say they’re fans. I watched this video to learn how to smoke the Dino Ribs. In the video, they used beef plate ribs from 44 Steaks. Now, the first time I do a recipe, I try to replicate it exactly as the recipe stipulates. I called to a couple local butchers and what they described to me did not seem like “Dino Ribs.” So I bit the bullet and ordered two plates from 44 Farms. And hey, they threw in a jar of Meat Church’s Holy Cow rub -- a dynamite rub. I followed the instructions from the video to a T. The result: rave reviews when I served it a Book Club. Even better – my wife, who generally does not eat red meat, called it “the best thing you’ve ever smoked.” High praise indeed!
Silver Creek Specialty Meats Snack Sticks
My father in law used to give us an allotment of snack sticks from venison when he hunted. That goes back a few years, so my daughter and I found these – the best-tasting, and healthiest snack sticks since those yummy venison ones gifted by my father in law.
For the Home
Craig is a sculptor, printmaker and artist in the UK. Author Paul Kingsnorth writes a series on “Wild Saints.” For each saint, Craig creates a print. I really loved Kingsnorth’s story about St. Govan, and so reached out to Craig for his accompanying artwork. It now hangs in my office, a beloved reminder of St. Govan, Wild Saints and the potent beauty of storytelling.
Candles
For the ladies, a Jo Malone candle makes for a memorable gift. For the mens, I love the Mythologie candles that my friend Marci gave me a few years ago. That one is long gone, but I’ve reordered a couple times. My favorites: Book of Kells, Emerald Isle, and Library of Alexandria. I also enjoy Tobacco Bark from Himalayan Trading Post.
A Plant
Few things brighten a space like a plant. My bonsai and cacti have transformed my office space. I started with one bonsai: a Brazilian Rain Tree. Now I have, um, 21 cacti, succulents and air plants adorning my office window sill and other areas. They beautify the space and remind me that warm days shall return. Mostly, they make me smile. If you live near Louisville, reach out to Russ Stevens about a bonsai, and check out Mahonia for cacti, other plants and delightful gifts.
On the Go
GORUCK Rucksack or Weighted Training Vest
In the past year, I have discussed rucking more with friends and acquaintances than at any time since I began in 2019. Look, rucking makes for excellent cardio when you hate running, and great strength training when you hate the weights. Embrace the Suck in 2026.
My friend Charles gifted me this stellar writing companion for my 50th birthday. I was instantly hooked and I use it every single day. Zero distractions, even your own editing. Portable, easy to use, and fun. Freewrite sells other styles too if you are so inclined.
Books
The Gents Book Club read some wonderful books in 2025:
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig;
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury;
Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse;
The Brothers K by David James Duncan;
Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima;
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez;
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley;
and The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
I’ve also interviewed some wonderful authors:
- , author of Feather Trails;
Sarah Landenwich, author of The Fire Concerto;
- , author of Now I Lay Me Down to Fight;
Steven Rabalais, author of General Fox Conner;
- , author of Second Act;
and Sherry Shenoda, author of The Lightkeeper and Mummy Eaters.
Any and all of these books make for a wonderful gift for the reader in your life.
For Fun
Baseball Glove
Coming off a terrific World Series, keep the baseball fever pulsing until Spring Training delivers us from the NBA. Several makers allow you to customize gloves these days. Check out the spectacular leather from Nokona; Rawlings; 44 Pro; and Wilson. Throw around the ole ball with your son or daughter or nephew or friend, and feel like you, too, can be a hero on the diamond.
Kentucky-based Ale-8-One brought back their long-discontinued cola a couple of years ago. It became such a hit, they brought it back again. The best cola drink on the earth, period. Better thank Coke, Diet Coke, Cheerwine, Dr. Pepper, RC Cola, or Pepsi (a distant last place). Get ‘em while you can!
May you, your family, and your friends revel in the joy of this holiday season! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! And a wonderful New Year to you all!
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