Christmas 2009: The Recap

I've always been fascinated by the difference between self-perception and the perceptions held by others about one's self. It's interesting to me that most of my friends will describe me as gregarious and outgoing, when I consider myself a bit timid and kind of an introvert. I've often been complimented in the past for being socially gracious, but most days I feel incredibly awkward.

If I had to guess, I'd say that it's probably a little universal to struggle with one's self-image. I know beautiful women who believe themselves plain. I have friends who fail to recognize their tremendous talents. And I know plenty of people who are blind to their weaknesses, too. This interests me terribly: Which person am I? Am I the person I believe myself to be? Or am I the woman that other people see?

That's why I'm always delighted when life offers me a glimpse into myself through the eyes of those around me, and there's no better opportunity to explore the perceptions of one's friends and family then by taking a look at the gifts they give you. And so, a few years ago, I began a tradition of writing down a list of my Christmas gifts. Here are the highlights:

1. Primula Glass Teapot Gift Set. A funky little glass teapot and four cups. The teapot is made for flowering teas, which are loose teas that are artfully tied to open in the shapes of flowers.
2. Garnishing Book and Kit. Comes with a book on how to make beautiful garnishes, plus a butter curler, a double-headed melon baller, a peeler, and a lemon zester.
3. Funny little coin pouch made from post-consumer recycled materials. It has a picture of a mama bunny driving a station wagon, and shows a couple of dozen baby bunnies in the back seats. At the top, it reads, "Don't MAKE me stop this car." Sales from the pouch benefit the Nature Conservancy.
4. Gift card to Macy's.
5. Funky little goldish-toned pearl necklace.
6. Pashmina shawl. Reversable, in berry and teal tones. Very feminine.
7. The Dog Tricks and Training Workbook. Comes with 30 "Trick Cards" for tracking progress, and a DVD with live demonstrations for teaching. (Waffle Dog has mastered "Paws Up", "Spin", and "Bow" since Christmas, by the way. She's brilliant.)
8. Unbelievable beautiful cowhide bag with tribal bracelets for buckles.
9. World's softest, coziest robe from Restoration Hardware, in garnet. I wish that I had fur, and that it was made of this stuff.
10. Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook Kit, complete with cookie cutters in the shapes of bones, fire hydrants, and squirrels.
11. Assortment of cute clothes from Gap, all soft and cozy.
12. Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe.
13. A Waffle Maker, with different features than our previous waffle maker. Of course.
14. A donation to Heifer International.

It's kind of fun, to try to figure out what it is about any given present that made someone think "Kate needs that." When you think about the motivation behind the gifts you receive, it really does make the thought count most. This year, for example, I feel like my loved ones think I'm a socially aware, highly fashionable, literate domestic goddess with a penchant for snuggly things and a passion for her dog. Or maybe they think that I REALLY need help in the kitchen. Either way, some of those descriptors perfectly jive with my self-image, and others are laughable. But it's fun to look at the themes.

I'm wondering about you. What were your favorite gifts? And what do they say about you?