Visions of Christmas toys from yesteryear

Our pioneering ancestors made do with home-made presents at Christmas. Mother could sew a rag doll for her daughter. Father might whittle a toy horse for his son. Then as families prospered they were able to buy gifts in the local general store, practical gifts like dishes, a new coat or boots.

Gift ideas for seniors

For many years, I have worked in various capacities as a nurse in the community with frail elderly. Many of them still reside at home or in a retirement home. While pushing well into their late 80s and 90s, these people try to make the best of life after experiencing many losses. In some cases, thei