Christmas Shopping | James Milson

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

We are in the middle of the holiday season! Or should we say the “shopping season,” maybe?

Have you been busy shopping? How is your Christmas list going this year? Do you still visit the local stores, malls, and small business shops like we used to? Or do you do most of your shopping online, as so many seem to do nowadays? Or a mixture of both?

Are you one who wraps up their holiday shopping early and has everything checked off their list well before the holiday arrives?

Or rather like me? No matter how well I plan it out or the lists that I have prepared ahead of time over the years, I always find myself behind and busy right to the end.

But in a way, and knowing myself as I do, and if I am being honest, that may be the true plan, after all. I always enjoy the last minute chase for that special gift for someone, along with the holiday crowds and rush. Seeing and watching everyone. Maybe it’s just the last minute holiday scene, soaking up every second of the holiday season, my favorite time of the year. I know that many dread going out at the last minute before the holiday, but call me what you may, I have always enjoyed it.

So, if you are like me and still have some shopping to do, maybe for a special person in your life — be it husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, daughter, son, co-worker, Secret Santa gift, boss, or dear friend, we may have something to help with that. Have you considered gifting a special cologne or perfume, perhaps?

My dear friend, Renato Carotti, is a structural engineer and a married father of two children living in the beautiful “Sunshine State” of Florida. And Renato is an acknowledged Parfum Maestro, knowing more about colognes and the perfume industry than anyone I have ever met. When I smell a cologne, I can tell you if I like it or not. That’s it. Simple and to the point, the full extent of my knowledge. Renato can describe each note, its origin, and the creation process of every fragrance. Truly amazing. His knowledge of the fragrance industry seems boundless.

To my surprise, I discovered he is also a poet. Earlier in the year, Renato penned a poem about fragrances and has graciously allowed me to share it with you for the holiday season. Perhaps it will provide some inspiration or ideas for your next shopping trip.

Oh, the Scents that You’ll Find!

(inspired by Dr. Seuss)

by Renato Carotti

Oh, the scents that you’ll find, if you give it a try,

with a bottle in hand and a nose held up high!

From spicy to woody, to fresh citrus so bright,

Each fragrance you find is a burst of pure light!

You’ll start your adventure with just one or just two,

But oh very soon, you’ll ne’er have so few!

A spray in the morning, a splash at the night,

Each bottle a journey, a fragrant new flight!

Some scents will be bold, with a roar and a cheer,

Others will linger, soft whispers to hear.

There’s rich and rare Oud, like a story untold,

And Sandalwood smooth, a soft blanket of gold.

There’s Bergamot bursting like a breeze in the spring,

And Amber that hums like a glowing warm ring.

Tobacco that’s all smoky, like a tale from afar,

While Vetiver whispers much like winds in a jar.

Oh, you’ll mix and you’ll match, and you’ll learn what you like,

Maybe Lavender fresh, or Ginger that’s just right.

With each bottle opened, a new world to see,

Oh, the places you’ll go with each scent you set free!

So go forth, brave explorer, with your nose held up high,

Let the fragrances float, let them dance in the sky.

Collect them, enjoy them, in bottles or by sprays,

For each scent is a journey through life’s fragrant maze!

A heartfelt and very special “Thank You!” to my friend Renato Carotti for allowing me to share his fun poem with you this holiday season.

And with the holiday season in full swing now, I wanted to take a few minutes to remind everyone to check out all the free Christmas and Holiday Features available here on my Writing Pages. Freely shared, as always, because it is the holiday season and that is simply how we roll here.

I also invite you to Like and Follow my Writer’s Page on Facebook and my Patreon Page to be notified and enjoy all the upcoming holiday postings not appearing here on my Writing Pages — Holiday Recipes, Christmas-themed Videos, Images, Wallpapers, and more.

Thank you always for visiting with us!

Very best wishes for a safe, healthy, and joyous Holiday Season! Happy shopping! — Jim (and Red!) 🤠🐻 🎅 🎄

When not out fishing or gathering honey, Little Red Bear and Cinnamon Charlie love to color in their spare time!

If you have little ones around or simply enjoy coloring yourself for relaxation and fun, be sure to check out Little Red Bear’s “Christmas & Holiday Season” Coloring Pages!

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Happy Holidays & Happy Coloring!

(image credits — Artwork by Tammera Malicki-Wong. Banner image artwork by Hazel Lincoln)

If you enjoyed this piece, you may also like — “Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! Sharing Free Christmas and Holiday Features!” and “Walking A Mile In Another’s Moccasins; What Tracks Will We Leave Behind?”

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