I dedicate this musing to Stacy who told me about her mother’s magic closet and how she kept the tradition alive with her own family. Her mother had a career and raised five children. Somehow, she had the time, money, and energy to manage a magic closet filled with the perfect presents for all occasions.    

Who has a magic closet?

I suppose I should explain the magic closet concept. Unlike Carol Lewis’ children’s story, “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,” my modern wardrobe is ordinary. No secret passageway leads to an enchanted forest. No epic battle between good and evil awaits. 

Open my closet door to see plastic tubs, cardboard boxes, and wicker baskets weighing down the wire shelves. But inside each tub, box, and basket are gifts. These gifts are not ones I received and rejected or will recycle.

Frankly, I’m not the type of person who hordes gifts because they are too pretty, too expensive, or too delicate for every day use. Objects, like people, need to be seen and loved.

I purchase presents throughout the year and store them in my sewing (magic) closet. Usually, my shopping is in support of an artist, author, entrepreneur, or a worthy cause (animals, libraries, musicians). But not always. I buy it (whatever it is) when I first see it.

Many of my most treasured presents are ones I make, not buy. I find joy in sewing a cozy flannel baby bunting, or baking homemade treats. And I adore receiving handcrafted gifts – a crocheted scarf, a jar of apple butter, wooden cutting board, a poem. The creatives who make something warm, tasty, useful, or amusing have little need for a magic closet.

Experiences – walking through gardens, exploring a museum, going to a concert, or enjoying a cappuccino together – create memories I’ll cherish. 

"In other words, the most valuable magical gifts cannot be contained in a closet."  

Now, nothing in the closet is labeled or sorted. It works like the magic sorting hat in Harry Potter. Even if I’ve forgotten whom I originally bought the gift for, the wizard of the closet decides. These wizards know what’s best for a relative’s birthday party, the neighbor’s open house, or for a sick friend.

Will the painted tea towels, vanilla scented candles, or the purple umbrella appear? Will the ceramic owl, garden trowel, or lilac soaps show up ready to wrap? Gifts don't have a magical use by date.  Because the magic works when the recipient thinks of you every time they use the gift.

The magic closet means shopping without smothering salespeople or standing in long lines. It’s better than online shopping where one may overspend or wait for delivery.  

Speaking of delivery, the gift must be given freely with no strings attached. Let’s say you give a generous sum to a beloved daughter, cousin, friend: Do not keep asking or tracking how your gift is spent like it’s a UPS package!

             I’m sure you have practical and philosophical questions for me. What if my closet is full? An empty drawer or suitcase will work as long as it will keep the gifts safe and secure.

             Many teenage girls learned how to shop from their mother. Not me. Neither of my parents were shoppers. My parents preferred reading or gardening.  

Besides, in our town, choices were limited to JC Penney, Wal-Mart, and a high-end women’s dress store. We had a respectable shoe store. Anyone who wanted cowboy or work boots shopped at Zim’s for western wear or Orelands, the farm supply store.

I tagged along with my best friend whose pastime was going to the mall in the nearby town. I declined many Saturday invitations because I’d rather be roaming around outside than roaming around inside the mall. It was the era of the mall.

Do you have to shop all the time? I am a serendipity shopper, taking advantage of parking lot craft festivals, the farmer’s market, or random events. It doesn’t matter where you shop or how much you spend. Perhaps the ideal items for the closet are for a friend’s collection of farm tools or salt and pepper shakers, then visit auctions, thrift stores, or garage sales.     

What’s the secret of being a good gift giver? Listening. I bet you thought I was going to say look for bargains.

In closing, the magic is in the joy of giving.

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Musical notes: My snowy day playlist.

Marshmallow World – Raul Malo

Sleigh Ride – Ella Fitzgerald

January Hymn – The Decemberists

Hazy Shade of Winter – The Bangles

Skating – Vince Guaraldi Trio

Cold Weather Blues – Muddy Waters

California Dreaming – The Mamas & The Papas

Snowbird – Anne Murray