Getting Into the Spirit of the Season

Celeste just shook her head, "Thank you, Euphemia. I know you don't think the cold can affect you; and it may not, but it doesn't mean the cold dampness on the island climate can't give a cold or pneumonia, or something similar," she stated in a motherly fashion.

"Okay, well, let's get a move on," Celeste said as she noticed the snow starting to fall around them. "My car is over there," she said pointing to a rather nice silvery blue coloured car as she ushered Euphemia over.

Once in the car, Celeste turned on the radio as they drove to the nearest department store - which was also attached to a fairly big mall. There she parked in the parkade and then both women made there way up to the first floor which was labeled, Men's Wear and Sporting Goods.

(Did a small jump.)

"Well, the list is not too overly long..." Celeste told Euphemia, "First off, there is my family - my father, niece and my three children, Shale, Azure and Ebviony. Then, there is my boyfriend, and possibly his daughter," she told Euphemia, wanting to get Roldan's daughter something too.

"And then I have a few work collegues, the secret Santa too," she replied, trying to think of who else she had to buy for.

"How about you? Do you have many people to buy for?" Celeste asked curiously.

Celeste listened as she gestured for her to walk as they talked. Heading up to the women's and children's department first where she'd pick out a few dresses for Ebviony. Something frilly and cute.

"Have you any ideas of what you'd like to get your friends?" she asked her curiously, noting also they were all females and they might be able to choose a few things on this floor on Euphemia's gift list.

Then when Euphemia mentioned getting her something, Celeste could only smile. It was a sweet gesture, and, Celeste had actually planned on getting her assistant something too.

"Well, first of all, sometimes, though not always," she added so as not to make Euphemia think she had done anything wrong, "Sometimes, you might not want to tell others you are getting them a gift so it can be a surprise," she told her.

"However, some people do ask because they are unsure what to get them," Celeste said as they entered the clothing section.

"As for myself, I am happy with whatever Euphemia... chocolates, tea, perfume, books, scarves, things for the kitchen..." she told her assistant, "If it comes from the heart, and you think I will like it. I probably will."

"From the heart means that you have chosen it especially for that person because you think that person will love it," she said. "Usually though, it also refers to something homemade or crafted especially by you for that person," Celeste explained patiently.

"For instance, my son Shale, he often makes me, like ornaments or bowls from stone," she said, wanting to give her an example.

"What things do girls your age like?" Celeste said stopping before some frilly girly dresses, "Well, clothes like t-shirts, or a scarf and gloves, skirts," she started thinking of a few things, "maybe perfume, bath things, handbags, purses ... even jewelry is nice," she mused as she pulled out a dress that she thought Ebviony might like.

"Of course," Celeste said as she placed the dresses for Ebviony over her arm. They were certainly too frilly and girly probably for her friend Isabella.

Well, let's start here," she said indicating all the dresses around them. "What does Isabella look like, and from the dresses around here, what style does she normally wear?" Celeste asked, thinking they could start with that.