Three Kings Day.

The 12 Days of Christmas come to an end Monday, January 6, 2014 as Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated by Christians. The feast is also known as Three Kings Day, and marks the revelation of the birth of Jesus.  The new season of Epiphany begins today, just shy of the new year.

The Magi- The Three Wise Men Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar- saw the promised child as a gift, due to their sharing of prophecy they were instructed by King Herod to find the Messiah born to Bethlehem.  A long distance was ventured by The Magi in order to bow and worship to Jesus and present him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12 details the story of the Three Wise Men.

Pope Francis delivered a prayer service for Feast of the Epiphany Mass and greeted pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.  

AP / Gregorio Borgia

The Vatican reported comments from Pope Francis after mass, "I would like to tell all those who feel far from God and the church -- and I say this respectfully to those who are afraid or indifferent: The Lord calls you and wants you to be part of his people and does so with great respect and love!" Francis said.

Today is a Holy Day for Catholics around the world.  Traditional blessing of the home, kings cake, and reenactment plays by children are common celebrations of honor of Three Kings Day.

Gift Certificates with Glee

Dull, thoughtless, uneventful… not exactly the message most would wish for a present to convey.  Let’s face it, gift certificates get a bad rap. While plain gift giving does happen and can be defended in some cases, spread the revamped view for giving and receiving gift cards that spread joy this season.  Gift certificates can be worthy of the most important people on this year’s list. 

In certain instances, a generic gift card is exactly the right choice.  A teacher moving into a new home (large housewares store), to donate for a charity raffle, and for corporate gift exchanges with a required minimum cost, are all suitable for gift certificates.  There is an overtone when handed to family or close friends: the gift is seemingly inadequate, as if the time was not spent to find something better.   But the truth is, giving a gift certificate can actually be one of the best presents of the holiday.  It is the ticket to ensuring a person gets exactly what they want, a vessel for an experience one may not spend money on themselves to try, or a way to share with family and friends personal favorites courtesy of the giver.

Photo credit: NY Times

People living away from family, particularly in a desirable destination, can entice loved ones to book travel plans to visit during 2014. To do so, send  gift certificates for a favorite restaurant, gelato shop, and activities to do in order to rally visitors to come stay and enjoy the family from out-of-town.  The opposite is just as thoughtful, sending a gift card for the newly opened buzz worthy spot such as a cheese shop, seafood store, or cafe in the town the person receiving resides.   An adventure gift ticket, such as paddle boarding, golf lessons, or an extreme race challenge brings people together to try something new or to share a skilled hobby with those novice.

Presentation is key as well, outline the thought process behind the gift. Savvy packages and careful displays will depict the meaning behind the holiday season and the joy of giving. Wow factors can include attaching travel incentive gift cards to a map of the location, placing a gelato gift certificate among a stocking filled with luxurious goodies, and wrapping the big adventure ticket in the largest box in house.

Gift certificates are amazing presents that carry an enormous potential to spread happiness this season and into the new year.  

What is a favorite gift certificate you are giving this year?

Scoop Some Happiness to loved ones, ‘tis the season. $5 for $10 gift certificates at Pino Gelato through December 31, 2013 at HHI store only.