The best gifts

I have been accused of being a minimalist.  It's a fair description, and when it's used, I take it as a compliment.  I just don't like or want a lot of stuff.  I never have.  When I find that I have one thing too many, it's time to make a box for the Goodwill folks- in fact, I have a box in the works, now.  It's a little tricky to be married to someone like me unless you sort out gift-giving right away.  Cas is none too fond of clutter, either.  More stuff means he has to figure out where to put more stuff.  

The answer: Experiences.  Intangible things.  Last year, our New Years Eve celebration in San Antonio was our Christmas gift to each other.  Once, we rang in the new year in Fort Worth, for similar reasons.  This year, we head west.  The destination isn't even in Texas- instead, we're headed to Las Vegas, Nevada.  It was a really good deal.  We're not flying first class, nor are we staying in a swanky suite, but those Vegas folks really want you to come- so much that they'll let you in on a flight + on-the-strip hotel package for four nights surrounding a major holiday for two people for just north of a thousand dollars.  If all you're doing is people-watching, that's the cheapest vacation ever.  We will be doing a little more than that, though.  We leave in 48 hours and return in 2025.  We're on to see a magic show, we've got dinner reservations for New Years Eve and we're planning a little adventure on the Colorado River to see the Hoover Dam.  I don't know the first thing about gambling, so that's pretty much out.  I worked too hard for too long in my life to put dollars on the line in a game of chance, but there's so much to see and do that we won't lack options.  Maybe we visit the Mob Museum.  Perhaps we ride a roller coaster atop a casino.  There's apparently an amazing ferris wheel to check out and a replica of the Eiffel Tower we need to pose in front of.  Lots to do before we head back to our jobs.  

Some people say the best gifts are the ones money can't buy.  Some say the best gifts are hand made.  I'm betting on my theory that the best gifts are experiences you can share.  

Viva Las Vegas, everyone!