“Sometimes I laugh so hard the tears run down my leg.” - Author Unknown

I received a gift from a dear family member in the mail one day. It was an unexpected arrival and a much-appreciated gesture. I had not received a package via “snail mail” in a long time and I could not refrain from rippin’ this coveted item open! Without hesitation, I began to peel away the layers of the carefully cloaked container. I tore away the tape, wrangled the wrap, bullied the bubble-board, tossed the tissue and eventually grabbed the gift I wished to witness! What was in the package I so eagerly annihilated? It was a porcelain plaque. Yes, I said porcelain plaque! How sweetly old school :)

Porcelain: Encyclopedia Brittanica describes as a strong, vitreous, translucent ceramic material, biscuit-fired at a low temperature, the glaze is then fired at a very high temperature.

Plaque: Webster’s Dictionary defines as an ornamental tablet, typically of metal, porcelain, or wood, that is fixed to a wall or other surface in commemoration of a person or event. And while this plaque was not yet affixed to a wall, it was indeed in my hands and ready for the read.

This pretty little porcelain plaque read: “Sometimes I laugh so hard the tears run down my leg.”

I pondered it once, I pondered it twice, I pondered it for the third time, and then...I got it! The light bulb was on and I burst into laughter...gut-busting, rip-roaring, side-splitting, laughter! I was so tickled by the new treasure!

Admittedly, at first glance, I didn’t find this charming token to be in keeping with my home’s contemporary decor, but I located a spot for its placement, grabbed a tack, and affixed it to the wall of my guest bedroom. However, eventually, the little treasure made its way to a prominent place on my master bedroom dresser.

For over five years I have strolled past my lovely prized possession. It has brought a smile to my face each and every time, not just because of its delightful saying (albeit both accurate and humorous). But, it has also served as a reminder of the wonderful times spent with its sender.

This Christmas season, as you shop for the perfect item, I hope you will remember that gift-giving is not about the amount of money we spend or the most-impressive offering. Sometimes, it is in the simplicity of the gesture that we receive the greatest joy as both the recipient and the gift giver.