Claire Tolentino, a florist/intern at the Courthouse Farmer’s Market Wollams’ flower/plant stand, says she likes to give flowers, of course, and food. She likes to give and get socks. “It’s crazy,” she said. “Socks? I can’t believe I have gotten to the point in my life where socks are my favorite gift.” Photo by Eden Brown.
It was a cold, windy day at the Farmer’s Market near Courthouse. Officer Lazakovich, of the Arlington County Police Department, pulled over a sedan for not signalling a lane change as the car went around his stopped vehicle. Lazakovich explained to the surprised driver that it was high visibility traffic enforcement week in Arlington; local drivers should remember about signalling or expect to get pulled over.
“You can’t believe the number of people I have pulled over and they have no idea what they did. But signalling is important,” he said.
In the spirit of the holidays, he provided a warning, and agreed to tell the driver what his favorite Christmas gift to give or get is. “It’s electronics,” he said, with a smile, as if he could already anticipate the gift. And please tell the readers to drive carefully and use their turn signals.”
It turns out, you can tell a lot about people when you ask the question: What do you like to give or get for the holidays?
Elizabeth Thomas says: “I like to give gifts that show you've been listening. Presenting someone with something they mentioned offhand in the course of the year (not even intending for it to be purchased for them) shows that you think about them more than just at the holidays. Also — I like to get experiences. I'm so sick of stuff.”
Jake McGuire says: “Oh, I’d rather give than receive. I’m not very material: I drive an old car, live in an old house, and drink old wine.”