How can you tell if mum is genuinely happy with her Christmas gift? Only you can answer that because you know your own mother better than anyone else so therefore asking a friend or shop assistant for advice, in a nice sort of way, should be ignored. However in saying this does not mean that their Christmas gift ideas are not helpful. All mothers are fabulous actresses where their talent for showing false emotions comes to the fore on Christmas day when they falsely acclaim to love the present you bought when out Christmas shopping; most mums facial smile is their for your protection so you do not get hurt. If mum were to show displeasure how would you feel, so let us put the shoe on the other foot and consider her feelings this Xmas by not having her take on a false identity pretending to be something she is not "Happy"

When will mums stop this pretence, sadly a mum will do her best not to hurt her kids and if this means storing another ornament or tea set in the cupboard or piling on those excess pounds with Christmas gifted chocolates then the pretence will prevail forever.

Giving mum the perfect Christmas gift what will guarantee a true beaming smile after her present from under the Christmas tree is unwrapped, is to find out her likes and dislikes before hand. Sadly in many cases not many children are aware of what mum enjoys likes or hates and it is because of this that so many gifts are discarded and sent into exile where they are never used or seen again.

Who was it that said it is the thought that counts, well this is true and a non debateable argument, however, it still has to be what mum really wants to make her Christmas a happy one too because, after all mum goes out of her way to find out well in advance to what it is you would like to be given on Christmas day.

Mums perfect Christmas gift is not about expense, e.g. diamonds, fur coat, or new car, if it is not what mum wants then how can you expect her to be pleasingly elated. What you need to do is to probe discreetly, meaning, find out more about her, ask dad for help because no doubt along the way at some time she may have showed discontentment about her knitting machine going on the blink or her bathroom scales are out so therefore she can not keep check on her weight or the heel has broke on her favourite shoes or how she would love to be able to afford that new frock or fragrance from Avon. Listen and learn and from this you can expect positive alerts to purchasing the perfect Christmas gift for mum.

Although the above mentioned were just snippets on how to probe or snoop if you like, were just suggested in a way to enlighten you on how to get your Christmas gift ideas not only for mum but other members of the family too. When gathering information this way be careful so as not to let the cat out of the bag so as to speak - otherwise your intended surprise maybe uncovered and on top of that others may become suspicious and see you as a nut case if your probing is not suited to a particular timing.

For example:

If mum is cooking a Sunday roast do not ask what type of shoes she likes wearing, but if mum is browsing a magazine or catalogue then this is a great time. If mum is doing the laundry this too is not the time to ask about perfume and fragrances, but if mum has just got out of the bath/shower then this could be a good time to start talking about smellies if you get my drift. If you tactfully confront mum this way then you get all the information you need.

Mums are special so why not treat them to a special Christmas this year. Give your mum a heartfelt hug a warm lingering kiss on the cheek so she need act no more in making you believe she is genuinely happy. Regardless of the Christmas wrapping paper, tinselled bows and ribbons enveloping a Christmas gift it will never please a mother as much as having her child up close smothering her with so much love and affection; of course this is reciprocated because this is what mums do.