14 Reasons Why Art Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift

Just a hint!

It started in October. I walked into the supermarket and at first I did not register that something was amiss. You know that feeling? What is wrong with this picture? What ... #$%#^&$ plastic Christmas trees in my way! Tinsel hanging in my face as if installed by tiny elves. Already! It's only October.
I procrastinated throughout October despite my wife's reminders to start looking for gifts. There is no getting away from it now though. It is November. Time to prepare for the festive season.

This means overheating my credit card until it resembles Salvador Dali's pocket watch. Never mind. A few pennies in the red is nothing compared to the beatific smiles of my little urchins on the Christmas morn. Or is it?

As I recall the yuletide past there was not peace and goodwill to all. This was due to a shortage of batteries, the incorrectly sized screwdriver, insufficient RAM and various other technical issues. So it is time to rethink gift giving. A time for radical change. A time for the ideal Christmas gift. A work of art!

Not convinced? Then have a read through this list of 14 reasons why you should give art as a gift:

1. It is unique. In a world of cookie-cutter design and packaged clutter, an original painting stands apart.
2. Love. Yes! nothing says I love you like a work of art. Be it romantic or platonic you will be declaring your love for life and all things good. Shameless aren't I?
3. Support a good cause. Nobody likes to see starving artists. It makes the place look untidy. Do a good turn and help one out this year. Go on Guv.
4. Show your true colours. Tired of people looking at you like you have no culture. Is binge-watching TV your raison d'être? Then purchasing fine art will shut up the plebs once and for all.
5. It takes time. This is a double-edged sword. Time is precious. Yet taking some time to discern fine art is good for the soul. So all fine then.
6. No Batteries required. This may be the only reason you ever need!
7. No upgrades required. Giving the latest computer game? Think again. You or the recipient will have to spend a fortune upgrading the computer. 
8. No assembly required. Few things are as annoying to a semi-sober spouse than trying to assemble a gift. It will lead to tears or at least swearing at the kids.
9. Watching the recipient's reaction. This may be a fun moment depending on how it turns out. Tip: do a little research on the recipient's taste of art.
10. It lasts into the new year. Longer if it is not a paper mache installation. Yes, a work of art can last generations while all other gifts have hit the bin. How many gifts even make it into the New Year? 
11. No noise. A painting gets on with it without any noise. Not so Michael Buble's newish Christmas album. Nuff said!
12. Non-fattening. Often you find that you have outgrown your clothing by New Year. Thanks to boxes of chocs, biscuits and fortified drinks the waistline suffers a bit. Instead, give a fat-free painting. Hanging a painting qualifies as exercise too. Dr Oz would be proud!
13. Cost Effective too. Avoid the naysayers. They may suggest that art can be pricey. Unfriend the Philistines! 
14. Because you are worth it. What about you dear reader? You have toiled and sacrificed all year.  Do they appreciate it? Course not. Now it is time to spoil yourself. A beautiful work of art is a just reward. 

So there it is. My shameless and unrepentant list of why art makes the perfect Christmas gift. If you will mind my blushes here is a handy link to paintings that may do rather well. Happy shopping everyone!

PS: Please add your reasons why you think art is a great gift. Even better - why YOU deserve art for a prezzie, then share this article with whoever needs a reminder.