am a great people watcher. We are all so fascinating, don't you think? Las Vegas and any large city is a spectator's delight. Connected we all are - whether we like it or not, or whether we want to admit it or not ? that DNA does not lie. We think we are unique, individually different. Maybe so. But, it is known now; we are all descendants, globally, from seven amazing women, millions of years ago.

From a perch on the crowded bus (yes, I ride the bus every day), one can look down each trip at the cars jostling for position in the never ending traffic jam that has become the Bermudian way of life. Children sit in back seats of cars, completely engrossed in their game boys or other like devices, having a (one assumes) satisfying interlude ? with a machine.

Young girls and guys get on the bus, in many cases not old enough to ride a bike, let alone drive a car. They carry their cell phones (not their purses) in front of them like badges of honour, and they probably are ? given the cost of some models. $700 for a cell phone? A cell phone connects them to their outer world, or does it project them into their inner world?

Downtown a few weeks, a serious executive type walked by and very important he was, too, although he seemed kindly and nice. He had one Blackberry phone stuck in his ear, and two, count them, two more hooked to his belt. Talk about symbols of power, or is he powerless? We are less engaged today with each other. I am as guilty of it as the next person, having several times now taken Blackberry calls in the gym shower. Since when has it happened that a relationship with our laptop, cellphone, Blackberry, Treo and others take precedence over everything, almost everything in our lives. We are, at times it seems to me, like Pavlov's dogs ? responding to that ring because we have trained ourselves to do so. The connotation of the term "a switched on 24/7 world" seems more calculated and demanding than ever. How can we unlearn these horrendous habits, avoid these demanding machines, and go back to being real and connected to other human beings.

There is hope ? for every act of disengagement, eventually there is a reactive response to go back, to the simpler life, to more meaningful interactions, to the tactile hand work of times past and to revisiting a sense of community. Christmas (or the holidays) is a time to reminisce, to look back, to see how far we have come and to celebrate ourselves, our lives, our families and our traditions.

What could be more satisfying than to create a holiday gift with our own hands, or give a present that will appreciate over time? Compare a labor of love and caring with the disintegration of plastic that accompanies the loss of interest in some short-term-feel-good commercial products. These do have their place, but the more one is surrounded by only these, the more the psyche unconsciously yearns for balance.

Warning: this is not so easy to do now a days!

he Wall Street Journal reported on November 4, 2006, that interest in sewing and other tactile hands-on crafts is soaring with sewing machine sales recording record volumes. The article states that "the sewing trend piggybacks on broader interest in home arts, from knitting to cooking, that has been building in recent years. It hasn't hurt that women's fashions now favour personalization ? encouraging people to sew appliques on their jeans ? and vintage looks, which inspire hipsters to reconstruct thrift-store finds. TV has thrown another wild card into the mix in the past couple of years: "Project Runway," a reality show that showcases pattern-making and sewing as fashion designers compete to display their work in New York.

As the daughter of a sewing machine repairman, this is incredibly exciting! Creating a lasting memory is what you do for your soul. But you don't have to sew to be creative and give of yourself. Here are some other ideas to nurture relationships and build value.

Write a poem to a friend, from your heart, and frame it with textured paper.

l Look for estate sales and purchase old sterling serving spoons. They generally sell for less than new ones and make wonderful Christmas gifts. Once, I found some for a Farmer friend that had ears of corn as decorative engravings on the handle. Perfect.

Buy a few shares of local company stock for that favourite grandbaby. The shares will grow and hopefully pay dividends, right along with that wonderful grandchild.

Give the gift of time. Make a dinner for a sick or elderly friend, in single servings, right down to the small bottle of champagne and tiny dessert cookies. Then take it over and serve. It will be so appreciated.

Knit square kitchen washing towels from string. It's fun and relaxing.

l Take scraps from your favourite old skirts, dresses, denim and other fabrics and sew together layers to make Bermuda Cottage pot holders. Everyone knows how to draw a cottage ? use your imagination. Add buttons, beads, and so on for door knobs.

Carve and sand a walking stick. Bermuda has an abundance of scrap and driftwood. It is easier to do than you think. Directions for everything are on the internet.

Leave a legacy ? plant a cedar tree for a gift. A great memory in New Hampshire is meeting an elderly gentlemen who planted a tree every year, well into his 90's, planning on it growing long after he was gone.

Meaningful,symbolic, memories to cherish for the future. See what you can do with your hands and your heart ? instead of plugging into the latest gadget and having a relationship with yourself. Share with others ? it's work, but you'll be better for it.

We have a bright sparkly patchwork pillow. It looks like it is going to a grand ball - it is one of my favourite pieces. It was bought at a convalescent home. Made perhaps by an anonymous elderly lady, frail, but still resilient of spirit to make a work of art that not only blazes colour but says, "I can still create from my inner being. I am me and there is only one of me. "

Make your gift of lasting value this year.