I love gifts. Gary Chapman (author of The 5 Love Languages) would say it's one of my main love languages. I love giving gifts, and I appreciate so much when others give to me as well. I have learned a lot about gift-giving through living in Czech. In fact, I'd say I've learned most of what gift-giving is all about here! Czechs are, in my opinion, wonderful gift-givers. Usually the gifts I receive here are not that big or expensive, but they're given with such sweet, generous spirits. Common gifts I receive are homemade jam, hand-crafted earrings, cute little candles, chocolates, and plants. Nearly each time someone gives me something, it is given with such love and in a time when I don't expect it... meaning not my birthday or Christmas. Usually the explanation behind the gift is "thank you" or "I was thinking of you"--a little gift simply because these friends are that sweet. The other day I recieved this beautiful "November plant" from a friend who was coming over to practice her English. As I saw her coming up the stairs, she had a big smile and was so happy to give my my gift. So I thought I'd display the picture of this sunny-looking plant since it represents so well the cheer that these thoughtful gifts have brought me!