Now that Thanksgiving has safely passed – even though there may be remnants of the holiday feast occupying space in the back of your refrigerator – it is time for some serious Christmas spirit.

Said spirit is not in short supply if all it takes is a few carols and some bright, twinkling lights to get you in the mood.

While navigating the Bangor Mall recently – the headache initiated by the bell ringers at every entrance not withstanding, yes, even I can have a Grinchy side – I began to ponder gift ideas for seniors.

In my mind I scanned my 95-year-old grandmother’s house and recalled seeing an inordinate amount of dusting powder. She has had these containers for some time, including a couple of fragrances that are no longer available. This leads me to believe they were not often used. And then there are the sweaters in her closet with tags intact from stores no longer in existence. Anybody remember W.T. Grant downtown?

So what is a loving relative to do?

“There is no such thing as a cookie cutter senior,” said Amy Cotton, nurse practitioner and program director for Rosscare’s Center for Healthy Aging.

“If you don’t know the person well, it is best to ask them if there is something they would like or need. Let them make suggestions,” she said.

Gift certificates to grocery stores are a popular choice but be careful, warns Cotton. Some seniors are very proud and would be offended to think you assume they did not have enough money to buy food.

Other seniors, however, would be delighted with such a gift. One elderly woman who doesn’t drive was thrilled with the taxi vouchers given to her by a relative, she added.

“It all comes down to knowing your senior,” said Cotton. “Homemade treats are a good choice if the person has no dietary restrictions. Also, keep in mind their environment. If they have downsized from a house to a small apartment, there may not be room for knick-knacks and things of that nature.”

. Cotton offers up practical tips for giving gifts to seniors:

Once you have determined the person would not be embarrassed by a gift certificate, feel free to forge ahead. Groceries, heating oil, paying ahead on the phone or light bill are all good choices, or even a subscription to their newspaper.

. Consider a cordless phone. Many seniors hate missing calls and rush to the phone when it rings. If they have a balance problem, this could cause a fall. A portable phone could be kept next them.

. Large-print books and magazines are good if they like to read. Also, crossword puzzle and word jumble books promote mental acuity.

. If the senior enjoys craft making or is a knitter, supplies would be a nice thought.

. Another good idea is paying the monthly fee for an emergency response system, such as those which notify emergency contacts if the person presses a button.

. A box of assorted greeting cards will come in handy. As an extra kindness, include stamps.

. If the person has always wanted to visit a foreign land, rent a travel video, make a meal indicative of that country and invite the senior over for a “mini vacation.”

. Really think about what the person can use and don’t buy something just for the sake of giving a gift.

Even though you are now armed with ideas, there is one gift that tops them all and doesn’t cost a cent: you.

“I constantly hear elders say that they would rather have a visit from family than any gift,” said Cotton. “In fact, some people give time coupons. For instance, a once a month visit.” These coupons can be used for things such as a visit, card game or sweeping the floor. Time is the most precious gift you can give, she added.

Well, with all this advice planted firmly in my head, I know exactly what to give Nanny for Christmas. I can’t reveal what it is but I know she’ll love it.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA programs and services, call the resource and referral department at 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.