Smalley's Christmas gift ideas

Recently I saw some very disturbing numbers on the Internet. According to somebody’s survey, 47 percent of Americans wish they could just bypass the holiday season, citing too much pressure, too high expectations and too costly.

Well, I’m sorry. I’d guess most of us adults do recognize the real importance of Christmas. How we feel we have to deal personally with Christmas is ultimately our choice.

If you’re looking for gifts for the outdoorsies on your Christmas lists, here’s some ideas sans sources and prices:

• Montana fishing licenses — biggest bang for your buck on the planet.

• Subscriptions to Montana Outdoor Magazine.

• Mag-Lite flashlight — the LED one that takes two AA batteries. Probably my most-used outdoor item.

• Lessons — golf, fly-casting, tennis, cooking, skiing, banjo.

• Inflatable suspenders — these always make my Fishfull list because they save lives.

• Go-Pro camera — perfect for skiing, bike riding, hiking or scouting that big buck or landing a big fish.

• Eleven-inch needle-nose pliers — great for picking up things in tight places and removing hooks from pike.

• Work Sharp 2000 — my new choice for sharpening all kinds of knives, quickly and sharp. And, since I have your attention, the Work Sharp 3000 will give new life to old wood chisels.

• Rod sox — put them on your fishing rods to keep them from tangling when traveling.

• Waterproof box for phone or camera, or a big box of rice and postage to a service center.

• Rubber floor mats for truck — the forecast for next six months is rain, snow, mud.

• Long-handle landing net, with rubber netting.

• Fishing book — surprise titles rarely score. Ask first.

• Gift cert…i...f... — I hate to say it because it means you really don’t know the giftee that well.

• Most importantly, think and wish each other a Merry Christmas! And Happy “12/12/12!”