Jennifer Hsu, Video Producer, WNYC Interactive
Jennifer Hsu produces videos about news and culture for WNYC. She is the creator of the ongoing Know Your Neighbor video series of intimate portraits about living in New York City.
Judee, The Gift Collector
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Judee Rosenbaum, with a couple holiday finds
(Jennifer Hsu/WNYC)
Last-minute shoppers and re-gifters, let the story of Judee Rosenbaum inspire you to change your ways. Each January, she begins collecting a year's worth of finds for family and friends, precisely chosen items that she trusts the recipient will love.
"I collect everywhere I go," says Rosenbaum. A hummingbird box, an opium bottle, and a tiny Mexican owl sculpture are just a few items among the two hundred or so on her list this holiday season.
Meet this semi-retired teacher in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, who has perfected the art of gift-giving.
Comments [6]
Judee was my high school teacher. I learned so much from her, I am always reminded of the different lessons I learned through her. Thank you Judee for being a great teacher for me and helping me change my worldview. I am sure I would not be who I am without your influence and glad to see you continue to inspire others.
I love the whole concept. Judee is thinking of others all rhe time. How truly sweet and thoughtful.
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From best selling authors and award winning musicians to everyday people I interview inspirations like Judee quite frequently.
The process of creating a gift basket rather than buying it is like saying why don't you babysit a neighbor's kid rather than have one of your own. It's a totally different life enriching experience.
Judee's generosity and thoughtfulness are truly inspiring. As a recipient of one of her baskets, I have experienced this in full. Indeed, receiving the gifts is another important part of the story (worthy of its own documentation). My wife is an old friend of Judee's, and we have received baskets for many years. And now our children receive one of their own. The giving of the baskets is a ritualized experience that involves narration and a very informative commentary. To receive a gift from Judee is to understand a little part of yourself you may have not considered, and you also learn about Judee's experiences in the past year or so (or beyond, because some gifts have been waiting in her apartment for the opportune moment). In this way, the baskets are like the best kind of journal or diary because the gifts speak to experiences, friendship, and insight. To receive a cup and saucer, or a bottle of beer, or an interesting jam is more important than the item itself. The explanation for why Judee chose these items is the true spirit behind the giving, and for that we are truly grateful. And the baskets are filled with such items/ moments.
This woman is so inspiring. I could watch a whole documentary about her. Would love to hear comments from any of the basket recipients!
This is so lovely. It will make you rethink the season of giving.
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