Tis the time to be thinking of gifts
Posted on 2008 under Appreciating Life, Frugality, Weekend Projects |23 Oct
I love the holidays. I love the parties, the decorating, the yummy baking and good cooking and the fact that I can hide the inevitable weight gain with bulky sweaters. I love the crispness in the air, the music everywhere, and the smells of woodsmoke as people light up their fireplaces at night.
What I don’t like is the blatant commercialism of the holidays. Every year it seems the stores are putting out their Christmas trees earlier and earlier - Target had two isles dedicated to Christmas at the end of August - and I was there looking for tiki torches for a summer party! Not a tiki torch to be had, either.
All this commercialism has made the holidays a financial nightmare. It’s too easy, even on a budget, to find yourself charging $2,000.00 on your credit card just for gifts for everyone. The holidays shouldn’t be about digging yourself into debt and waking up on January 1 with a hangover and a stress attack as the bills come in.
That’s not what the holidays are about. Not that long ago, gifts were handmade - and if they were bought, there was usually one gift for each child - not 10 or more and one BIG gift. So, as often as I can, I make presents for my friends and family. Last year I made aprons, other years I have made placemats, ornaments, painted Santa Claus figurines, formulated dry soup in a jar, and given out herb sachets. The hardest part, of course, is finding the time to do these things. I always intend to start making presents in September so I have all of December free to dedicate to baking and fun activities like stringing lights in our trees outside.
I haven’t started yet. I’ve known what I’m making for just about everyone for several months, but haven’t managed to create the time to sit down at my sewing machine and get started yet. Pretty soon you’ll see the light in my art space on pretty late at night. Come December, I’ll have the holiday music on to help light a fire under my kiester to get faster at them.
So what are you making this year?
by risa b, on October 24 2008 @ 8:17 pm
Well, as I told Sharon, mostly we’re giving away her book!
We usually do a mix of Heifer (flocks of ducks this year) and candles. We dip tapers, but we have had a lot on our plates lately and have resorted to making rolled candles from warmed-up sheets of green or red beeswax. They burn down a little fast for my taste, but always seem appreciated.
by Andrea, on October 25 2008 @ 2:41 am
We’ve taken great strides in reducing our Christmas shopping, and believe it or not, it feels so much better. Less stress. Less anxiety. We shop year-round, whenever we find a good deal instead of waiting til the last minute and over-paying.
This year’s homemade gifts include Blackberry Cordial for the FIL’s, handmade felted wool hats, felted wool potholders for MIL’s, dried herb blends (homegrown), homemade slippers, plus the usual breads, jams, jellies and cookies. This FEELS like the way Christmas should be, you know?
by Allison, on October 28 2008 @ 9:46 pm
Hi,
I just found your site today. Love it. My husband and I were just talking about how tired we were of buying yet more stuff for relatives who already had more stuff than they could possibly use. We both love the idea of giving and receiving handmade gifts. As it happens our extended family is very crafty. Your post just reminds there’s still time to “stop the stuff gathering” and make something special. I’m already making a baby blanket for my husbands new nephew. My grandson loves it, he’s always grabbing it and rubbing it on his face saying “soft” over and over.(he’s two) Maybe he would like one? Anyway thanks for the reminder. And keep blogging!
Thanks-Alison in Alaska
by admin, on October 30 2008 @ 5:57 pm
Wow, you are all making wonderful things! They’re all useful and cozy. I have applesauce and apple butter I can give away in case of emergency, and I still want to make soap with a friend. If I’d learned to knit, I was going to make soap and dishcloths, tie the cloth around the soap with some pretty ribbon and give that away.
Skirts are easy to make too - I have a few friends who will be getting one from me. And if I were brave, I’d make my brother a casual, lightweight coat. Maybe if I find the right fabric.