Non-Commercial Christmas
I have been a little bit irked about somethings pointing to the Christmas Holiday already. It makes me kind of sad that I am getting irked as Christmas is up there in regards to my favorite holidays and certainly I appreciate the thought of giving is wonderful. What is getting me though is the commercialism of it all. It used to be when I was kid you did not see Christmas stuff until at least the day after Thanksgiving, at least I remember it that way. Now a days though, the day after All Hallows Eve the Christmas stuff starts going up in the big (and little) ‘box’ stores. Christmas advertising, especially why you should by this or that or shop here and there for you loved ones is going into overdrive. It is enough to make one forget about what it is all about and just be sick.
Now granted I am not one to be much on the malls and such to begin and I dislike the crowds that even the local big box store draws starting about now in regards to my normal minor bit of picking up the essentials that are needed for life. So it should come as no surprise that I am not very fond of doing the minor amount of Christmas shopping that I have to do. Matter of fact, I find that as one of the least favorable things for me to do.
Add to that that I am generally not fond of receiving gifts myself. Reality is that if I want something I go purchase it. If I can not afford it, I save up and have an even greater appreciation when I do purchase it. It makes me feel awkward then when family and friends get me things. I feel like I am not giving it the true appreciation that the gift deserves. I am known for not giving out my want list for Christmas, usually because there is nothing on it that I have not already gotten.
So given this dilema I was reflecting on what I could do for Christmas shopping for those on my list and of course some of those on my list have started asking me what I want. As I was doing this I stumbled upon two different friends blogs who were talking about the same things (Lets Get Retro & Tribal Witch). Both have the good idea of giving things that are handmade or homemade. I LOVE it. Absolutely a wonderful thought. So I reflected on gifts I have gotten in the past and those that were handmade or homemade did indeed usually come at the top of my list of things most appreciated and usually most pleasantly surprising as well. My favorites of all have been the quilts that both my grandmother and mother have made for me in years past.
Of course I also realized that not all of those were homemade items by the person, for instance I got a llama wool sweater/coat a few years ago with horses woven into it – made by a craftsperson from wool that the family got from the llamas they raised. I am pretty sure the spinning and such was done commercially, but you still get the point – it does not have to be done by you to be an appreciated gift.
Further, as I think about the economy and such, sure it is going to be bad for the big commercial stores this year. That is a given. But I am thinking that the grandmother who quilts an extra bit to have some extra spending money or the mom who knits sweaters while the kids are at school will appreciate the extra bit income even more then the executives and such of the big mall stores in this economic downturn hitting this season.
So a couple of things that I found while I was looking through the sites above, especially once I clicked a couple of links that you might also find intersting:
- http://www.buyhandmade.org/ – A link to a pledge sheet to buy hand made this season. I am not sure I can get everyone on my list something handmade, a few just will not get it, but I am going to come close.
- http://www.etsy.com/ – An online mall of handmade items for sale if you will. I would prefer to buy directly from someone I know and support the local economy but this is an option too.
- http://www.bartertribalwitch.blogspot.com/ – Tribal Witches barter blog, where she has some stuff for barter (a great idea too) and some hand crafted jewelry for sale on occasion.
November 20th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I agree completely that a gift from the heart is worth so much more than money can buy. (at least to most people). And just remember that sometimes homemade candy and cookies go along way for those people with little kids, no talent for crafts or just plain no time.
Keep up the great work. I love to read your blogs.
November 20th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
thanks Ray!!!! If you ever want to barter just let me know
I love the handmade gifts the best. When one takes the time to think about all the hard work and time that goes into the handmade –really makes that gift special. I gave handquilted potholders last year . Took several hours a potholder to make . But my friends knew I thought enough of them to spend my time making them . They werent a cheap dollar tree one. Love your blog !!
November 30th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I totally agree with your thoughts on the commercialism of Christmas. I would LOVE to make gifts,but it’s so hard to find the time with three small kids and homeschooling.