The holidays are coming up soon and it is time to think about what to do for friends and family. You can go out and buy things made in China in the mall, but what fun is that?
Maybe it is better to give something that you or a local crafts person have made. Something really special and from the heart.
Kids probably want the latest toys, but those of us who are a little more mature love the thought, the time and the love that go into something special. Maybe you can sew. Maybe you can draw. Maybe you are good at woodworking. Maybe you can make amazing jams and jellies. Maybe you can write a little story for someone. Maybe you can tell stories and can make a recording. Repair something special that is old and broken. Teach them how to play volleyball or how to become more fit. Show them they are one of a kind by giving them something one of a kind.
You have to worry about the quality because it is you that is coming through. There are a lot of special touches you can use. If you draw or write something, you might want to use great paper.
Smile and think of them while you do this. Listen to the music that makes you think of them. Don't choose too many so you have the time and maybe you can tell them ahead of time that it is homemade and suggest they do the same.
You can have a wonderful holiday and focus on love and friendship rather than racing around the mall looking for something.
Another great thing that can still be personal is to find local artisans. People who make beautiful things. Sometimes you can describe what you want and still find something very special.
and remember
Remember the dreamers and those who are doing impossible things. The person doing amazing things in college. That totally awesome athlete. The person with a passion and a cause. Find a way to support them that may not be conventional. Make them smile and make them stronger.
Remember the animals. Zula and Daisy Mae give so much as it is that they don't have to make anything special, but they enjoy getting special things and aren't very picky about neatness.
It may seem like a lot, but start out with a few people and spend a few weekends thinking and maybe writing, sketching, baking, sewing or building. There will still be regular store-bought gifts, but just give this a try and see if it works.
Your time is a very special gift. For many of us it is more special than money. Give things that time rather than money buys to those who are close to you.
So what are you waiting for? Go out an get started!!
(holiday tree image under cc by stephendl)
What a great post, and I would add that I have several CDs given to me over the years that I cherish. A couple of fun Christmas collections, of course, but also a CD for baking cookies by with a lot of songs about sugar and honey. And then just some sharing music they thought I would like, which of course I did like because it came to me from them. I discovered Dar Williams, Christine Lavin, and the Indigo Girls all from gift CDs -- so talk about a gift that keeps on giving!
Posted by: Betsy Devine | December 23, 2008 at 06:33 AM
Great article! And thanks for using my image - I love to see that my images are useful to people.
You you please provide a link back to my image (as per the license) here http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephendl/2100917312/
Posted by: stephendl | August 26, 2010 at 04:36 PM