“We’ve got something for everyone on your list!”
“Fifty percent off, this weekend only! Find that perfect
gift!”
“Don’t get them the same old, same old, get them this!”
During the Christmas season we are bombarded with
advertisements, marketing and societal pressure and stress to get this whole
gift buying and giving thing right. You must find the absolutely perfect gift
no matter what, and if you don’t, well, you’re screwed.
Honestly, I really dislike the commercialism of Christmas. I
adore this season, but it can be discouraging to hear about yet another kid
screaming because he couldn’t have an iPad at three years old (um, I don’t even
have one, and I’m 26? Where’s MINE??).
Okay, maybe it’s not that bad (but sometimes it is). But in
all seriousness, the whole present thing can create a lot of stress for people
around the holidays. You have to buy something, make sure they will maybe use
it, like it, and keep it. (Because everyone wants a Chia Pet, right?)
Over the last few years I’ve come to realize something. I
love making people presents and giving it to them more than I like just buying
something. Unless I know it will absolutely make this person’s day because I
thought of them and bought them this one specific thing, I usually end up
making presents for people.
And let me start off with saying that I know not everyone
can make everything, we all have different skills and talents, and sometimes
that doesn’t include being creative. But, I’ve found what works for me and I
want to share it with you in case you feel overwhelmed and you’re looking for a
fresh idea on this whole Christmas present thing!
To me, being able to make a gift for someone has so much
meaning. I put my heart and love into every present that I make, and I know it
means the world to people when they get something home made. Think back to the
last time someone gave you something home made…isn’t it a treasure to know they
spent time making something for you with their own hands?
It’s unique, it’s special, and it has so much more value
than just a dollar sign.
I wrote a blog earlier last month with my favorite ideas of
gifts to give, which you can check out here. Pictures are always a great
present, you can find a nice frame and write a special note to go with it. Even
baking cookies and finding some pretty packaging to put it in can mean the
world to someone (and who doesn’t like to eat cookies at Christmas??)
My whole point is- think outside the box this year. What can
you give of yourself to others? What can you make that would be meaningful to
the people in your lives? To the person who has everything, what can you make
them that they wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else in the world because you
made it?
No matter if you are giving store bought presents, gift
cards, cash, making your own presents, or giving no presents at all, I
challenge you to put meaning into your gifts this year. Give of yourself, give
of your heart, and share yourself this holiday season!
Do you have a favorite gift to make for others? Or do you
have something traditionally that you give away during this special season? I
would love to hear about it!
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