If you are like me, you enjoy giving gifts that mean something to the recipient, whether it is an expensive statement, or a funny thought. Wth a tight economy, my family and I stood back and decided that we really do not need anything except to enjoy the company of one another. As such, I came up with the following idea for Holiday Giving:
1. We each have to make something for the recipient.
2. We each have to recycle something for the recipient.
3. We each buy a book or DVD for the recipient.
There is nothing more special than a gift that someone has made. From homemade roasted pecans to a knitted scarf to a handmade book, I love knowing that the giver thought enough and took the time to make it for me. Some of you might feel inclined to take on a home remodeling project for your spouse, but I don't think you have to go that far. Instead, you might try putting together a list of your favorite books this year and tie the list around one of the books and give it to the the person. Or make them a delicious coffee cake to enjoy on Christmas morning. Or plant a planter of greenery tied wth a big red bow. Maybe you are one of those exceptionally crafty people who would make Martha jealous with your ability to look at a magnolia tree and just whip up a wreath. Maybe you give your neighbor coupons to water her plants or walk his dog. Maybe your giving extends to a casserole that can be frozen for an elderly neighbor. Whatever you make, know that it will be received wth deep gratitude for the time you took to make it especially for the recipient.
We all have too much stuff. Too many purses. Too many sets of glasses or dishes. Too many belts or ties that never get worn. The vase you bought on vacaton and have never used again. Look in your closet and around your house and you will find plenty of things to recycle as gifts. No, you cannot recycle a used bathrobe, but you can recycle a sweater you bought and as soon as you took the tags off you realized you look like a school bus. You may recycle a scarf your Aunt Edna gave you that you've never worn, but you may not recycle socks, underwear, or t-shirts...even if you haven't worn them. You cannot recycle anything broken or torn, but you can recycle somethings that are very old: antiques. Perhaps you have a silver asparugus server that you never use; or a piece of pottery that you bought in your "let's buy everything olive stage." Those things can be recycled and will be received wth love. And while you're busy looking for things to recycle for your family, remember those in shelters or through Churches who might be in need, and drop some things off for them.
Everybody needs another book. Even those of us who use stacks of books as furniture forms can enjoy another book. It can be a beautiful harbound book, or it can be an $8.95 paperback. Books provide endless inspiration, and we can all use that right now. Perhaps your recipient prefers music or movies? Well, that's okay too because you can still do all of your shopping in the same spot either online or in the store. This lets everyone receive a new gift, and one that's meant for them, but not one that breaks everyone's budget.
Being creative is fun. Not spending money can be fun. Just look around you at all the excess in your life and decide to pass on some of it. Look at yourself and decide what you can give that you make that is a part of you that will bring joy to the recipient. Enjoy the holidays, and enjoy being creative in thought and deed!
St. Andrews from the Cathedral
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