trying my best
I'm single-handedly trying to keep economy in the pooper. Just kidding. Sort of.
I've started making my handmade gifts. I keep hearing on NPR about how spending is up a bit and consumer confidence is rising, blah blah blah, but I don't get it. I'm certainly no economist, but isn't that how we got into this mess to begin with? All the overspending? I want my friends who have lost their jobs to find great new ones, and I'd love things to improve for my own small business. But as a simple (also cheap) girl in a very consumer world, I'm just going to keep doing my thang this holiday season and cross my fingers for the economy.
The biggest blessings are not things. No one can argue with that.
My kids get three gifts each year- one from Santa, a purchased one from us, and one Mommy-made gift. I have a great idea for N's handmade present. And J says he just wants me to make him some warm jammies. Sweetie pie. With all the toys from cousins and grandparents they always get MORE than enough.
We've started thinking about simple family activities for our advent calendar. N has requested making gingerbread men because she says "gingerbread tastes sooo good in the winter." She's right. And I want to make some more lanterns around the solstice.
On the 5th we'll go get our tree from here. We got a cedar last year, and although it's not the most traditional species, it was just fine for us. We really had fun with it last time.
It's our year to stay here at home this Christmas. I look forward to a slow and easy holiday season, full of love and good food with friends and family and enjoying simple pleasures. And I am wishing the same for you too, my friends.
Comments
Such inspiration A. I am trying so hard to find that sewing inspiration soon so I don't get overwhelmed at the end of december.
Posted by: Rach | November 18, 2009 8:21 PM
I agree with you. That's what got us in trouble in the first place. I'm really trying to spend my money with the little guys when I do spend.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | November 18, 2009 8:50 PM
I am making gifts too this year.
I am keeping it simple.
Oh. The lanterns. Yes. I was going to try those.
Posted by: Ramona | November 19, 2009 1:06 AM
I've been reviewing our lists and making project lists this week, too. We have a very similar gift strategy - and even that seems like too much sometimes. But I'm looking forward to the mama made gifts -and I'd better get moving on them!
Posted by: kirsten | November 19, 2009 8:39 AM
I am so with you on this. I'm making about 40% of the gifts I'm giving this year, and though it's taking a toll on my free time, the savings are staggering. I hope that the tanking economy opens some eyes to what's truly important. Once again, I love to come here for inspiration and simplicity.
Posted by: Jennifer | November 19, 2009 10:06 AM
What a great tradition of the three presents!
Posted by: Elizabeth Mackey | November 19, 2009 11:02 AM
lots of handmade here too. I was 2/3 though my list when we got the bad job news. Jammie pants for all. Slippers from felted sweaters and pretty but stretched (dang line drying) tee shirts, and, um, pottery. Trying to figure out how to explain why we don't want to buy 4 $30 clone wars toys that will be abandoned a week later. And I've begun saving scraps of colored tissue paper for those lanterns!
Posted by: melissa | November 19, 2009 8:19 PM
I'm not helping the economy much either -- it's been fun and challenging to use up what I have. And -- homemade gifts are always the best gifts. But, looking at the calendar, I'm getting a bit nervous. I really need to stop blogging and get creating!
Posted by: Jodi at The Jolly Bee | November 21, 2009 10:34 AM
I'm a little jealous, I so wish I had the time to do handmade gifts! Maybe next year I'll start in January. :)
Posted by: Dani | November 22, 2009 2:17 PM
I think you have it right. Most definitely. I'm hand making a lot of gifts this year due to a few things. One is money. The other is practicality. My kids really don't need anything. They want things. But I'm thinking handmade is the way to go. They'll treasure something I put my blood, sweat and tears into.
Posted by: AJ | November 22, 2009 8:34 PM
I smiled when I read your post today, we also do three presents, bought, santa, handmade by mama. Ha,
Who said two great minds don't think alike!
Posted by: kerrie | November 24, 2009 7:15 AM
I feel more peaceful about Christmas just reading this.
Posted by: Megan | November 25, 2009 7:08 PM
i love and am inspired by the three gifts. i always try to keep it simple, but at the last minute always panic that they won't be happy with what they're getting and run out and buy them more. awful.
not this year. not this year. thanks, alicia.
Posted by: tara thayer | November 30, 2009 10:39 AM