With the holidays right around the corner I have been putting considerable thought to the problems that come with choosing just the right gifts. For some years now I have found shopping tedious, and in some cases redundant. Pondering how I have fallen into the rut of giving the same person the same or similar gift yearly.
Being an antique enthusiast, and a real arts and crafter, you would think I would be drawn to give antiques or wonderful hand made gifts? But as a rule I have the tendency to purchase the newer fad items of the moment. It certainly makes shopping easier; I mean little thought or effort is actually involved. But are my gifts really saying anything, or do they say "I didn’t put much thought into your gift, but I did get you one."
Somewhere along the line Christmas gift giving has become a chore. Not everybody feels this way I am sure, but there are many who do. Gift giving has lost some of its spark, so to speak. I know myself; many of the gifts I purchase yearly are simply to fulfill an obligation or to express a momentary affection. In my heart I believe a gift should be enduring, and given in hopes that the receiver will appreciate and enjoy the gift. I don’t know how or just when I have become a "Bah Humbug" sort of gal.
As mentioned I love antiques, and love pursuing the antique shops. I also keep myself very busy with crafting. So, I have decided that this is the year I will get back to really putting lots of thought into the gifts I give to family and friends. I will be giving each of my gift recipients' gifts that are well thought out, and suitable to bring each person individual joy.
What could be chosen that could ever better express the true Christmas spirit, than a wonderful old antique or hand crafted item? Antiques possess fine old world craftsmanship. Craftsmanship that through the years has been mainly lost. Due to mass production and need for companies to show larger profits, craftsmanship at this time takes a "back seat."
When giving an antique or hand made gift, one must keep the recipient in mind. The gift should be appropriate to the person that will be receiving the gift. Give some serious thought to the recipient's lifestyle, home, job, and flare for fashion. You will be surprised how a well-chosen antique or hand made article will not only fit the bill, but will give the recipient great pleasure just knowing you thought enough of them to give such a precious gift.
So, start making a list, and put some good long thought into who gets what this year for Christmas. Pamper the gals at work with homemade soap? Give your Mom an antique frame, with a wonderful family photo. I guaranty you, Mom will place that beautiful antique framed photo where she will enjoy it day after day, long after the holidays are over. How about a great old beer stein for Dad or a special beer drinking friend? Once you get started, it's very easy to think of gifts that will really show your family and friends that you put a lot of time and thought as well as love into choosing their very own personal gift.
I strongly suggest that you give some consideration to giving antiques or hand made gifts this year. Gifts that will not only represent your cheerful spirit of giving, but gifts that also represent wonderful craftsmanship. Let's recapture the true spirit of giving a gift at Christmas.
For more information about Christmas traditions, please visit Who Is Santa Claus and Yule Tide And Christmas Traditions. |
