I’ve got much of my gift buying done, the “made for” gifts as well… most wrapped too. As I look at the pile of things I’ve accumulated to give to family and friends I realize how lucky I am to be able to give. For me, that’s the biggest gift of all. This year we can’t do as much as we have in the past – our main source of income… the building trade, has diminished tremendously in recent years, new homes sit uninhabited for more than a year. Truth be told, I think that part of our life is winding down and new endeavors must take it’s place. The stress my husband is under to move forward in the best possible way is a heavy weight and the holidays add to that stress in more ways than one.
Many in our country currently find themselves in a difficult financial situation for various reasons, which makes this time of year a little less than joyous when the pressure mounts to BUY SPEND GIVE GET. The truth is, we don’t have to bend to that pressure. We don’t have to carry that weight. This doesn’t mean you can’t give – it just means you can change the way you do so. Home made gifts of the useful kind have more meaning than anything store bought. The act of donating items that you no longer have a use for but are still functional can lift your spirits and those of the recipient.
Ideas:
If you live on a property where there are many winter “greens” – make wreaths.
Do you knit? hats, scarves, gloves… enough said.
Like to bake? several batches of different Christmas cookies… mix them up and assemble on plastic trays you can get cheap at the dollar store.
Coupons for a job around the house of an older relative or parent. Rake leaves. Shovel snow. Cook Meal. Dust and Vacuum. You get the idea.
Donations:
Old blankets? Towels? – donate to your local animal shelter
Clothes in really good shape that you just aren’t gonna wear? – donate to local homeless or women’s shelter.
Volunteer to cook or set up for your local church functions. Work the Soup Kitchen.
And if you’re looking for a new puppy or kitten to join the family for the holidays… please visit your local shelters, don’t buy from pet shops. Puppy Mills are a horrible existence for the breeding animals (the parents of those adorable puppies)… please don’t support their torture.
Ideas of your own to add to the above list? Put them in the comments section below, I love to hear your ideas –