This is the run-up to Christmas in our family – four birthdays in rapid succession, then barely a pause before the festive season presents take over our thoughts.
It is a time that, for many, can literally make or break how they manage financially for the next 6 months, at least. Black Friday, that American time pre-Thanksgiving (last time this week, I shall mention our poor transatlantic neighbours this week), that has now spread across the ocean. Already, there are ‘bargains’ being promoted heavily, and for some, there really will be benefits to be found that will ease the cost of Christmas. For many, though, a ‘bargain’ seems just an excuse to spend money we haven’t got or can’t afford, often without checking that it really is genuinely a bargain.
For me, Christmas is a time to show how much I care for those I love by investing of myself in their gifts. Before they all panic, I will reassure that this festive season will be a mix of making and buying in. I am currently revelling in making items for craft sales but also creating personalised gifts for each individual family member. Homemade items for me have always been so important. I still treasure the often strangely shaped items that the girls painstakingly carried home from nursery, schools, Rainbows and Brownies, to present to us with a flourish, bursting with pride. Every single time I get these items out, I am reminded, and warmed, by the love with which they were made and given.
I’m out scouting hedgerows and woodland foraging for some of the present making items this year, as well as buying in supplies for weaving and crafting. As many of those requirements as possible are coming from small producers. This week I’ve been lucky enough to be able to get into Leicester, and buy yarn on cones directly from some long-standing small producers. The boat now seems even smaller as part-made, finished items and kits for others to enjoy the joy of making, begin to pile up in boxes ready for selling either from the boat, or at craft fairs locally, or online via Moving Crafts on Instagram.
Even if you don’t make your own gifts this year, you can make a huge difference by thinking who and where you buy what you give. Buying locally and/or buying from small businesses and craftspeople means you are getting a gift that’s been made with thought, care, and skill. Your purchase could give that maker a massive confidence boost and help them keep going for another day, another week, another year. These individuals produce work that is often unique – giving the recipient of our gift something they can really treasure and delight in.
I’ve also had the joy this month of sharing birthday gifts of workshops – painting pottery and making candles in teacups. The amount I’ve learned, the fun we had in shared new endeavours, is something that is impossible to put a price on. In the past I’ve had a fantastic time at willow weaving and Christmas wreath making workshops run by skilled individuals passionate about their crafts and keen to share them with others. Their generosity and gift for passing on their knowledge and skills makes for a very special present, even better if you get to share that creative experience with the giver and spend special time together.
So this festive time, let’s all think before we give and gift. Each of us could make a massive difference to many people, not just the lucky person directly getting a present from us.
It really can be so much better and more powerful to give rather than receive, especially if we do so thoughtfully.
Pickingupducks 