What could cause all this sneaking around?
It's the making of the Christmas gifts. We've always encouraged our children to make gifts for family and extended family instead of buying gifts. We've done this for several reasons. First of all, our children don't have much money. Secondly, and more importantly, we want to help our children not get caught up in the crazy consumerism that surrounds this time of year.
And so each year about this time, our home is filled with lots of secrets and whispers as the children make their gifts for family. It's fun to see the alliances that happen and the relationships that are built as some of the children work together to make their gifts.
Do you guys make gifts for family and friends?
Oh yes, handmade gifts are the best! Elizabeth made two of her cousins pillow slips this year and they turned out great.
ReplyDeleteI usually just send everyone homemade goodies and sometimes I’ll throw in a store item here and there if I find a good deal and know the person really wants/needs it.
To me, handmade gifts are so personal and really say you care.
Love it! I actually was thinking about that today and yesterday. I have fallen into the trap of "consumerism". I guess I was raised that way. Erasing 37 years of this is very difficult. I want to make changes for the coming years and I would like my kids to start making gifts as well. We have done this in the past and we enjoy it a lot. I enjoy making gifts, too.
ReplyDeletePatty: Pillow slips are a great idea. I'll have to remember that for next year.
ReplyDeleteRachel: It's so easy to fall into the trap of consumerism. We've been fighting it for 20 years and it still at times is hard for me. Esp. if I think that the recipient will judge the gift instead of enjoy the gift.