I have been thinking allot lately about Giving and Receiving as the holiday season approaches. It's a difficult time of year for many people and although I know I should be able to ignore the pressures of this capitalist society we here in the US are part of, I still struggle with this. I say to myself every year around this time:
"This year we are going to have a hand made holiday! No store bought gifts, only things made by our family to give to our family." and then....
something happens and before I know it, I'm running around, like all the other busy people, to the shopping centers and on-line I'm placing orders for items where time is RUNNING OUT for heaven's sake! I feel like Animal from the Muppets by the time the holiday actually arrives.
It's part of the reason I enjoy teaching at a Montessori school. When I enter, I feel safe and secure and I know just what is expected and generally what will happen. Even around this busy time of year. The end of Novemeber brings Stone Soup (or fruit salad if you work with toddlers) and December brings a focus on light, peace, and the gift of giving back to the community. In the past I have written in detail about this season. I invite you to look back and read some of these past posts.
Stone Soup
Yummy Soup
What I'm Thankful For...
Festivals of Light
Gift Wrap
Seasonal Scissor Fun
In the next few weeks I will continue to share about what my class is up to but I am making a promise to myself today to create something for someone I love, each day until the winter Solstice arrives. I intend to share my creations with all of you and I look forward to hearing your ideas. I know this is nothing new for allot of you crafty people out there in blog world, but it is for me. I hope my kids understand when there are no store bought gifts. I worry people's feelings will be hurt, but I believe this is the best way for our family. Times are tough all the way around this big beautiful world, and there just never seems to be enough money to pay for everything. We are blessed in so many ways, and spending too much energy or time focusing on what we don't have, will only distract from the riches we do possess.
So, enjoy one another and your creative gifts!
In PEACE and with THANKS,
~MM
4 comments:
Yay! I love this post! I agree that handmade gifts are the way to go. There was a little blip about that on NPR this morning - not sure which show. They were talking about how handmade gifts are actually used more and kept longer. It's so true - they are the most precious gifts to give and receive.
I can't wait to read about the treasures YOU make!
Anne
I have the exact problem. I always want to do homemade but end up CHRISTMAS EVE going out and buying some presents. I want to change that this year...
I think you have set yourself a super challenge. If you ever need ideas, http://www.instructables.com/ is a super site. Some things are a bit techy, but there are lots of really useful crafts there too. I really like the idea of the cargo scarf and the utilityPocket. Check out the self watering plant pots too. If you explore, I'm sure you'll find lots of cool ideas. We really look forward to seeing what you come up with!
What a neat idea and so meaningful. You are planting a very potent seed. I love reading your blog. The fruit salad and the stone soup ideas are wonderful. Keep up the good work.Best wishes. Dita.
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