Can I just say that I am so over Christmas. Not the holiday itself, but I’m over the tons of money spent and agonizing over gifts and superfluous presents that are really simply filler because of the ridiculous pressure of I- have-to-because-they-got-me-something.
Last year was by far the worst Christmas for me in this department. I am quite happy with what Rick and I and Santa got for H, but aside from that…. it kinda stunk. H got so many presents that I could not remember who gave him what, mainly from Rick’s family.
We actually went into debt to buy gifts, and Rick and I did not give each other anything. Thankfully, my family runs much more low-key. They are older and tend to value the time together -and the food- more than the presents. But it just isn’t enough. We will never go into debt for Christmas again. And we’ll never skip giving our spouse a gift again either.
This year we are proposing drawing names to Rick’s side of the family, for the extended relatives (as it stands, we buy gifts for all the aunts and great aunts, uncles and cousins, grandparents and great grandparents, and it’s really too much). But whether or not the idea gets vetoed, we will be giving hand-made gifts this year.
This summer we made a few things here and there, but now that we’re deep into October, it’s time to get serious. I went to the fabric store twice this week to get pieces I needed for gifts. We’re not being strict about hand-made Christmas… we can give store-bought items too, but it’s a goal. We are going to try to make, sew, cook, bake or otherwise hand make the majority of the presents we give this year.
I’m quite excited about it. It’s inspiring some of that long-lost creativity I used to have, and I’m actually excited about the gifts we’re giving this year (as opposed to last year when I felt like Ebenezer Scrooge). I’ll try to keep you updated on the gift making progress as much as I can (some of my readers are receiving the gifts though, so I might have to be vague). But expect a full report at the end of the year after the gifts have been received. 🙂
Here’s a blog I ran across (actually my friend Annie linked up), and it was quite inspiring too. What about you? Do you make anything for Christmas gifts?
The Lazy Homesteader 
I so want to take the pledge, but as my kids are in all the drawings for cousins’ gifts, etc., it involves a lot more than MY making a commitment. (I guess it’s that way with our local food, too, though I’m the cook…) I look forward to your vagueness and your specifics!
I really like this idea. We really don’t give much any more as we’ve convinced nearly everyone not to give gifts, but enjoy time together. This will be an interesting challenge indeed.
KJ
Good for you! We are moving towards this as well.
i took this pledge a few years back and that is how it has been and it feels GREAT – especially holiday cards because we send so many, still trying to figure out how to cut the postage down though – ARGH. just designed the card today. i started my handmade/homemade gifties last month. you see i’ve yet to blog about them because of the same, some of my readers will be the recipients. maybe i’ll just do peeks? i’m SEW proud of you! ♥ rachel
De-lurking (finally!) to say yes! yes! yes! We started doing a family-wide homemade Christmas several years ago with my husband’s family and it has been wonderful! Even my daughters enjoy the task of making meaningful gifts. We haven’t had much success with my side of the family (they’re not willing to commit the entire clan to the concept) but we still try to give them appropriate handmade items when possible. The less time and money I have to spend in the stores at Christmas time the better! Love your blog, Anisa.
Ooh – thanks for de-lurking Michelle! Expect some link-ups coming your way… I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog and your mind set!
I say be specific! Real specific! Tee Hee!!!!@