I live in rural upstate New York and it has always been my forte to give homemade gifts or a gift with meaning. For me it isn't a gift unless it is meaningful, which sometimes leaves me thinking a long time. You have to really know the person in order to give a gift that is heartfelt, which is why sometimes it is so hard. I find myself feeling obligated to give everyone I know something. It is so overwhelming that I have to admit wishing that we abolish Christmas.
In years past I painted a sweatshirt with a picture of the Grinch for my father... He loved it. I also made him a stain glass of the New York State Conservation emblem, which he was an officer for 25+years. When my boys were little and were completely enthralled with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles we made a "sewer city" of PVC pipes on a 4'x4' piece of plywood.
I have been a licensed massage therapist for the past eight years and I have begun giving a gift to my monthly, loyal patrons. Twice I have sewn microwave able neck warmers, given homemade soap, purchased from a local musician his soothing guitar CD, and this year, although not made by me, I am giving a canvas tote bag with my logo, "massage for the health of it" and the favorite mint candy I have in my office.
It is,however, harder and harder for the ideas to come. I am not sure if it is because of so many consumer products we are faced with throughout this time of year. I find that my mood and desire for the holiday is less than festive because of the pressure of gift giving. It's just too much.
This year, however, I feel festive. It is because I have found the most precious gifts for my loved ones. Gifts that are personal things I remembered hearing them mention and remembered. My heart if full at least one more year with joy for the meaning of Christmas because I have touched on the act of giving with love and meaning once again.
Beth Tilley
On Nov 29, 2012 beth tilley wrote :
In years past I painted a sweatshirt with a picture of the Grinch for my father... He loved it. I also made him a stain glass of the New York State Conservation emblem, which he was an officer for 25+years. When my boys were little and were completely enthralled with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles we made a "sewer city" of PVC pipes on a 4'x4' piece of plywood.
I have been a licensed massage therapist for the past eight years and I have begun giving a gift to my monthly, loyal patrons. Twice I have sewn microwave able neck warmers, given homemade soap, purchased from a local musician his soothing guitar CD, and this year, although not made by me, I am giving a canvas tote bag with my logo, "massage for the health of it" and the favorite mint candy I have in my office.
It is,however, harder and harder for the ideas to come. I am not sure if it is because of so many consumer products we are faced with throughout this time of year. I find that my mood and desire for the holiday is less than festive because of the pressure of gift giving. It's just too much.
This year, however, I feel festive. It is because I have found the most precious gifts for my loved ones. Gifts that are personal things I remembered hearing them mention and remembered. My heart if full at least one more year with joy for the meaning of Christmas because I have touched on the act of giving with love and meaning once again.
Beth Tilley