Comments on: from the archives: gift giving

By: Kellie

Kellie — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:46:53 +0000

Thanks so much. I NEEDED this post right now…phew!

By: julia

julia — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:15:10 +0000

So, so, true. I delegate that to my husband. At some point the holidays he makes me write down everything I “think” I’m going to do during the holidays; from knitting and crocheting for family and friends, to the new ornaments I want to make, and then there’s the baking and candy making….yea. He make me write EVERYTHING down. Then I have to pick my top 5. I always do a few more on the sly but it helps me to not spin out of control.

By: Zoe

Zoe — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:32:02 +0000

This needed to be said, so thank you for saying it! In the last few years I made rule: no handknits for Xmas gifts, unless the person will absolutely love it to the point of tears (I do know such people). What a relief.

By: maryanne

maryanne — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:48:14 +0000

Last week I hit the wall with Christmas gift making – for my mum, my mother in law, my two daughters, my niece and nephew. I had in my mind this perfectly magical handcrafted christmas, showing my family I loved them through my handmade gifts. In reality I was irritable with my children because I was too busy and tired with making their gifts – not really what I had in mind, nor the sentiment I was trying to create!!
Have stepped back, simplified some projects, given up on others and decided to be happy to give some half complete with a promise to finish them in the new year. I am so much more sane and nicer to be with!!! Thank you for reminding me I have done the right thing!!

By: amy

amy — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:23:59 +0000

So, so true!

By: brandi

brandi — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:07:31 +0000

I agree that making your own gifts does not completely rid you of holiday angst. This is the second holiday I have agreed to make mostly handmade items, and again I find myself watching people open my gifts with that mix of excitement, dread and anticipation that I’m going to get the awkward, “Oh. . . how nice” which really means, “I wanted a Target gift card.”
I always get all stressed out that people are going to wish I had bought something instead of making it, but my husband always reminds me that a.)no one has complained yet, b.)most of the people I give these gifts to don’t DIY and are fascinated by it and c.)I’m giving them a gift, and if they can’t be grateful for it then they might not get one next year.
I try to remind myself of these things, and luckily, so far no one has indicated they want that Target gift card.

By: Kate G.

Kate G. — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:42:54 +0000

Nice essay, Kath. This year I feel more innundated with advertising and sale offers than I ever have before. It’s hard to step back and focus on what I really think would work. If I get confused again I will remember your smart advice.

By: Isadora

Isadora — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:24:19 +0000

That is exactly how I feel about the whole thing, you expressed it so perfectly! I was even thinking about writing something about this on my blog these days…

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:51:10 +0000

What you say is so true, and so very sensible.