Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Why I Insist on Making Things More Challenging During the Holidays

Hi Friends!
Each year as the holiday season approaches, I think to myself "Maybe I'll just buy the Christmas gifts I need to give this year and save myself some time."  Save time making my own gifts, that is.  Save time brainstorming that 'perfect' gift for each person on my list and save time running around town looking for supplies.  (It adds up to a lot of time.)

But then I remember why I give handmade gifts:  it's like giving a little piece of myself.  I have spent hours (sometimes HOURS) on a gift, and that is time I can never get back.  I do it because it's my way of showing someone how much they mean to me.  I take great pride in my craftiness, and I love sharing what I've made.  I love giving gifts that my family and friends will remember from year to year, instead of the gift that goes directly into the closet after Christmas and is never seen (or thought of) again.  What better way to show someone you care than by coming up with an original project just for them?

So, although it takes me a lot of time and sometimes frustration during the already busy holiday season, I insist each year on making most or all (if possible) of my holiday gifts.  It's usually a challenge that I begin in late summer.  But to be honest...I love it!  I love coming up with new ideas each year, and figuring out how I can make what I've come up with.  It's a blessing to me to be able to use my always-active-creative mind for this purpose.

So this year, why not give handmade to your family and friends?  You don't have to go as crazy as I do, making things for everyone on your list, but maybe just start with one person.  I think you'll be glad you took the time to make something yourself.  Or, if you are totally not into being crafty yourself, maybe you can find a local crafty person that can help you out.  Here's hoping for a little more handmade going around the holiday season!

Have a crafty day!
~Kristin~ at Fiddle & Frog

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