The financial analysts are all saying that retail shopping is down for this time of year - but where does the money come from?
Don't we all ask that question of ourselves and others at some point during this high-spending season?
Some of the costs include the "turkey", stuffing, and meal and meal preparation. Then there are the countless gifts - if you buy gifts too far ahead of time you can be sure that the receiver of that gift you selected already has that particular item. So, now you're stuck!
My grandchildren always tell me that Mom and Dad won't give them money - or enough money (whichever applies). So, in this time when finances are tough, I have implemented a Home-Made Christmas.
My children and grandchildren think it is an awesome idea!
What it amounts to is that everything must be home-made by the giver. It costs less, takes more thought, and usually all your love is poured into this home-made gift!
I am fortunate though - I am able to home-sew my Christmas gifts at any given time and I have lots of choices for gift ideas.
I can home-sew a Trapunto Purse for the stylish person on my list, an exercise mat for the person wanting to get into shape, a country rabbit for the toddler in the crowd, or even Seminole patchwork towels works. All of the above are inexpensive and when you get creative, you can really make someone's face light up!
There is a Fish Tote Bag for the typical beach-goer; alphabet blocks for the baby; a jewellery sack for the traveler; trust me when I say the most popular of them all for the small girls is a doll bassinet.
There is so much to choose from - sure it's time consuming, but trust me, it's worth the time it takes. If you home-sew these items creatively, no one else will ever have the same item. This might even lead to bigger and better things for you as a home-sewer.
Before the big day, I even home-sew my own Christmas ornaments - they are really easy to do. All you need are scraps of fabric and lots of imagination!
So, in this case, my only expense left is the meal - I will have to purchase a turkey and the meal part, but think of all the money you can save by making your Christmas a Home-made holiday.
There is nothing comparable to the pride on a child's face as when you open their gift (and even if it's not perfectly made or whatever, you know the amount of love that went into it).
So, let's un-commercialize Christmas and save tons of money (for some of us at least)!
The other advantage to this concept is that everyone is not tied to their electronic equipment and they think to themselves - "I can do something, can't I?" They might have to think about it for a while, but usually come up with something that is well thought-out and planned out even better.
This gift that they come up took more effort than shopping on the internet (no effort involved in that is there?), walking through the stores at Christmas, fighting the crowds, and picking the first thing that looks suitable!
Most people would agree that a home-made or home-sewn Christmas means more to them than a commercialized Christmas and I have to agree!
Don't look at the flaws; look at the effort and love that went into that gift, even if you aren't sure about it. And while you're at it, look at their faces as they present that special gift to you - remember it came from their hearts!
Think about it and try it just once - you might really like it!
There is lots of good information at http://sewingalterationandpatternsblog.com.
When you sign up for a membership or just for the blog posts, you receive a report on sewing machines. This is a great thing to have, both now and in the future.
When you get stuck or frustrated, leave a comment in the comment box, and it will be answered within 24 hours.
Perfect Valentines :: Tea Cosy Folk :: Santas Postbag::Halloween Mania ::Zafyna
