As the Christmas trees go up, lights are lit and carols play continuously everywhere, I started to think about Christmas shopping. It seems that every year it gets a little bit harder to find that special present for each person on my list. As a relatively picky person myself, I find it difficult, not wanting to give presents that I myself would not want to receive. As I get older, I find that I am less interested in accumulating "things" and more interested in two categories of gifts - "perishables" and "experiences". Perishables include gifts like food (any and all, so long as it's tasty!), cosmetics (favourite brands - MAC, Mary Kay, and Pai), candles (beeswax or soy in natural scents only), etc. Experiences would include a private yoga class, a spa treatment or manicure, theatre or dance tickets, afternoon tea with a friend, a trip to Paris (well, if someone wins the lottery!), etc. One exception to this "rule" is books ... there is something magical about opening the first page of a new novel and devouring it (in your pyjamas with a cup of tea) or trying every recipe in a new cookbook, favourite ones becoming the cornerstone of your weekly meal plans.
All of the above create memories that do not require a keepsake to enjoy, and they don't take up space in a small flat (which severely lacks in closets and storage space) and whilst some may take a bit more time, for me, they are often more meaningful.
Living in a time-poor society means that we aren't often able to make everything ourselves, and when someone takes the effort to do so, it really shows how much they care. Giving the gift of "time" is also appreciated - some of my favourite gifts have been experiences or evenings out - a night at the ballet, a special dinner, movie night or afternoon tea - experiences that create memories and solidify friendships; and they give you something to look forward to when winter sets in and the festivity hangover begins. I recently read a blog by a mother who, not being able to move around her house for the sheer volume of toys, asked that friends and family give her children "time" - a day together at the museum, a afternoon hot chocolate date, an afternoon together at the park. Something that builds relationships, teaches her children how to interact with people of all ages, and doesn't contribute to landfill sites as they grow out of that year's trending plastic item, cheaply made in China.
I would also argue that spending a day making gifts for friends and family is much more enjoyable than spending a day elbowing fellow shoppers and traipsing through town, laden with shopping bags, growing more irritable every minute. You can also make big batches of one or two things and give them to multiple people; I often make several batches of Christmas cookies and give them to neighbours and colleagues with a card. Something little, but I've been told they were enjoyed and appreciated. And from another selfish perspective, giving the gift of time together is something that the gift giver gets to enjoy as well.
I was inspired by the idea of homemade gifts last Christmas when we received this beautiful gingerbread house, lovingly hand-made my one of my most creative friends (she even made the windows!).
Now this kind of thing should not be attempted by beginners (this woman also makes gorgeous hats, for all occasions, for goodness sakes!), but below are a couple of ideas which are relatively simple and can be easily made. For more ideas, Google "DIY gifts" and a plethora of options will appear (such is the magic of Google these days).
1) Spiced Oil
Ingredients/Supplies:
Dry chillies
Olive oil
Glass bottle
Decorations (your choice)
Directions:
Put chillies in glass bottle. Pour in oil and seal/close. Let sit for a couple of weeks (or more).
Decorate bottle with Christmas greenery and ribbons.
Bask in the delightful glow of making your presents this year!
A word of warning - you may be inspired to try different flavours of oil, but ensure that whatever you use is dry. Fresh herbs may look impressive in the bottle, but if not preserved properly, can produce a bacteria which, when ingested, causes a condition called botulism, which can be fatal. Which in turn would, (despite your best efforts for festivity), make for a very unhappy, unfestive holiday season ...but enough of that!
2) Sparkling Cranberries
These are a beautiful treat and add some sparkle to any table or make a nice gift. My sister recommended the recipe and I ate my fair share of them last Christmas. The recipe comes from 101 Cookbooks, a great vegetarian food blog with gorgeous photography. They are simple to make and only require 3 ingredients - cranberries, sugar (2 different types) and water. Find the recipe here.
I hope this Christmas you are inspired to reduce consumerism (more about that here) and give gifts that encourage memories rather than keepsakes. After all, the most important part of the holidays is spending time together - whether that is making gifts together, sharing a meal, or looking forward to some quality time in January and beyond.
GG Rating - Good for Spelt Supporters (and eco-warriors).
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