Every year I sort of dread the holidays. It seems to me the Christmas/Chanukah season has morphed into an orgy of mass consumerism hysteria. How many meaningless items will we buy, wrap, be thrilled with the anticipation of both giving and receiving only to open and temporarily enjoy these miscellaneous items before moving on to the next more exciting thing. Doesn't it seem trite and meaningless?Doesn't it infuriate anyone else when you're bludgened with holiday advertising before Halloween? It's insulting and it's time we use this opportunity to practice sustainable and intentional living.
Most people understand that whatever items are given/received during this time of year don't equate to the love and affection of the giver. It is tempting to think though. Perhaps if I give the biggest/most expensive/rarest/coolest/interesting gift there is, people will think I'm great, = I'll feel better about myself. I have always tried to give gifts I classified as thoughtful and useful. More meaningful than the widely coveted cashmere sweater. I once gave my Dad a can of cashews (his fav,) my brother a hat that was his (I had borrowed many years prior,) my brother in law a gift card to McDonalds (complete with Happy Meal packaging,) and I remember giving someone a marshmellow gun. Incredibly useful. However even these are temporary pleasures that are quickly forgotten.
I'd like this year to think of something thoughtful, meaningful, useful, and not wasteful. Here are some ideas.
Some sort of cooked item. Pie. Cookies. Etc.
Upcycled glass vases with fresh flowers.
Upcycled glass jars with spices or ingredients for cookies.
A CD of some delightful tunes.
If all else fails I'm getting everyone this.
An orgy of mass consumerism hysteria....nice! How do you come up with it? Love it. Oh, and by the way, I would love one of those monkey slingshot deals, FYI.
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