OUR GIFTS TO ONE ANOTHER MUST BE HANDMADE
Not sure how it will work out, but the initial response from the children has been very positive.
I just got so fed up with hearing "I want" from them. Every single time there is an advertisement for a toy or game or piece of electronic equipment... one of them will pipe up saying "I WANT TO GET THAT"
Well... what I WANTED was for them to discover the joy of giving, as well as receiving. I WANTED them to focus on others... to think about a suitable gift for someone else... to spend time creating that gift.. and then experience the joy of giving it. I WANTED to take the focus away from high priced electronic 'must haves'... and get back to the basics.
I would love this to become a family tradition for us... but we'll have to see how it comes together first.
So I have been doing lots of brainstorming with the kids. Of course, we have been planning in secret... so it has the added benefit of me getting to spend one-on-one time with each child, which they love. They are so excited about the making process, so I'm hoping it will become something that they look forward to each year.
Now... all of this of course means that I must make their gifts, too.
Master Nine is into all things alien at the moment. So I suggested to him that he could make a playdough model, or draw a picture of an alien... and I would make it into a cuddle toy for him. He loved the idea, and has come up with this:
Just in case you are wondering... those bits sticking out the side are wings!
Now, of course mine won't look exactly like this model. It is simply my inspiration. Stay tuned to see how it comes together...
An alien with wings....that is some son you have there - whether it is vision or imagination! I very much like your plan for a handmade Christmas and look forward as the details unfold. I guess "No peeking at my blog!" will be a rule for the next month or so in your family.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely idea, and a fabulous alien! Can't wait to see what it looks like when you've made it. :)
ReplyDeleteI tagged you with a meme, so check my blog... quick and easy way to get a NaBloPoMo post done!
Heather
karen - he has a wild imagination... and I hope he stays that way :)
ReplyDeleteheather - thanks... will blog my meme soon
Wonderful idea you have - Christmas has lost its meaning with all the commercialism. I am so glad my two are grown so I do not have to deal with all this hoopla!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Im part of doing that, but I give something bought too. But something they will appreciate and now throw away. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good idea. And I like how you had him make you something as an example. I can't wait to see what they come up with for each other.
ReplyDeleteannemarie - the commercialism is insane!!!!
ReplyDeletejossan - sounds like a good plan :)
red dahlia - I'll definitely keep you updated on our progress
I just found your blog yesterday, and I love it!! I started from the very first post and made it all the way here in 1 1/2 work days (tee hee I have a really hard job)
ReplyDeleteI started to do a handmade holidays with my family in 08 as well, it went over great!
We did it again this year and I think it was even better then last! I made coaster out of tiles, knitted scarfs (on a loom since I'm just learning to knit) and corn heating pads (which are super easy to make!)
Just wanted to comment and let you know that I have gained so much inspiration from your blog. I can't wait to make it to a second hand store to get some knit sweaters!
~Jessie