freak out & shopping averted

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
freak out & shopping averted
3
Wed, 12-22-2004 - 8:29am

So I was starting my annual freak out over whether my DH's family would like their presents. I love my DH's family, but they are hard to buy for because they already have everything. This year, we decided to make gifts. At first it was to save money, but then we (DH & I) discovered that we were enjoying Christmas more than ever. I think as we were making things, it became more about the love than about the present. On Monday, I started worrying about whether our gifts would be good enough. I guess Cousin B. was in my head trying to convince me I was being cheap. I was almost rady to go out and get "something little" for each person to make me feel better.
Anyway, I came across this quotation this morning and thought it help would make the perfect presentation for the gifts. It silenced Cousin B. right away. Christmas is about love and giving of ourselves. The gifts we made are nice, and took more time and thought than going to the mall. I am going to print it out on a nice paper and walah (sp?) - better than Hallmark. I have included the quote below incase anyone is interested.

Sidney Diamond to Estelle Spero, Dec 25, 1944
"Christmas occasions thoughts of warmth, of friendship, of giving—It says in all the papers!!—The spirit of the holiday, whether it be Chanukah, Christmas, or what have you is a noble and satisfying one. You and I agree that to give and love but once a year is close to the ridiculous—We, at least know the happiness of Christmas all year
'round. The pleasure of giving is ever present with us. It is not so much with the material creations that we reward each other but each day we give a little of ourselves to each other.—"

If you want to read the whole text, I have included a link to the website. I have to warn you that this letter is a tear jerker. Sidney was an amazingly expressive writer (especially in comparison to my DH). There is audio on the site where an actor reads the letter which adds to the emotion. Sidney was killed shortly after writing this letter - which, for me also puts things into perspective.

http://www.gilderlehrman.org/collection/battlelines/chapter2/chapter2_5a.html

Sandra

Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 12-22-2004 - 8:56am

Thanks for sharing.


I haven't gone to the website yet but I do know what you mean about that mild panic attack of "maybe 1 more thing".


I've been doing that with myself but have resisted the urge.


I'm sure they will love the gifts and especially the added quotes, etc....

Avatar for mymartes
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 12-22-2004 - 10:55am

Thanks for sharing. I always enjoy home-made gifts.

Don't feel cheap. Most of the people on our list, with the exception of my kids, husband and mother, are getting stuff from the 99 cent store. I've wrapped them in cellophane wrap, tied with a ribbon, and put into a christmas gift wrap. I got body wash, lotions, scented candles, etc.

I'm sure your family would love it.

MYM

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-22-1999
Thu, 12-23-2004 - 9:53am

Dear USG,

You have just rendered my Cousin Bernadette speechless, too! Thank you for those words!!!

Best wishes,Littlesbigs