I used to rock the Christmas season. I had presents early, ideas for presents for everybody and resources to find those presents too. Those were the days.
When I lived in the glorious state of Maryland, which I miss every day, I used to visit every craft fair for miles. I knew each one, half of the artisans who worked them, and I loved every minute of it, even if I didn't buy anything. Mostly I bought stuff for myself, but when the holidays started rolling around I had a veritable festival of gift ideas handed to me by one of the most popular craft fair regions around.
Lest you think I gave everyone crocheted potholders just you hold on right there.
These were artisans. Beautiful framed photos of almost every kind of subject, hand painted ceramics, hand carved wooden toys, thick, luxurious blankets. This stuff was good. And I always overspent. And then half of the things I bought for other people? I gave to myself in the end.
But I digress. The truth is I was always prepared for Christmas present giving long in advance and I always had great ideas of what to give people. Well, perhaps they just never let on that I sucked, but I'm pretty sure I didn't. These days though? I can't even think of one thing for one person on my list. There are no craft fairs around that I am familiar with, even if I had time to hit one, I don't have spare money to experiment on crafty gifts, and inspiration? Gone.
I don't have the brain power for inspiration. I am exhausted, overwhelmed, fried mentally and emotionally, where am I going to find spare brain cells for inspiration?
Oh, woe are those who exchange presents with me. You'd better make a good list if you want anything. Otherwise? I might just whip out my own crocheting needles. It might get ugly.
An old mom with triplets plus one and an elderly mom to take care of. It's a party all the time.
you are a pregnant mom with toddler triplets; no one should expect any gift from you because of all the daily demands put on you; forget gift buying, wrapping, mailing, etc. you will have years down the line to get back into gift giving mode. simplify!! and just enjoy the holidays without the stress of finding that perfect gift :)
ReplyDeletebetty
Your creativity will come back, Mira. And when it does, it will be even richer. Filled with touches from life you didn't even realize you were taking in.
ReplyDeleteI used to be really good at gifts too. I delighted in the surprises I came up with. I've chosen to believe it will come back too, otherwise I'd be really sad.
In the meantime, I buy glass ornaments, glue and glitter and help my girls make ornaments for the people who used to get awesome gifts. Something about a proud child handing out their creations (especially ones that are easily identifiable by everyone else) kind of takes the attention away from my creative gift deficit.
I agree with the two previous comments...but, if you decide child-made crafts or forgoing gift giving isn't the way you want to go, I am happy to help. Ellen can attest to my gift giving prowess. :)
ReplyDeleteJust buy what I posted on my Saturday posts and you'll be golden. Or, you may have a chance to win a whole butt load of it so..stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteOOOOhhh....win things! Can I win things too, or do I have to be a fabulous mom like you all?
ReplyDeleteOk...so...my first comment- TOTALLY not the way it was supposed to sound. Its one of those weeks. What it should have said: The two comments before mine were great suggestions. If you want help with ideas, however, I would be more than happy to help. And if you needed references to prove my gift helping abilities, Ellen is a good one. :) There. Thats the real comment. And the picture of Ben almost made me squeal.
ReplyDeleteI used to be good at it, too, but then it became a chore, especially when the girls were babies. It has gotten better again, though. Stick on some Christmas music, maybe that will get you in the spirit!
ReplyDeleteI'm not feeling it this year either and I don't even have all the good reasons you do.
ReplyDeleteKnow of any German Christmas markets out here?
P.S. Don't think it's just Maryland dudes that suck because I've only been here two years. I moved here from Florida and they sucked just as bad, if not worse. Sigh.
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ReplyDeleteI've always sucked at gift-giving, without much remorse. You have the misfortune of being good at it and having to lose your status. Although my "I'm a poor student" routine is getting pretty old. I may have to step it up a notch in the years to come
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend gift cards. You don't even have to leave your house to get them, and everyone gets something they want. Big fan of gift cards.
ReplyDeleteAh, well finally a post I CANNOT relate to. I always sucked at gift-giving (except to my sister because we have the same wacky sense of humor)and now I finally have a reason! Woohoo!
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