the gift of YOU
When did baking special-recipe cookies for friends during the holidays turn into presenting them with $50 gift certificates for coffee or pricey accessories? When did it happen? It may not have been in your lifetime, but it wasn’t so long ago.
There are still people walking the planet who remember the days when a jar of jam made from hand picked berries was given with pride and received with gratitude. Stop by the SCV Senior Center and listen to their stories.
These same folks tell tales of waking up Christmas morning to find a single orange in the hand-knit stocking hanging by the fireplace, or having a piece of chocolate placed in their outstretched hand at Hanukkah. Scarce though they may have been, these holiday moments are treasured and stories told with a sparkle in the eye, and a smile as memories are recalled.
So when did it happen? When were simple gifts replaced by extravagant, man-made, store-bought presents? Has the value of home made offerings been lost forever? I say, perhaps not. My guess is that the dark cloud of our current economy has a silver lining.
I’ll suggest that perhaps this silver lining can be found in the skimpy budgets many will experience this holiday season. Maybe, just maybe we’ll give a little more of ourselves, instead. Homemade ornaments, luscious scratch-baked goods, and handmade scarves, pillows – even scrapbooks – will find their ways into the hands of loved ones as we celebrate this joyous of seasons.
I’m energized by this thought! Giving a part of myself means so much more than handing over a gift card because I can’t be sure of their taste or style – or because I don’t want my offering to end up in the re-gifting pile in the back of someones closet. I invite you to join me. Give the gift of YOU this holiday season. It isn’t only the receiver that benefits. Imagine the joy you’ll feel as you create your gift of love. The four Green Zebra tomato plants still flourishing in my garden were grown from seeds and gifted last Christmas by a very dear friend of mine. I think of her every day as I tend my garden. Did I say, priceless?
I’m sure there will be people reading this blog who have neither given nor received a homemade gift. Try it this year and see how it feels. I’ll venture to guess you’ll discover that it’s not only about the recipient this time around. The real delight is in the giving – the gift of YOU.
Ideas for Homemade Gifts:
Fudge, Holiday Cookies (Your special recipe)
Peanut Brittle (People usually don’t make this for themselves)
Seasoned Rice Mixture (just add water – these are great!)
Fleece Lap Blankets or Throw Pillows (Easy to make)
Christmas Ornaments
Plants
Feeling Crafty? Go to the craft store and look for a kit or other ideas.
Scrap Books
Write a Poem in a homemade card
Take a photograph and frame it
Coupon Book (Hug, babysitting, dinner made, movie, etc)
Judith Cassis, C.Ht. is a freelance writer and success coach. Having worked in the field of personal development since 1983, Judith writes articles, produces seminars and tele-seminars on this topic. She is the author of many articles, as well as a book series and action guide titled:
When Life Knocks You Down – Get Up!.
Judith holds a position on the board of directors as 2nd Vice President and director of membership of The Castaic Chamber of Commerce. Since 2000, Judith has lead groups and taught creative writing at the SCV Senior Center. Five class members have self published books. Since 2003, Judith has been a member of the Advisory Council for AM1220 KHTS RADIO, and has guested on several shows to discuss personal development, hypnosis, and senior issues.
Judith Cassis is a clinical hypnotherapist and success coach, and available for keynote speaking and workshops. For bookings, please contact Lee Cadena Management, 310-800-8337.
Contact information for Judith:
successmadesimple@earthlink.net
Lovely, lovely, lovely, lovely! I’m such a huge believer of handmade and creative gifts. It doesn’t take much to create a memory! Great job, Judith.
Thank you, Harriette, I love to receive homemade/handmade gifts as well. Many treasures are placed among china and crystal in my china cabinet. Whenever my eye catches one – whether from my kids, or a senior in one of my classes, or a creative friend – memories flow through my heart instantaneously. These are truly gifts that keep on giving!
Love this Judith!! You have inspired me to create gifts from the heart!
Thank you so much that it really is the thoughtfulness that counts. For folks who aren’t crafty, you can always find inspiring things at our local craft fairs and online w/Etsy.