Giving this Season!

I wanted to share some thoughts I have on the season of gift-giving that is upon us. We all know that Christmas has become quite devastatingly commercialized, which literally strips all of the magic and love out of the holiday. So I say, let's take it back! Here are some ideas I have on choosing thoughtful gifts that truly resonate with the spirit of love and giving that is Christmas!

• Shop locally
• I am certainly not the first person to suggest this, but it is an idea worth repeating! Don't know what to get someone? Check out local shops and artisans, where you know whatever you choose is made with time and skill from a community member who will certainly appreciate your business. I know there is a program in New London to encourage people to shop locally, with a card you punch every time you patronize a local business and discounts every Saturday this month. I have also seen many encouraging advertisements for local holiday markets  at restaurants and pop-up markets this month. Keep your eyes open for these opportunities! 

• Food
• Everyone needs to eat! Food as a gift is a wonderful idea, both practically and symbolically - giving the gift of nourishment and good health, what could be better?! Right now in New Hampshire farmers markets are still kickin', and you can find all sorts of root vegetables, squash, maple syrup and canned goods. Who wouldn't want a handmade basket full of potatoes, onions, garlic, canned green beans, salsa, maple syrup and ginger root? Well, this is possible, local, and incredibly thoughtful! Last year I got all my family members meat from Eccardt Farm in Washington, NH and wrote up a little blurb about the farm, what they offer and where to find them. This was a great way for me to share information about a local business as well as my passion for wholesome local food! And everyone loved it! Try it out, it is very rewarding for everyone! Making baked goodies, like yummy breads or cookies, is a classic Christmas passtime and works great as gifts, too! 

• Make your own
• I know not everyone has the time to make gifts, or maybe the confidence, but I think homemade gifts are the absolute best way to demonstrate love and the spirit of giving! Making cards is always a great place to start! Print out a couple pictures and put them in a nice homemade card or frame. Homemade candles and lotion are a couple things that I am excited to test out this year (shh), and beyond that I feel like there is a world of opportunity! 

• Donating in someone's name
• Trying to find a gift for someone who has everything? Want to break out of the materialism of modern Christmas? Making a donation in someone's name is a fantastic way to overcome these common gift-giving predicaments. Think about what causes or organizations your loved ones are interested and invest in their honor. Try this website, Kiva, to search for potential donation outlets and make Christmas special on so many levels!  

• Give your time
• One of my favorite gift go-tos - the homemade voucher. Sure, this idea comes from my childhood and college days when I had nothing to spend at Christmas time but my good intentions. But what could be more thoughtful then the gift of your time? Making homemade vouchers for babysitting, cleaning, massages, mechanic work or whatever skill you may have to offer is right on track with the spirit of love and giving that is Christmas. 

I don't see any magical at all in feeling compelled to go out for a hectic day of shopping, spending a bunch of money at giant commercial stores where everything is mass produced and cheap. I want to stimulate my local economy, know that my money is going to the people who deserve it, and show my loved ones just how much I love them! Cheers to that!