The Holidays

      So my husband asked me today "What do you think about starting to Christmas shop?" Honest question since he works in a mall and everyone started putting out their Christmas stock like a month ago!! Jeez its not even Thanksgiving yet I'm not ready to think about Christmas!  Then I remembered what we did last year and I agreed it is time to start making thing for Christmas, yep making things.
     On both sides of our family the adults pick names out of a hat and we give gifts to that one person. Now on my side of the family  in recent years we decided we would make presents for each other. Some of the family is not crafty but everyone has to make something and the fun is trying to figure out what your hidden talent might be. My in laws are very talented in the way of making useful things. My Father-In law is the one who taught me how to make socks and my Mother-In law taught me how to quilt. Christmas has a different feel to it now that I make most of my presents, I take pride in it and I so look forward to seeing what someone has made for me. I used to despise how commercial this wonderful family holiday had become. I used to blame it on the multitude of commercials we are inundated with around this time of year and I always literally dreaded the holiday. Then  along with my family I realised how wonderful the holiday can be when nobody is stressed out about their credit or if the person will like the last minute gift we bought because its not about the gifts anymore its about being together and of course the turkey !
      Having said all this we still buy gifts for the kids we just chose a little more wisely, buying things that will last and for some of the older kids like my 12 year old daughter donating money to a cause she believes in.
     I think my overall point is I'm just your average Jill and I've found ways to help loosen the chains of consumerism because I no longer sit back apathetically and blame my problems on the man, I've taken charge and it feels good!