Monday, November 11, 2013

Question of the Week #21

Question of the Week #21

Wow, this is the latest I've ever posted the question of the week!  It's been a very busy Monday around here with an emergency trip to urgent care--not me and good news, everyone is OK! :) and while we were in the "big city" we did some planned grocery shopping and a little unplanned Holiday shopping. I happened to pick up a few things here and there for stocking stuffers etc. I make most of my presents and spend a lot of time on them (I have lots of nieces and nephews who have varied interests and hobbies) but there are things I buy as well and it got me to wondering about everyone else's giving and receiving habits and preferences. 
I made an announcement almost a decade ago at one of our very large family gatherings and told my family that from that time on any gifts that came from me and my immediate family would either be handmade, vintage or strictly hobby oriented and personalized for the individual intended. Handmade by me or other artists and/or other family members or vintage. The only new items I (or my immediate family) would purchase for others would be "hobby oriented" for example: there are several serious rock hounds in our large tribe and lapidary tools and supplies most often (as in many other hobbies) need to be purchased new. OR... I would just buy socks and underwear for everyone, no exceptions.
This announcement sparked a major discussion about gifts in general and the end result was that it marked a change in the way my large family gives and receives gifts and makes our holidays even more enjoyable. If someone gives me a gift, no matter how small or generic or rushed it might seem to someone else, first and foremost I am touched that someone took the time to think of me at all and give me something. The feelings I have when someone gives me a handmade gift are overwhelming, I am so touched that someone not only gave me a gift, they labored over it and literally made it with me in mind and it is one of a kind :) 
So when it comes to giving (and receiving) gifts during the holidays and year round do you buy gifts for some and make gifts for others or do you stick to just buying gifts or only giving handmade gifts? And which do you prefer to receive? Handmade or new/retail? Or both? 
Looking forward to hearing your answers!
Please remember to submit suggestions & questions to: spdychevy@gmail.com with Question in the subject line and we'll get your question up here soon!
Happy Monday to all <3
Shann

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