Holidays are times for family, fun, decorating, good
food, and all the trimmings.
It certainly does not have to be a time to go knee-
deep in debt and have to pay off credit card bills,
loans, etc. until next Holiday season when it can start
all over again.
How do you create a beautiful Holiday Season without
creating a worry-filled budget crisis? You want all the
best for family and friends, and yet -
Using creativity and imagination are two great starters
for fabulous holiday faire with a minimum of cash out-
lay. Wait a minute, you might just be thinking - I'm not
creative and my imagination leaves much to be desired.
We all have ideas in our heads - 24 hours a day, seven
days a week - use them, encourage them, and then
watch and be amazed that you cooked this fabulous
dish, made your own Holiday decorations, and have
turned your home into a Holiday mecca for family and
friends.
The internet is full of ideas to start you on your way,
as are magazines, television specials, stores, etc. There
are displays at malls and storefronts that will give you
suggestions, craft stores will truly inspire you, and taking
into account your personal and family likes and dislikes -
you are building a wealth of possibilities. Fabric stores
are a myriad of colors, samples - feel free to browse and
let your mind take in some of the ideas.
When you begin to put your ideas to the test - know that
you are not in a contest - relax, change things as the
project progresses, if you like, and remember that
one-of-a-kind items are more pleasurable than
machine-stamped, one-of-a-zillion types that everyone
from here to the moon and back will display and have
in their home. Your creation will be unique and special
because it was made with fantastic intentions of bringing
pleasure and beauty into your home,
not only for yourself but for everyone who will venture into
your home during the Holiday Season. No one will come
up with exactly the same color scheme, little touches, and
special features that you know your family will enjoy and
love.
If you can't sew-glue; if you are short of time with job and
family obligations-ask for help. Children love being "elves"
during this time of year and they will gladly trim, paint, glue,
glitter, etc. Not only are you getting some additional help
in your attempts, but the giggles, laughter, and camaraderie
makes it all worth-while.
Your holiday decor will have special meaning to everyone
because everyone made them. They added their own
special insight or attempt and that is something money can't
buy.
What about gifts - you can start with stripped-down store-
bought items if you like. Just personalize them, add a little
here and there and, taking into account the person they are
intended for, gear them to that individual. Someone who
loves to cook or bake would delight in a variety of cooking
utensils in a basket, with cookie mixes, spices, and other
additions. Same thing for a hunter/fisherperson, crafting
friend, or co-worker. Working next to someone all year
'round gives you some idea of what they like and what they
don't care for. Just incorporate these insights and you will
have a treasured gift. A favorite book with an inscription,
a little girl's jewelry box with a pendant tucked inside, a
tool belt with safe tools for a little lad to help dad, or
some fanciful containers of niceties that will remind the
recipient of your concern and friendship each time they
are used - not very expensive, but an extension of love
and affection.
When buying toys for children, remember less is more. The
more the gift is programmed "to do" everything and let the
child become a bystander without having to do anything -
the more the gift will find its way into a closet for the
remainder of the year. Creativity and imagination are
blossoming in the youngsters and toys that are geared to
"take over" will become boring and unwanted toys.
If a child can add their own touch of storyline, activity,
colors, plots, etc. - this will provide hours
of enjoyment. Remember tinkertoys and Lincoln logs -
basic, but the hours spent trying to create better and more
impressive results were fun and memorable.
There is the painful realization of too much technology in
a child's gift when they find a day's worth of fun with the
box it came in. Play time should be funtime - time that
allows the child to bring out ideas, possibilities, dreams,
hopes, and even fears. When all these emotions are
passed on to toy items, then life becomes easier to
understand and handle and teddy bears
become friends, and blocks, tools, and train sets can be
molded into the type of world that interests and motivates.
Food gifts are always wonderful to receive and give.
Someone took the time to give you their favorite soup
base, chili mix, bread recipe, etc. Then when you use the
item, pleasant memories are right there.
Homemade quilts, painted vases, picture frames, scarves,
gloves, etc. may be old-fashioned and not "expensive" but
they are "impressive." There is extra warmth in home-made
slippers, and a softer texture to sweaters and vests.
Store-bought clothing can be individualized with a
thoughtfully placed accessory or touch. A new wallet with
pictures of family and friends becomes more than a wallet,
and a robe with a favorite book in the pocket has meaning
and special tucked in.
Start impressing family and friends with your creativity
and imagination - this holiday season may just become
the best ever - thanks to you!
ENJOY!
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About The Author
© Arleen M. Kaptur 2002
Arleen Kaptur is offering her free Holiday
newsletters, Woodland gifts, and more-
subscribe: akaptur@centurytel.net
or visit:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.topica.com/lists/simpleliving
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