this was my last article in the Riverwest Currents, Christmas in July
Now is the perfect time to get ready for the winter gift giving season. If this makes you feel that I am pushing it as summer has just arrived, think of this as a way to slow down time, to make sure you are not rushed in the end of fall and early winter. A way to make sure you don't waste money and time shopping for gifts that are not needed or maybe even not wanted. Now is the perfect for three reasons;
No. 1 Time is on your side. Start thinking and working now and you can get a lot done with out feeling like you are drudging though anything. Take a hobby you have or have always wanted to learn and materials you may already have around the house and start making small gifts for gift giving to extended family. Knit, paint, cut, nail etc. I am crocheting cotton washcloths this year while I am at meetings, on the bus etc. Bird houses, earrings, homemade stationary, hot pads, soap, paint on t-shirts or personalized shopping bags are all ideas that might help you get started. Homemade candles made out of remnants of old candles might really get burned. some of these projects are fun to do with kids too when you need an activity to fill the summer hours.
No. 2 The Rummage sale season continues and shopping for others is the perfect way to enjoy these sales without filling your own home with things you don't need. Make sure you buy gifts with specific people in mind other wise you do run a risk of creating a stuff problem which most of us still need to avoid. If you are really into this you can keep notes of gifts that might be needed or wanted i.e.: Anna, bread maker, blue plates for mom... or keep an eye out for the materials for those craft gifts you might be making.
No. 3 Seasonal ingredients from your yard, our farmers markets or local farms are readily available and affordable. Herb infused vinegar's (I love mint), pickles, jams and jellies, or elderberry syrup for flu's are all useful, healthy, easy to make with local harvest, and far more affordable if you make them yourself than they are from the stores. This turns the holiday season into a time of trading summers harvest. Be creative with the bounty, there is plenty of information on the internet or in the library to get you started. These gifts also gives us something to enjoy and remind us of the warmer months just when we need it!
No matter what enjoy these blessed summer months when the earth and sun are giving us so many gifts, many of which we can share.
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