Let’s face it, the holidays are about giving. Mass marketers tell us we can’t afford not to miss out on the deals. Songs remind us of the joyful tunes we love singing along to each year. Cards are both heartwarming and confusing – how did she pull off that perfectly matched outfit for each kid? I firmly believe there are companies set on making us weepy with their holiday ads – I’m looking at you, Apple.

Sometimes our view of giving is what’s on someone’s list rather than what they truly need. So many people will receive gifts that will be abandoned within a few months, if not sooner. If you’d like to read more about this and a plan for reducing your spending while maximizing your holiday, visit the Buy Me Once page about gifting during the holidays. I have used a similar spreadsheet for years. I try to make or buy presents before December so I can actually enjoy being with people instead of stressing over what I haven’t done yet.

There are people who enjoy the gift and those who enjoy the giving. I’m the latter. This year, I tried something a bit different. Starting in January, I sent a gift, preferably handmade, to one friend a month. Sometimes it was large (a quilt) and other times small (a book I was finished with). The result was the same. Each person said “thank you for thinking of me.” I’m not stating this so you will think any better of me. My intention was to spread the feeling of Christmas (or whatever holiday you observe) all year.

If you are so inclined, try this yourself. It doesn’t have to be a purchased item. I made ornaments from scraps and some from leftover cross stitch projects. You don’t even have to be crafty. Calling someone to check on them or asking them to lunch is so much more rewarding than a three-second text.

If you are still searching for the right gift, remember – handmade is best. If you aren’t able to do that, let your gifts be heart-felt and meaningful. This quilting blog and the research for the book has made me more thankful for the people around me. I am thankful to you, the reader, for your feedback and support.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!