I've always loved the Christmas season, a time when the clan regroups and catch up on the year just gone by; the older generation's topic not surprisingly sways to 'matters of the heart' which has a different meaning for the younger generation, right!
But, there's always loads of fun and laughter at our family gatherings, and all the aches and pains of the oldies disappear like magic.
Laughter is the best medicine after all!
We've grown wiser when it comes to the food which used to have the tables groaning. The menu is planned and everyone brings their specialty, no sweating in the kitchen, this is 2023 after all, the chefs don't want to miss out on the fun!
The Christmas cake should have been baked and well-soaked in brandy by this time; the cookie jars are being filled with homemade cookies and spiced fruit mince pies.
Those are the things I love.
The one thing I hate do not like about Christmas, is the commercialism of gifts, and that last-minute rush where the frustration starts in the car-park, it's too late for online shopping by then!
The idea of the Hive Thrifted Community was based on the online site yaga.co.za, where one sells good quality pre-loved goods. The only difference is that we would do all transactions through our Hive wallet, using or earning HBD.
The concept still has to catch on, and I will get back to that in the near future. 2023 has been a year that's changed my life forever, and my work in that community had to take a back seat.
My perspective on things changed since the loss of my life partner, and I've been thinking about the silliness of forking out money on meaningless gifts.
I always am dumbfounded by the size of those large, beautifully presented gift boxes, filled with stuffing and just a few bottles of toiletries or other 'trinkets'. Yes the boxes are pretty to look at, but it's sad to think about the waste of paper and trees.
Thoughtful gifts away from the Madding Crowds
Be totally honest with yourself, what kind of gift would you personally appreciate - a commercial meaningless gift, or something treasured from a loved one.
We all have preloved gems sitting in our cupboards, something we will never use, but would be of great value to a sister or brother, or anyone special in our lives.
You may have to revitalize it by giving it a good clean-up or slight refurbishing.
You could also give something you've made yourself, be it something crafty or homebaked cookies or jams. Pack into pretty jars, a special tea cup or bowl, something that can be used afterwards, or use a pretty handmade box, add a little story about the origin of the gift, and bring a smile to a loved one's face?
I challenge you to put this idea to your family and friends, imagine getting your great-aunt's vintage teapot that you admired as a child and has been collecting dust in your cousin's attic.
I will be putting the concept to my family, and am sure they will love the idea, but whatever the reaction, I am opting for preloved and homebaked goods this Christmas, something that will be way more meaningful, and will help me side-step the awful chaos in the shopping malls!
Top of my gift list, is to have just one more day with the love of my life, but that wish will remain elusive until I reach the end of my journey, but for now, I will cherish the magical special times!
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