Has anyone else noticed that in the last week, not only did the temperature drop about 30 degrees, but it's THAT time again? You know, that time of year when you can't walk into any retail store of any kind without being bombarded and overwhelmed with that it's time to make with the gift giving. And in case you were wondering, for the low, low price of whatever-ninety-nine, you too can be the giver of great joy, the bringer of happiness, the one who makes the world a better place...
Don't get me wrong... I actually really love the Holidays. It's all just a bit overwhelming. And hard not to get swept up into the whole big red/green/blue/silver bows and foil wrapped presents, and look! Mom would LOVE that... and did you SEE this?? and oh... isn't that Bing Crosby? I LOVE that song... and suddenly, my credit card is maxed beyond any hope of ever being paid off.
Maybe I'm crazy (and I'm beginning to move that from "maybe" to "way past gone"), but I decided to stay out of the malls this year (unless my wallet stays at home) and knit for Christmas and Hanukkah. (My family is Christmas, Marc's is Hanukkah.) It's a lot of knitting. But at least every night, I don't dread the mall... or the parking... or the lines. It's just me and the needles, loving knitting, and loving who I'm knitting for. Actually, it's pretty great. I even finally got Marc to tell me what he really wants that he will actually wear. (*Yes, there is a story there... but one for another day.) I'll post pictures of what I can this weekend. Promise.
And a quick note to let those of you who were interested in a Holiday Knitalong know that I didn't forget about that... but someone beat me to it! If you're still interested, come on over to Knit, Mama, Knit! for the Holiday Countdown Knitalong and join us in the insanity.
(But what a wonderful insanity it is.)
You are not crazy. Actually I find it very brave to resist the "flow". Christmas is about giving, caring and spending time together. I think it is lovely to make something for somebody in mind. Unfortunately for me, I am such a slow knitter that I should start now for Xmas 2006!
Posted by: francoise | November 18, 2005 at 05:36 PM
Well, I can generally avoid the mall, but the internet is deadly to my credit card. I'm working on a couple of Christmas gifts(and may still be working on them after Christmas) and have ideas for quite a few more. So, the only stress for the holidays is my knitting! I gotta get over that.
Posted by: Stephanie | November 18, 2005 at 06:26 PM
Wow, you make holiday knitting sound like the calm, sane alternative to shopping. That almost makes me want to knit for gifts. I'm like Francoise -- I would need to start now, for next year!
Posted by: Laura | November 18, 2005 at 08:01 PM
Good for you! Hopefully all of your recipients will appreciate your beautiful gifts! I was disheartened w/holiday knitting 2 years ago. I knit for practically every relative in my and my husbands familly. A few didn't even seemed fazed by the work I'd done and another said, "you must save so much money knitting"....hysterical, huh? Now I only knit for those that are worthy.
Posted by: Donna | November 19, 2005 at 08:29 AM
I'm a different kind of crazy. My husband and I come from very small immediate families, who don't really exchange gifts unless face-to-face, which is rare. When the kids were little, I went really overboard on the gift giving because I really like to shop and I really like to give. So I actually found myself in a boutique paper store saying, OUTLOUD,"I have to have more friends so I can buy more gifts". My husband just loved hearing that. Even I realize what a nutso comment that was. So, kudos to you for taking the time to knit for all. I'm actually trying to start and finish a few scarfs and a sweater for gifts. Wish me luck!! Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Gwen | November 20, 2005 at 03:38 PM