Me sewing, him playing. Would you look at that happy face? Naps and bedtimes work miracles, I tell ya.
So I've been steadily working on Christmas gifts for a solid two (plus) months now. Planning and scheming began in September, sewing officially began in October. I'm not quite done (although hopefully all the needed supplies have been purchased).
From the beginning I've prayed earnestly and sincerely to be able to give "good gifts." The Christmas budget was tight and the plan has been to make everything. It's required thought, prayer, and work. Over and over, almost daily, I've been praying to be able to give "good gifts." Do you know what I mean? The kind that is a pleasant surprise, an unexpected thrill, and most importantly, a tangible evidence of my love for that person.
In my family we don't draw names at Christmas, we give to everyone. While I have had a few moments of feeling overwhelmed with the enormity of it all, I have loved thinking about each person throughout each step of planning, sewing, and wrapping. It has been a sweet, sweet experience.
In Jeremy's family we draw names. I've had mixed emotions about it. On the one hand, I would be making an additional 14 gifts (added to the more or less 25 already on my list! I would definitely have to start earlier. Like in January.)... on the other hand, I keep finding myself sad that I don't get to make or give anything to most of his siblings. Often while working on a gift for someone else, I've thought, "this is something Cansas would like!" or "Maybe I'll have to make one for Sadie anyway and give it later!" I've missed not getting to think about them as I make for them, you know?
While it has been an intense couple of months, and I don't plan on making all my gifts every year, I've already come to treasure this Christmas. I've learned so much about what it means to give good gifts (which sometimes means giving what I would want most to someone else, and sometimes means taking a lot of time to make something that isn't my style at all, but I know the other person would love). Even though most of my gifts are small, and my sewing is imperfect, each one is filled with love and time and sacrifice.
Yesterday's quote on my advent quote calendar summed up my thoughts on gift giving this year:
"Christmas gifts should be in memory of the divine gift--the life of Jesus Christ. His gift gave us eternal life; our gifts should enliven with joy those who receive them. His gift was teh sacrifice of his earthly life, our gifts should represent personal sacrifices on our part." --John A. WidtsoeI hope that you're Christmas is filled with the giving of good gifts (made or bought) and that the gifts you give are in memory of the divine gift.
Merry Christmas!
7 comments:
Thanks for this fabulous quote! I'm totally stealing it and putting in on my blog for all the crazy gift givers I know that go way overboard with their Christmas shopping and kind of miss the point. Love it! And love you.
You are one amazing girl. I know what you mean about wanting to give to everyone but you're not. It's hard! You are one great girl though with one cute little guy who plays right along side you :)
You are amazing to make 25 gifts. I am making some this year but not that many. I gave my MIL her gift at Thanksgiving and she teared up over it. It was a box of homemade cards. Her reaction was worth the time I spent. I would love to see pictures of your hard work after the gifts are given. I really like the quote too, how our gifts should represent personal sacrifice.
Wow, I am so impressed. Good for you!
I actually just read this on Jaime's blog first (the quote that is) and then saw you had said it and realized I had somehow missed a post from you! And I wrote to Jaime almost the same type of thing you ahve written too. I just love making and thinking each gift through too. It is a time to really reflect on the people we love. And then use our hands to bless them. I hope you enjoy the gifts that are under your tree as well. I am already LOVING my bird ornament. Fabulous. That is all I have to say. That alone was a wonderful gift. I just love it. And I love the picture of Raymond on the bed next to you. Glad you are enjoying the Bumbo! I sure do love YOU!!!
Good for you Carly! I wish I had put more energy into this Christmas gift giving than I have. I've spent the last few weekends shopping, looking for the perfect gift for the people I love, which has ended up in a lot of frustration. I'll have to start earlier next year. Homemade gifts sound like a lot of fun! You should take pictures and post after Christmas so we can see all the great things you made!
I love that quote calendar that your mom gave us. It's my advent calendar and this quote has meant a lot this year. For me instead of making gifts (a few), we've had a lot of opportunity to give to those in need at school, in the ward, and in the community. There seems to be so much need out there this year and I'm grateful to be able to be a part of those gifts in memory of Him whom we celebrate. It's made the season that much merrier :-)
P.S. Love those cheeks on Raymond!!
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