The New York Times recently ran an editorial piece entitled “The Joy of Buying Nothing New for the Holidays”. In it, Vermont journalist, Annelies Griffins, presents numerous ways to get gifts from thrift and resale shops, used book and antique stores, plus swap tables and white elephant exchanges. She is careful to note that, “this is not about being a Grinch, canceling Christmas or trying to pass a minimalist purity test.” Rather, it is about being kind to the planet by moving recycled consumer goods around in one city as opposed to transporting new, manufactured items around the globe.
As my family and friends know, I heartily concur with this sentiment. Gifts do not have to be new. But they should be filled with thought.
Ever since I was a child, I have loved giving presents. Going to the dime store with my small allowance, I perused the crowded aisles trying to find the perfect purchase for everyone in my family. When my funds were depleted, I made presents such as a clay “snowball” candle holder for my mother. In retrospect, I’m sure my mom liked that lopsided snowball better than the tiny bottles of Blue Waltz dime store perfume that I often bought her.
As an adult, I am still thrilled when I spot the ultimate present in a thrift store and cannot wait to see the recipient open it. Has my guess been correct?
I am not able, however, to give only recycled items. Two categories of new gifts are high on my radar screen. The first is the beautiful work created by artists and craftspeople. Many of my friends are creators and they need to make a living. I am delighted to be their customer.
The second group of new gifts is FOOD, the gift that doesn’t have to be dusted, just enjoyed. I love baking Christmas cookies to give away as gifts and I equally enjoy getting homemade soups and other edible treats as presents. One of my favorites was the homemade caramel corn I received as a teacher gift every year from one of the kid’s mothers. That was 36 years ago and I still remember awaiting and eating it with pure bliss. No caramel corn will ever match hers.
It’s not the Black Friday or mall crawl merchandise that makes memories. It’s the gifts that are the result of careful thought, work or both that resonate. May you get many of these insightful gifts.
