I think working in retail over so many Christmases spoiled the season for me a bit. Although I was at the epicentre of gifting, the stink of desperation I often witnessed slightly damaged my idea of giving. Even today, the thought of shoppers trampling over each other to get that “hot” Christmas toy, the stale air, the canned holiday music, the thought of SO MUCH STUFF … it makes me break out in the cold sweat.
It’s taken me this long to get with the program again (25 days has helped - I will post an update soon) but I’m still working on it. But I don’t think I’ve succeeded in getting over the feeling of dread I get when I think about visiting the mall at this time of year.
The solution:
- (1) Shop local - that means avoiding that soul-sucking hell on earth commonly referred to as “WalMart” and the big shopping malls. Support your local small businesses. It’s good for everyone.
- (2) Shop online.
- (3) Make stuff.
My recent piece over at SavvyMom combines all three, although #3 doesn’t factor in as much because this year I’m leaving the “making stuff” aspect to the professionals.
The article is about shopping locally on Etsy, the grand poohbah of crafty and arty shopping sites.
Do I need to tell you how awesome it is? Not only can you AVOID THE MALL, but it’s a very easy way to pick up some very original art and crafts (and more). AND by making a purchase you are also supporting an artist or two … people who are pursuing their passion and sharing it with others. And I think that adds up to a lot of good karma all ’round.
I bought something for the girls yesterday - er, not locally - but very cute nonetheless. I ordered Thumbelina and Pippi Longstocking shadow puppets from this vendor.
Which reminds me (because I have been wanting to ask) what are your fave Etsy shops? I have a list of favourites but I love to learn about ones I haven’t discovered yet.
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