Many years ago my husband Howard and I would often buy presents for a variety of friends and family. At the time I didn’t mind. Now the prices of everything seem to be going up everywhere we have stopped buying for every man and his dog! Don’t get me wrong, I still like, appreciate and love the people in my life. Although nowadays I prefer to spend time with my friends and family.
Recently I learned that when we lived in villages parents would often gift their children money or possessions. The gifts had been kept for them for when they decided to start a life of their own. It would mean they would have everything they needed. That was how gift giving started. As the human raced progressed so did capitalism and many people felt or feel obliged to buy for everyone they know.
To keep the wheel of the capitalist society alive we have to keep buying what is on offer. When I was a child/teenager my mother would often tell my brother and I about capitalism. To which would tut and try to ignore it as best we could. However as I have grown older I have started to realise the meaning behind her words. It has made me think that we don’t need to give gifts in order to have a good time.
Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus. It’s not about how much money you spend on each other. Nowadays their are so many ways to let someone know you care. You don’t have to buy them the most expensive present in the shops. I love to cook so I enjoy making pickles or chutney’s for my friends and family. Plus homemade biscuits and even cakes are great gifts too. If you can sew or you are crafty then these sorts of presents are fantastic as well. If you really want to spend money on people but also time then experiences days are good too.
Don’t get me wrong, we will spend money but we tend to spend it on immediate family rather that everyone we know. Christmas is a time of celebration but it’s also a time of acceptance and forgiveness. If the people in your life are your true friends then you don’t need to buy them anything. Just be yourselves and enjoy spending time with those you love. However you decide to spend Christmas, as always, please enjoy. Thank you. xxx
Googies Kitchen Life 