Christmas time should be an enjoyable one. A time where we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the gift we were given on that special day many many years ago. Our culture has transformed the holiday into a profitable commercial time, which in its entirety, is not necessarily a bad thing. The gift giving has become the most profound and nostalgic part of the Christmas season. It is not the gift that is the important part, it is the motive and intention behind it. The act of exchanging gifts promotes a selfless nature, espescially when it is done without the thought of what you will receive in return. Therefore, I say enjoy the gifts you give, enjoy the reactions of those you bought the gifts for, and find joy in putting a smile on someone else’s face.
Shopping for presents can sometimes be the most stressful part as you try to find the perfect gift that fits within your budget. The mall can be an absolute nightmare with crowded stores, long lines, and that awful awful sea of asphalt lying outside. Be smart, buy a truck so you can park on the grass cause there is nothing more blood boiling than trying to find the one spot that suits your spouse’s liking. Due to these annoyances, a lot of people have been turning to online shopping.
One great place I like to shop online is Etsy. For those of you unfamiliar with the site, it is basically a virtual marketplace that brings together the collaborative creativity of countless artists, moms, shop owners, and everyday people. Anyone can list their products on the site in their own “store.” The site itself is an ingenious idea and it is enabling normal people to share their ideas and creations with others. For Christmas shopping, this site has it all. The best part is that you will be able to find a unique product that isn’t necessarily in the Sunday newspaper. You can find something for everyone on your list; whether it is framed art for your Aunt, custom jewelry for your sister, a handmade guitar pick for your husband, or a handcrafted purse for your Mom. They even have stuff available for your pets like my personal favorite…Kitten Mittens for Jinxie Cat!
“Does Your Cat Make Too Much Noise?”
(check out the following link for an unsponsored advertisement for Kitten Mittens)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSOrbV7ILrc
Anyway, if you are still in the market for some more presents, head on over to Etsy and find that gift for that special someone. Make this the year you are more excited to watch your big brother open the gift you got him than you are to open your own. Merry Christmas!