8 responses to “‘Tis the season for perfectionism”

1. 

   Elizabeth B December 6th, 2010 at 04:36

   You know, for gifts I would just give experiential things. Gift certificates to favorite resturants, museum admissions, movie passes, things like that. I’m seriously considering doing that this year instead of giving people more stuff that they may or may not really need.

2. 

   Saver Queen December 6th, 2010 at 12:14

   I like the idea of experiential gifts. It reminds me of the coupons my Dad used to make my sister and I when were little. It would be coupons for going ice skating or to the art museum or a homemade English breakfast.

3. 

   umbrellalady December 6th, 2010 at 19:49

   When my parents lived in their own home and my in-laws, I used to pick up homemade soup mixes and give them things they could consume. I make most of the gifts I give, part of it is consumable, like homemade salsa or jam. This not only takes down the cost but some of the flurry around the season. I have yet to get to the mall to buy anything…I might not even make it there this year.

4. 

   Kate December 7th, 2010 at 15:16

   It’s not just you. 2010 has been a rough year in our house, and I am just not feeling the holidays right now.
   All I want to do is sleep. The holidays seem overwhelming right now.

   I don’t have many/any good solutions for you by I’m sending a hug your way.

5. 

   Catherine December 7th, 2010 at 15:31

   Move over…I’d like a nap too Busy, busy here preparing for Christmas…but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s my favourite holiday (inherited from my Mom) and yes, I’m a perfectionist too and go above and beyond trying to make things nice for others. I’d rather give, give, give than receive.
   It’s really all about spending time with your family and friends over the holidays though.

   Could you make up a coupon saying:

   In the month of January/February/March I’d like to have you over for brunch/take you out for pizza/go to the coffee shop for a double double (you fill in the blanks)
   Spending time with you would be a wonderful gift to me and I’d love to put our tete a tete in my calendar.
   You do wonderful crafty things and perhaps this wouldn’t be a lot of work?
   Just a suggestion!
   Catherine

6. 

   Saver Queen December 8th, 2010 at 23:35

   Kate – sorry to hear that you’ve had a tough year. I hope the next one will be better, I sincerely do. I can definitely relate to your fatigue and feelings of being overwhelmed. Sending a hug right back at you.

   Catherine, I like your ideas about the coupons!! Sounds simple yet meaningful.
   Last year I did so many crafty things – made homemade recipe books on the computer complete with 40 of my favourite recipes and pictures from the blog. I made individualized CDs, homemade cards, I made trail mix and chocolate covered pretzels and granola. I went shopping at the local market to make gift baskets for my bro-in-law and hunted down vintage beer glasses at the thrift stores for my dad. I made a photo album for my dad with favourite Newfoundland photos. I found wicker baskets and other supplies at thrift stores, and thrifted john deer items for my uncle. I don’t know where i found the time! This year I need something simpler.

7. 

   Amber December 10th, 2010 at 01:07

   This is the year that I’ve decided that I actually deserve to enjoy Christmas. I’m taking on less ‘must do’ craft projects, I’m doing a lot of donating to charity in other people’s name, and I’m letting myself off the baking hook.

   I love the idea of a homemade, frugal Christmas. I’m not about to rush out and spend a bunch of money and consume a bunch of stuff. But I still need balance in all things, and if rejecting consumerism comes at the expense of my sanity, it feels like it’s missing the point. So maybe I’ll buy some stuff on Etsy instead of making it. It’s not the end of the world.

8. 

   Saver Queen December 10th, 2010 at 13:51

   Amber, I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head. I feel the same way as you do. I don’t like the consumerism of Christmas, but at the same time, we need to find a balance that works for our lifestyles. In the past I’ve done things with an “all or nothing” mentality, applying to frugality and DIY, amongst other things. And I have realized that this doesn’t work for me anymore. Realizing that it’s not the end of the world, like you say, is important to recognize.