jingle hell

I got a forwarded email last week imploring folks to boycott China this holiday season, and buy only American made.  It suggested thinking outside the box, if you couldn't find products, and giving services (like a massage or lawn care) so that instead of supporting China, you would be supporting local business.  I like the idea, but my wallet is pissed.  I would LOVE to be able to give people a day at the spa, or lawn care for the year, or even better, a housekeeper...how great would that be?  Unfortunately, I did not win the lottery last night, so that is not an option. 

On one hand I think the whole season in way too commercialized, and we as Americans are being brainwashed by advertisers to think we MUST give ridiculous gifts to everyone in our lives from the post man to our mother. When did it become necessary to give everyone we interact with throughout the year a gift, and to give our children expensive electronics and designer clothes? On the other, I really do like giving, and WANT everyone who impacts me positively to feel appreciated and loved, and what better way to do that than to give them something lovely? 

So I started my shopping last week, and made an effort to look at labels, and while incredibly frustrating, I did manage to find some really great American made things.  I got it in my head to do an Oprah style "favorite things" basket filled with: California and North Carolina wine, Ghiradelli chocolate, Burt's Bees chap sticks, Tervis Tumblers, Yankee candles, and J R Watkins lotions and cleaning supplies.  I actually got pretty excited about it and was ready to proceed.  I started to compile my list, on it about 100 people or couples, and then I added up the cost, about $100...One hundred times $100 is OH HOLY HELL...and that doesn't include the kids... 

Ok, back to the drawing board...I will take my ACTUAL budget, subtract out the kids stuff, the cost of cards and postage, divide it by the number of people I want to buy for, and just give them ONE of the items...just gotta get a dollar amount to figure out which one...

drum roll please..............

$2.57

Can't even buy a Burt's Bees chap stick for that...damnit.

I had two options: head to the dollar store, or get creative.  So frustrating...everything at the dollar store is made in China, no one wants a toilet paper roll/cotton ball Santa.  What to do?

So, The Pea and I spent all day yesterday listening to and deciding on music that we will burn onto a CD, and painting a painting that will become the cover art.  It wasn't my first choice, but over the course of the day it provided a way for The Pea and I to connect and for her to take some ownership in the gifts.  We talked about giving and gratitude, peace and God, and even color theory and paint technique, and when it was all done she was very proud of what we had created.  It started out as a way to save money, turned into an incredible experience with my daughter, and with any luck will be enjoyed by those who receive it. 

I'll still be buying wine and chocolate for a lucky few, including me, but I do that all year round.