The Reason for the Season

Two years ago my family decided to forgo the usual pile of presents and instead each start saving for a family trip to Hawaii in 2012/2013.  I think we technically said no presents, but we really meant way fewer, smaller and simpler presents.   We are a very lucky family in that we can afford to buy ourselves the things we need, so gift-giving was all about giving others the things we "knew" they wanted (or thought they wanted? Or hope they wanted? Or could find at the last second?).  Anyway, I think we enjoyed giving each other things we wanted as much as the next family, but, it turns out, we also enjoy not having the pressure of buying the perfect gifts and just spending time together even more.  Or at least I do. 

Of course, it’s not just about saving for a special family trip.  It’s totally world saving because it means buying less stuff and creating less waste. 

As an added bonus, now I can make gifts without worrying that I’m too old to still be making gifts for my parents.  Well, I still worry about what making gifts for my parents at the age of 29 that says about me, I just don’t feel guilty that I’m not living up to some socially acceptable parent gift-giving standard. 

Last year, I had more fun making gifts than I ever recall having buying gifts.  Including writing this silly poem for my mom’s sewing station.

Confessions of a Fabricholic

Saturday after Saturday, I say

I won’t buy any fabric today

I’m out the door, my block in hand

To Quilter’s Harvest , my own holy land

Two whole bags, I buy no less

Fine! I am a Fabricholic—I confess!

Tim spies the bags, big and full

“Are you serious?” he exclaims, “This is bull!”

In my sewing room, each night I’ll spend

Dressed in my robe, my hair on end

Sitting all straight in that ol’ chair

My Singer a whirrin’, not a moment to spare

No more can I buy, it’s such a mess

I am a Fabricholic—let me stress!

More colors, more combos, more textures and feels

Who can believe—so many “steals”

I want it all, just to make it mine

At this point it’s practically a batik shrine

When Amy Butler’s on sale I simply freak

Then I make bag for Jenny (just one Amish streak)

I’ve got the “Tale of Two Kitties,” shoved in a drawer

Under half-finished quilts and so much more

Here in this room, I made quite a disaster

Just to sew Ryan’s quilt a bit faster

I crafted a blanket for my son-in-law

And wedding decorations for all to awe

For Chelle, a new pillow’s on my list

One I’m sure Chuck won’t resist

To Tori an apron, of all things

Oh what joy all my fabric brings!

Each week Cheryl, Janice and I vow

We’ll stop buying it all somehow

We’ll sit right here ‘til we sew something fab

But yet again, all we do is gab

Now I let out one big sigh

It’s true, I can no longer deny

I’ll raise my voice and shout out loud

I’m a Fabricholic and proud!