Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 43 of Life On the Brink!
We have a very festive episode in store today, as this episode is airing on Thanksgiving Day! First off, I want to say how very grateful I am to be able to work on this podcast and blog, and to hear your kind words in response over the last several months. I hope to keep growing this podcast and this community next year, and by rounding out 2021 with some holiday cheer.
Today we’re talking about Christmas presents, but maybe not in the way we’re used to. I find that the older I get, the more excited I am about giving gifts, rather than receiving them. I have so many wonderful blessings in my life and truly have all I need, so when it comes to holiday gift exchanges, I find that I focus more on finding creative ways to express my love to those around me.
I don’t know about you, but it’s easy for me to get pretty Charlie Browny about the commercialization of Christmas. Though I enjoy the tradition of gift giving, I really don’t like the feeling that I’m just checking people off a list. Instead, it’s my goal to make my family and friends feel loved with my time, company, words, and with gifts that are unique and thoughtful.
What’s in my teacup? Adagio’s black tea blend, simply called “Christmas”.
Now, we won't talk a lot about baked goods, as that's its own separate thing, and always a good idea. Here are some fantastic gifts that you can make and personalize to each person!
From the Kitchen:
-a personalized recipe box, complete with your favorite (or original) recipes
-cookie/brownie in a jar, but a special recipe and with top-quality ingredients.
-infused sugars (try lemon, lavender, vanilla bean)
-simple syrups or infused spirits
-chai spice, spice blends (like this one for pizza, chili, and taco seasonings)
-stove simmer mixes OR packs of mulling spices for cider
Get crafty:
-homemade ornaments: dried orange slices, or baked cinnamon ornaments
-things to crochet!
-simple scarf (great for beginners)
-homemade journals (can be turned into anything!)
-whipped peppermint hand scrub (this blog has several different scrubs as well)
-framed photos. super underrated gifts, in my opinion. (feel free to get crafty with the frame.)
Semi-homemade (pairing and assembling):
-assembling boxes, baskets (pairings)
-books, totes, candles, snacks
-embroidery or cross stitch kits
-a starter kit for a hobby (gardening, knitting, reading, music)
All of these gifts are, in a way, more of an experience than simply a physical gift. And by making or assembling each element, it's a sweet and thoughtful way to show those you love that you took the time to deliver that experience to them.
I also have a couple other thoughts that don't really fit into a category but could be utilized in a creative way:
-the idea of repurposing something special into something new is so sentimental and can make an unforgettable gift.
-Spotify has these nifty scanner codes that are incorporated into all kinds of things. The giving of a song, even the memory of a moment associated with is, is a beautiful idea.
Previous episodes for more inspiration:
-Episode 13 all about Christmas cookies (great gifts, by the way)
This Week’s Little Joy: Last week as I was leaving school, I received a note from one of my middle school students. I'd had a bit of a discouraging class that day, and as this is my first year teaching anything besides preschool level, I felt like a big of a failure. But in my mailbox, for some reason, was a signed note from one of those very students saying how much she loved Chorus and loved having me as a teacher.
It brought tears to my eyes, it was just so needed that day. I'd also encourage everyone to take time in this season to actually tell those in your life (especially your teachers) that you love and appreciate them.
What I’m Listening To: Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite for Big Band. I have a personal memory connected to track 8, because when I was in big band in college, I had written in my part to say "Ha!" in the middle of the piece (as Duke Ellington had on recording day). Every time we played that piece, everyone would wait for that moment to see if I would do it (and I would!). Go to 2:05 on track 8 to hear the faint sound of Duke getting into it.
Thank you so much for listening! Also, check out Episodes 11-14 for more Christmas content, and be on the lookout for extra blog posts as well as a new podcast episode in 2 weeks. Have a lovely week, friends, Happy Thanksgiving!