Have you finished your Christmas shopping?!
I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist – like every website, TV ad, and storefront hasn’t been yelling that at you since Halloween. At least we waited until December, right?
But the time has come, the elephant said, to discuss family traditions and handmade gifts.
Christmas with the Fam
Full disclosure: I am not going to discuss religious Christmas or any other holidays going on. This is just about dealing with secular, Santa-fueled, American Christmas. Comment at me if you don’t like it.
Similarly, when you see the word “family” below, feel free to substitute “dearest BFFs,” “blood relations,” “union brethren,” or “closest inner circle.” I can’t change my life experience, but I value your difference.
Now, my family loves Christmas – bad sweaters, funny hats, boxes labelled “Christmas decorations,” the works. Just check out this adorable little elf!
We have annual caroling evenings and gather around the tree to discuss the new or favorite ornaments. Certain family members cook special recipes or bring the same desserts every year. And once everyone has woken up on Christmas Day, we gather around our highly-decorated tree and exchange gifts. In all of that, the feeling of tradition and our shared, joyful memories make the holiday worthwhile.
Handmade Gifts
I see value in setting aside time to exchange gifts with the people that know and love you best, and a lot of us do so on Christmas. Family, however, can be a pain in the wrinkly, gray butt to buy gifts for, especially year after year. Whether because Amazon is overwhelming, because Dad buys himself anything he wants, or because nothing in the mall feels “right,” handmade gifts can really save the day.
For those like us who cannot make their own unique, personalized treasures (elephants never knit, you know), here’s a selection of elephant-themed, handmade gifts from some pretty clever humans.
About Etsy
“Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods.” – Etsy.com
All of the handmade gifts featured here come from creators selling on Etsy’s platform. Not everyone has access to local artisans or unique shops, and Etsy does a good job of making interesting items available all over. If you have a creative drive, consider selling on Etsy.
And for a more detailed take on Etsy and the entrepreneurship opportunities it offers, check out the webinar, Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital Economy: Etsy from Cornell ILR’s Future of Work series.