last minute

Yesterday afternoon, soaking up the sun while shelling broad beans slowly on the back step, a familiar tune wafted into the space, made me stop and listen. I knew the words instinctively - Christmas carols were ingrained in my childhood - and I found the simple joy of voices singing Peace on earth and mercy mi-ld in real time somewhat humbling. A short burst, just a couple of refrains and off they went, but it was sweet and delicious to my ears, a great surprise. It made me think of how we should feel at this time of the year, that even an unbeliever like me needs to take stock, to be glad of what she has, to go about her end-of-year business with a song if not in her heart, then at least in her head. A flatmate once told me that I sing like a nun (it's true!) and as I rather like the melancholy notes of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, I'll use it in place of all that harking of heralding angels stuff.

This post by my lovely friend Gill is full of great ideas for stress-less gift giving. Shopping just isn't my thing these days, something I put down to years of working retail. The notion of giving a gift of your time is tops, I say. 

Kathryn has more great ideas over here, not least of which is that we've made gift vouchers available for An Honest Kitchen. Perfect for last minute (like moi) shoppers. She explains the purchasing process far more carefully than I will if I try, so instead of repeating her words, I'm going to send you over to her. (Thanks, K!)

How are your plans shaping up for the holidays?

Comments

[Gill Stannar]

Thanks for the link. I reckon what people like most of all is time, one on one, real quality time. Bugger the crappy box of chocolates and store vouchers that mean you always have to top it up with money of your own to get what you want.

Have a mercifully mild summer solstice.

[Georgia]

You have such a lovely way with words - and you captured that christmas feeling I sometimes get too with music and carols, a sort of wistful genuine cheer that comes in occasionally between the bombardment of often forced retail festivity. thanks for the links and suggestions - food is always a good gift idea in my book! Have yourself a restful and delicious christmas.

[Johanna GGG]

We have made some bikkies for presents this year and they were well received - much more satisfying than some of the shiny stuff in the shops - but I do love buying presents - Sylvia is having a lovely time this christmas so there is lots of singing carols this week - it is a joy!

[alison]

you are just so perfectly tuned in to the essential, my friend. i loved reading this post. we forget about that mercy mi-ld so often, i think. it can just be our own mercy to ourselves. that is enough, because it ultimately has such far-reaching effects. gentle ones. mild ones. but profound, nonetheless.

i seem to be skipping most of the gift-giving this year...the things kind of gifts, anyway.
but i am making festive food for a community gathering. i'm taking a young friend to see the nutcracker this weekend. i'm grateful for this life. right now.

[Alice]

Thanks a lot for the link!I would like this year a Christmas day wit out presents, or more exactly with hand made presents!so, I think that I will do a lot of cakes!!;)
Happy Christmas!!

[Ro]

I really don't like Christmas. I say that...then when I see my kids being happy I get a tiny feeling of joy. But the rest is just bullshit. I too am a result of years in retail. It killed any respect I have for the people, the hordes of mindless zombie shoppers pushing each other over to spend money on itmes that where made in China and will be forgotten in years to come. I do however like hanging with my family and getting full of roast meat and getting rather boozy.

[Denise]

I'm all for stress-less gift giving. Many thoughts on this topic and the way we celebrate holidays in general, but I'll keep those thoughts to myself. The season has been slow and easy here and we are loving it. We'll be home for Christmas and then contemplating the year we are leaving and the year yet to come from a quiet spot up north, a little closer to the land. All is well. Cheers to you and the season, however you choose to celebrate.

[Gracia]

Time! Yes, this is a great gift. I'd happily pocket a little extra time... I cherish the time I get to spend with loved ones just ambling about, nattering away, pottering along. It is time spent with sweet ones that I remember most about Christmas and long summer days.