Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends! I hope you all have
an amazing day filled with goodness, happiness, gratitude, family,
and friends. I was actually born in the States (but registered as a
Canadian) as my parents were living in upper New York state when I
was born. Does that mean I get some kind of quasi-privilege? I'm of
the age where the policy was I could only choose to be either
Canadian or American (not both), and since I've lived in Canada
since I was 6, I remained Canadian. The policy has now changed and
I can get dual citizenship, which I might do. Getting two
Thanksgiving dinners is a good enough reason, no??? I think I'll
put that on the application.
Black Friday Eve
But you know what Thanksgiving really is, right? Black Friday
Eve! I'm kidding, but there is a whole lot of discussion going on
about tomorrow being the biggest shopping day of the year, and I'd
like to join in. Coming from someone who is an entrepreneur, who
makes things for you to buy, and who's eyes light up at the sight
of a sale, you might expect me to say, "Go! Have fun shopping! And
buy me something nice!"
Well, yes. And no.
Much of what I have to say is about Mindful Spending and Giving.
I'm not a minimalist or someone who protests shopping and
encourages people to buy nothing. But nor am I someone who promotes
irresponsible buying habits.
Mindful Spending and Giving
Much of my philosophy and the values behind manusmade are
about getting rid of the things that don't serve you so you can
make room for the useful, beautiful things that you want to
surround yourself with.
The things that will serve you, and make your life
easier.
The things that come from a long tradition of making.
Objects that you have carefully chosen to spend many years
with.
Supporting a slower way of life by supporting artisans and
makers, and by learning the skills yourself to create the objects
you want in your life.
You may have seen the nifty blue badge over there on the sidebar
pop up recently. I'm supporting Brett Haynes' 1AM "One a month"
project. It's a promise to purchase one handmade item per month. It
doesn't have to big at all, even the smallest purchase will help
and support an artisan.
Even better if you keep your purchase local. If you feel like
supporting Brett's project too, feel free to let him know and sign
up.
If not, just think about making some of your purchases over the
holiday season (and always) things that are handmade. Choose things
that you absolutely love. Or that the person you are giving it to
will cherish it for years to come. Even make some of your gifts
gift-free by giving the gift of your time:
- make it easier on an aging parent by making dinner once a
month for a year
- promise to shovel a neighbour's driveway
- teach someone in your family your handicraft - knitting,
sewing, carpentry, whatever you are good at!
- commit to gathering with your friends to take a class
together
- simply spend more time with your loved ones
Mindful giving doesn't need to be difficult - in fact, it makes
things simpler. Don't worry about thinking of the perfect gift for
someone, you ARE that perfect gift.
Happy Thanksgiving, and well, just, Happy Thursday to the rest of
you :)