Making

I had a half day off today and some little errands to run that took me to the shopping mall; while there, I sat for a coffee and baguette for lunch then took a walk around more out of curiosity than any need to find anything in particular. I wasn't surprised to see the shopping mall bursting with Christmas things, everything from glittery Santa's and tinsel, to reindeers, elves, Christmas cards and decorations hanging from every vacant space.

I don't make much of Christmas as the alleged meaning is not something I subscribe to however over the years have had some enjoyable Christmas periods mainly because of the days off at this time of the year and the excuse to overindulge with some food and drinks I'd normally not have. I've also swapped gifts with people close to me and that's been fun too.

I'm not sure why, but this year I feel motivated to send Christmas cards to a few special people, something I don't usually do, and have decided to make them myself.

I've bought some blank cards and a lot of little Christmassy things to decorate them with and plan to write a nice little message into each one, personalized to the recipient, and will send them via the postal service. I've almost finished gathering all the bits and pieces and am looking forward to creating them. I'll not be making many, just a handful really, but I think it'll be fun, something creative, and I'm hoping each recipient of my Christmas cards likes what I've sent them and I know I'll like the process of making them myself.

It all seemed like a little too much at the mall today, like it was being pushed in people's faces and I guess that's what they're doing on purpose; maybe people spend more because of it, but not me.

I think Christmas has been turned into a very commercialized event and people use it as an excuse to buy more things; that's not my style and instead have always wanted to make it about spending quality time with people I value, sharing food and drinks and good times. I'm not sure how my simple handmade Christmas card gesture will go over with those that get them however I like the thought of it and will enjoy the process of creating my cards which I'll be starting this weekend.