2020 has been a rough year for many of us and for those of us financially-challenged this holiday season, gift-giving was a challenge as well.
For every advertiser that was not squeamish about showing beaming, toothy gift-givers bestowing the best money can buy in the form of gaming systems, iPhones, beautifully wrapped sparkly diamonds, or glossy new automobiles with huge shiny bows, there were those of us on the other end of the spectrum who opened our wallets and only heard a few dead Presidents exclaiming 'Daylight at last!'
What to do, what to do? Get back to the drawing board and draw! Or create. Look, I'm not mocking those who are doing financially well in their ability to offer fine, luxurious gifts to friends and loved ones. Nor am I mocking rampant consumerism. More power to it. Stimulate the economy and all. But for those of us who found it more feasible to give the gift of our creativity, our craft, our art, more power to us too.
We drew, we painted, we snipped, we glued. What those offer via money we offer via time and heart. Yes, I'm naive enough to think a hand-made gift in a time of harsh economies is a true gift of love. A pearl of great price within the context of what is possible.
Whatever gift a creative or artist bestows this holiday season constitutes of piece of him or herself...a thought...a brainchild. We're in the doubly precarious position of being a creative AND a non-essential. And we do the best we can to bring a little light and joy to our lives and to a world that seems intent on spinning out of control.
Please don't overlook the small gifts of possibility. And please support the creative community at a time when we are not able to take advantage of the traditional platforms of our craft. What artists and creatives bring to the table start as lovely intangibles--feeling, spirit, love--that create the tangible. And quoting Fred Gailey from Miracle on 34th Street in regards to those lovely intangibles, 'You'll discover those are the only things that are worthwhile.'
New Year blessings to your and your families.