It’s the day after Thanksgiving, a time to reflect on the year before it ends.  And it’s the traditional kick off shopping day for Christmas in the US.  Bazaars are all over the place and I’m noticing them more this year because last year the family made the decision to downsize on gift giving.   At the time it seemed like an inspiring idea to give only non-commercial gifts.   The rules are you can of course make the gift or purchase one as long as it is handmade.   Aha, Bazaars…

We love Christmas and all that goes with it.   It’s also an opportunity to get things for the kids we wouldn’t normally do.   I wasn’t real sure about this year but if and we’ve proven it true, that the joy is in the giving then shopping at the bazaars has been a delightfully memorable experience.  So far I’ve been to three, two with my husband and other couples.  I think the guys are enjoying it as much as we women are.   They stop and visit at the booths, the gifts are unique and so far I’ve been impressed with the craftsmanship.   The venders have teased us about the guys and we say they’re following us and bearing packages because we promised them lunch.

Shopping has been so much fun this year.  Yes it’s crowded but it’s a special crowd and people seem to be out visiting as much as shopping.  It helps that I’ve found some great gifts.  A handmade quilt for a ridiculously low price, a quilted throw for the back of a sofa that I can hardly bear not to keep,  a couple of outside solar lamps with adorable puppy figures and oh I bought a baby sweater.   It’s is so well made that I couldn’t resist.  Of course we don’t have a baby in the family but . . .

The only exception to the gift giving rule is the kids.  And, who doesn’t enjoy shopping for them?  As you might guess all the gifts for the little ones are done already.   And, I’m almost finished with the others.  What I thought was going to be challenging has turned out to be memorable.  There is a huge bazaar this weekend and my daughter and grand daughter are going with me.  The next week we’re going to an annual one with friends that are traveling just over a hundred miles to join us.

Changes… the economy has prompted some that should have been apparent to us without that added incentive.  Yes, the day after Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and I have so much to be thankful for as we look forward to finishing this year with family and friends and looking forward to what 2010 has in store for us.

Lavada

Lavada Dee

http://www.lavadadee.com