Crafty Stuff

This is the season for bazaars and craft fairs. Announcements are made far and wide to draw in customers who walk amongst the sparkles and dangles and wow-what-a-great-idea tables. I know about that because decades ago, before I sized down and threw out boxes of these delights, I was a maker of such goods. In the group I belonged to, we sought to raise funds for worthy causes by making, in the company of all, shiny seasonal items to put on the festive mantels and tables of those who spend hundreds on display. I must admit, it was great fun and lots of work. We held the event and sold out but when we took a close look at the proceeds, we found that we were our best customers. There were gasps when I suggested that instead of buying what we made and then wondering what to do with it after-season, we simply donate a like-amount and put our talents into more real assistance to those whom we were funding. It went over like the proverbial lead balloon, but I continue to believe that these fairs, while lovely to look at and display great talent and innovation, they aren't really charitable. Hands-on help might be better in some situations. Other more commercial craft  fairs are designed to put cash in the hands of those hands that made the gewgaws on display. And all credit goes to the clever work these artist craftspersons achieve. But what to do with the stuff after buying it, but toss it into the garbage for land-fill when the fleeting holiday is over? The tinsel dulls and the sparkles fall off and the bows droop. Sorry to be a party pooper but it is the truth, the kind we more affluent, ignore. A very good friend of mine gives gifts that she makes. They are simple and useful little cotton knit dish cloths and when she gave me one, I was thrilled. It was useful. I didn't have to hang it up somewhere and throw it out when it looked sad and worn like a wilted bouquet of flowers. I still have it and every time I use it or take it out of the wash, I think of my friend and smile. There may be other ways of helping the less fortunate. How about offering single mothers or fathers, some free babysitting? Maybe take a casserole down to the homeless or a pile of warm blankets or winter jackets? I knew a guy who did this. Or perhaps call on  lonely elderly persons who have no car and offer them a ride somewhere of their choice? Selling sparklies to people who don't need anything more to toss out later, doesn't show the true meaning of the season. Oh I can hear the bah-humbugs out there, but let's make the holiday one that matters. Most of us find it too easy to drop the cans and toys into the charity boxes, but forget the meaning of that vital, person to person, touch. Happy Holiday!