Ah, how we love the winter holi-days with all that excited anticipation of fancy dinners, shiny new outfits and mounds of gaily wrapped presents as tall as the snow drifts beyond the front porch...

"Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles..."*

It is a nice little fantasy that we are forced to discard when the bee sting of a tight purse strikes.   I know I am being extra creative this year with my own gift-giving.  Opting for crafty pursuits:  a few baked goods, some candy and mustards, possibly a piece or two of jewelry seem like good bets. 

I have resisted the lure of Cyber Monday, electing instead to nap and catch up on my favorite blogs-between blowing my nose and sipping herbal tea for this blasted cold I caught-and have yet to spend a red dime for gifts in any sort of retail joint.

It just doesn't feel right.  I know that I'll suffer some weird and enveloping sense of urgency at some point-that I've done a terrible and embarrassing thing (bought no presents?!? ) which will drive me towards irrational shopping choices.  That I will be inexorably, moth-to-flame, enchanted by beauty (who else could wear that piece but you, darling?), or notoriety (where on Earth did you GET that?), or heavens forbid, a sense that my love is somehow not enough (I wanted you to have this).

I'm ready for it. 

Something about the media coverage of the weekend mob scenes at big box retailers just finally turned it for me.  I have tried for decades to live beyond the hype, to create my own tradition and keep the whole thing in a healthy perspective with my family and keep some majick for the littles and foster a deeper connection to this special point on the wheel of the year for the adults.   

But now, now I am feeling that the central concept of the gifting for Christmas-Saturnalia-Channuakah-Yule-and all the rest, has finally been corrupted beyond retrieval by the complete artificiality overlaid upon it through capitalistic manipulation.

It is only my feeling, I know. 

But I want you to consider rethinking your own motivations.

About a month ago, I considered joining the Cyber Monday cadre.  And the Small Biz Saturday movement.  Why wouldn't I?  My business is on line, yes.  And it is small.  Really s.m.a.l.l. 

But now, I don't even want to exhort you to spend here.  Not even here at my own place of business.  On goods that support my bliss, that are all about connecting with the Divine. 

I'd rather give you 15% off all bloody year long than to encourage you to participate in a mindless shopping frenzy.  Even if that frenzy would keep my business in the black.

Am I crazy?

Tell me what you are thinking.

Blessed Be,

~Rae

Here is where I would normally direct you to the special sales running on the site.  You can look at the Featured page if you wish.

 

* Lyrics from My Favorite Things by Oscar Hammerstein