With all the world's suffering, pain, and loss right now, it's uncertain what happens next. Well, except for the certainty of more suffering, pain, and loss. Gearing up for the holidays in this climate of growing prejudice, infighting, and outright war feels exceptionally oblivious this year. How can we celebrate a perceived time of plenty when so many people have lost so much?
I don't have the answers, not by far. But I know that keeping with traditions is one way we cope. And giving is the most human of all traditions, so why not give now more than ever? Yes, giving to those with and without. And giving from the heart, if only to keep the faith that better days lie ahead. ~JRC
Making the Holidays
Creating is a special part of the season
First published December 14th, 2020
Our species is defined by how we manipulate our environment. In taking raw materials - be it wheat, wood, or words - and morphing these into something new, humans exercise all that it means to be us. This powerful ability is not unique to the world's artists and artisans, though. We all create. And what we each make has value, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. That's why during the holidays when we strive to be more human to one another, giving handmade gifts is one of the best things we can do.
To make things is human. To give them away is divine.
I recently came across someone's "Maker Movement Manifesto" and found it very inspiring. The author listed nine objectives: Make, Tool Up, Play, Participate, Support, Change, Learn - and most relevant here - Share and Give.
Giving away what we toiled over is an act of true generosity. More than that, it's an expression of love that fulfills both the giver and receiver. It feels darn good to make things - and even better to give them away.
This time last year (edit: in 2019), I was busy finishing up an elaborate gift for my son. I had just resigned from my job and had the time to invest in something big. My next career steps were still unclear, but I knew in my heart of hearts that I wanted to make. So I jumped in and started to create.
It was one of the most transformative experiences of my life.
What I made was a diorama playset depicting Jabba the Hutt's Palace from Star Wars. I built it to scale for the 3 3/4" action figures. You can read a description of it and see pics on my website. The final result was personally satisfying. But my son’s expression on Christmas morning that year was the best part of all.
He was proud of me. As much as the gift meant to him, his admiration meant even more to me. It was a reminder that what we do matters to others. It also illustrates well that children are watching us - we must do right by them, always.
Making things for others is generous, but it's not altogether altruistic. Often, the maker gets more out of it than the receiver ever will. But therein lies the remarkable fact of making gifts - one can be generous and self-serving in one beautiful act.
I can't think of any other endeavor that so completely encapsulates the human condition.
My parents were big on making for Christmas. Pop's ritual was to turn wood in his shop. The "annual bowl" he would create always had warmth and character that made us all pause and admire. And the smells of seasonal meals were how Mom expressed the season. That and an expertly decorated home. Incidentally, she is perhaps the best gift wrapper I've ever known. A well-wrapped present is an act of making too.
No matter how small - making creates memorable gifts.
Today, my son and I are building a few gifts in the shop. Making together, father and son, adds yet another layer of wonder to it all. It's an exciting time, sharing wisdom and watching as he grasps and masters new skills. The joy of creating and the expectation of giving sparkle in his eyes as we work.
I hope you take the time this season and express your inner maker. You might not have Adam Savage’s workshop or Rachael Ray’s kitchen, but you don't need these to create for others. A simple hand-made card will suffice. Heck, even a well-crafted email can be a generous gift. It really is the thought that counts.
So put some thought into making something for someone else. Whoever you give it to will thank you. And you will thank yourself for being a little more human. That's the power of giving away things we make. It brings out the humanity in all of us.
Until next time.
JRC
“It feels darn good to make things - and even better to give them away.”
John…your observation has deep relevance for life. Ultimately, we all give everything away. Why not do so before the end while you can enjoy the act of giving? My father recently passed, but in his last year he gave away many of his favorite possessions. It gave him great joy. I will remember that.