Christmas Shopping

This year I have become a great deal more budget conscious and more aware of where things are manufactured. It has really made me notice how much media is directed at trying to get people to spend more. I was shocked the other day to see a commercial that did not just promote a credit card (those are common) but was actually promoting spending on credit, and not in the usual sneaky way of x points or dollars for x dollars spent, but blatantly showing characters partying it up and loaded with purchases. Its kind of scary since I know alot of people who do not have the income they had before the recession hit. And there is so much pressure on to get Christmas gifts. I mean I certainly do my share of Christmas shopping but I think that it is so commercialized now that many people lose sight of the fact that its not about getting a great gift, it's about making time in your busy life to spend time with loved ones. This year I have actually really tried to make many of my gifts. In one of my more recent post I made a resolution to try to not buy things made in developing nations (unless its fair trade) and I did pretty well but there are a few items that I did end up getting the were made in China, but overall most of the gifts were made in Canada/US or by me. I particularly had problems because I made recipe scrapbooks, but all the scrapbooking materials were made in China! But I also made wedding photobooks which are printed in the US. I am also giving out some of my home canned items, a scarf I made, some things I got from the local craft show, a nice wooden shelf made locally, locally made chocolates, Ontario Wine. I am trying to give thoughtful but inexpensive gifts because I am on a rather tight budget this year from the wedding and starting university classes, but again isn't that what it's about? If you are going to give gifts isn't it more important that they be thoughtful rather than worry about spending "enough".