Planning Out The Holidays

     As we all know, Christmas is an international holiday that appears to immediately follow Thanksgiving. I don't demand much of anything around this time of year, especially now during my transition. I would love to say to my parents that I'd like to get a new pair of denim jeans and a small argyle sweater but I can't. I know they wouldn't go out of their way to get it because they aren't aware that I am doing this transition and that I'm scared that they would say that my partner is an influence on me. I ended up asking for things that seem neutral. Like a t shirt with a gaming icon and a hat because the only hat I have is a SF Giants hat that was given to me a while ago when I started my transition. I wear it all the time when I go out. Of course some people have it worse than me when I say stuff like "I can't tell my parents that I want something I can't have." because that would be awfully arrogant of me. Whatever they give me, I'm sure I'll make good use of it but I'd just love to have something that looks neutral and is warm. I'm sure a bunch of kids my age ask for clothes instead of electronics or anything since they'd rather survive winter than make it less painful to live in. Instead, I picked myself some miscellaneous items that I could wrap myself and address it to myself so I have something to open when Christmas comes along. I got myself a peg board and some beads and I considered that a gift. Like I said, I don't demand much and I'd rather get myself something than ask people to get me something that I wouldn't really need or want. I think it's simpler that my parents see that I'm taking initiative to do something instead of demanding people for something in return of well, this holiday which people are obligated to give to others. 
     Of course with buying, money is involved. There's hardly anything free nowadays unless if it's something that's torn up. I've taken a great interest of taking old things and making something new out of it; Upcycling. 

This is a flower vase I made out of an old jam jar.
This is just one out of a few. 

       There are many ways to use an old object and make something useful out of it. I'm thinking that my next project will deal with wooden pallets. 
     To some people, it's art and would greatly accept something like this as a gift. To some others, they would think that I didn't have the money to buy them something worth my time. If I had the time, I would make something for everyone I was to give gifts to. Before, during the times of steam powered boats and business succession, people made their friends and family gifts they were to use throughout the years to come. It was worth something when people took their time to craft something to give away. Some people were lucky to have such loving friends and family. 
     We now live in a time where instant gratification is something that people find acceptable. And making a gift is hardly worth anything. It's understandable when one is crunched with time and they had to go someplace to find something for that other person. I've done that quite a few times but I'd rather make something for someone who I love the most and would like to say "I took my time to make this. I was strapped with money but I should hope you like it." and would just give it like that. 

     This comes to another argument about men and women stereotypes. "Women were crafty and fun since the beginning of time. Men go out to do their thing and come home with food." Interests are interests. Some women like working on cars and spending their time working jobs that a man may normally do. Vice versa with men, too. Some men like to cook or clean and some of these jobs or interests are things normally a woman may do. I've come to the point where I don't really care how people think of my interests and hobbies. As long as it makes me happy, I'll keep doing what I'm doing.

     I suppose I can't always make people happy by buying them things they'd appreciate or making them something that they'll absolutely adore and keep for a while but it's always good to ask questions. 
     I'm just waiting out until the holidays are over. Listening to some disco-indie and ignoring all the hellish bustle that the holidays bring. Hopefully, no one really notices me. I'm not one to like the holidays all too much. I'm really only in it for the food haha! Well, let's see how long I hold out!