Originally published at Women Not Dabbling by emphelan
As I have stated in the past, I am not very good at all this domestic goddess type activities. I only do what I have to do, and the rest waits until company is about to come over. I watch other moms, you know the ones that seem so perfect and wonder how they do it. Home school, homestead and keep up the housework. I know that I don’t set a very good example to my boys. “clean your room, or. . .or. . . never mind I’ll do it.”
We don’t spring clean around here, we winter clean. Spring finds us outside working, eating a little and passing out where we stand. Winter cleaning is about to begin. This is the time we purge the items that well meaning folk give us. Things we have no use for. I have more sausage grinders than the local big box store. More vases than I have room for, more junk just to box up and store away until we have time for the country yard sale we have been talking about these past 6 years.
One thing I have discovered about the winter clean is that I actually prefer it to the spring clean. When the air is crisp, not bone biting cold, the windows are thrown open, and the winter air fills up the dusty house. It can be invigorating, though annoying to my little ones.
Winter cleaning can also cause us to “happen” upon something that can be gifted to someone else for the Holidays. I realize some people have a problem with that, but my family has become use to this. Some books that I purge go to my brother, kitchen items in good shape, that I really don’t use, goes to the budding cook known as my brother’s wife, and so on and so forth. It isn’t re-gifting exactly, it is more like we are the middle man for the items. I don’t see it any different than hitting up a junk treasure type store or a thrift store for purchases. My family knows that these gifts are thought out, and the right item to the right person. Besides, they get more use out of them, than I did.
The trick to being the middle man is that the items are in good shape, and cleaned before wrapping. That and not tattling on yourself after the gift has been opened. “Yep, that thing has been sitting around my house for years, thought I would be super frugal, i.e. cheap, and give it to you. It wasn’t good enough for me. . .” Keep all that to yourself, just smile and say I’m glad you like it. Re-gifting is also different in this middle man game. Re-gifting is when you get an item as a present, while the middle man holds the items that were never really meant for them. You find the perfect home for the item.
Or at least that’s what I tell myself.
Anyway you think about it, winter cleaning for your holiday gifts, helps you out in more than one way. Anyone like records?
Regifting is awesome. IMO if someone thought of me when they found something they could no longer use or make useful then by all means give it to me!
It truly is the thought that counts. I don’t need someone to spend money on me for gifts – a card is always nice, but to receive something useful – even if it is used – is perfect for me.
I make a lot of soaps, bath products etc. as gifts. I like them, I am proud of them [I don't sell..just a hobby] and I try to match the recipients needs [allergies] and wants [flavors/scents] – but I am never offended if they don’t like it or won’t use it if they pass it onto someone more suitable. There is someone, somewhere that might like it, right? At least it is going to get used and not thrown into a landfill.
Does your sister in law need any cookbooks?
I love regifting- especially from my Mom when I’m the recipient. She is now nearing 80 and is beginning to slow down. I’m REALLY hoping for the pickling crocks some Christmas.
My daughter is great at regifting as well. Her gifts for her friends are generally things that she has or makes that she knows they would like and/or use.
I hate when people defend their gifts after you open them. it is a bad habit in my family.
“I am not very good at all this domestic goddess type activities. I only do what I have to do, and the rest waits until company is about to come over. I watch other moms, you know the ones that seem so perfect and wonder how they do it. Home school, homestead and keep up the housework.”
hallelujah! someone else who will actually admit that they are not the perfect suzy homesteader! i really struggle with my chores, homeschooling and the rest. my favorite word is “tomorrow” (as in thank goodness for)
bravo sistah! bravo!
Let’s face it none of us can do everything. And most of us take on way too much to ever accomplish half the things we think we should.
The housework doesn’t get done here either until November when I am highly motivated due to the fact the family comes here for Thanksgiving! Less than three weeks! YIKES!
I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one who pretty much ignores housework for a significant portion of the year. If only I could ignore it all the time! But like you and Stephanie, I run around in a panic when overnight guests are anticipated. Houseguests are the real hurdle: both upstairs and downstairs must be cleaned and readied. We can have dinner guests and only worry about the downstairs. I’m expecting both types of guest within the next week. Ugh!
OMG! We must be long lost sisters or something…
My family is not into regifting, but I do it anyways. When they give me a gift they want me to keep it forever, but I think that is silly if I’m not using it. The thought is what is important, and I appreciate them thinking of me…but I only have so much closet space and I’d rather put my clothes in there!
I’m a firm believer in regifting. The reality is that sometimes we get really nice things that we have no use for but someone we know would love them. I would rather pass it on then let it gather dust or go to Goodwill. The key like you said is that they are still well thought out gifts in good condition.
We winter clean also and not only do I clean the boys room, I bribe their older sister to help me!
Me too. Member of the no house cleaning till winter, re-gifter club.
I too am a member of the no house cleaning til winter, re-gifter club. *high five* My BF is adjusting to the lived in look. =)