I figure it's November now so it's probably a safe assumption that you are making some Christmas plans, even if reluctantly!
In my case, Christmas is already in action: I'm rehearsing Christmas songs; Christmas meals are booked and my diary featured at least 5 Christmas events more than 2 months ago - are you the same?
It doesn't always sit comfortably to see Christmas morph into something so extravagant and all-consuming when its origins are the complete opposite - a small baby born in a small, smelly stable surrounded by shepherds - some of the poorest people of that region.
We have created a season of excess, where the reason for the celebrations has become hidden beneath the tinsel and trimmings.
However I word this, it will feel at odds with the true heart of Christmas. There will be a clash between the humility in the birth of our Saviour and giving gifts of a luxury item such as jewellery at Christmas.
And I don't know how to navigate that perfectly.
I will return to the foundation of Poema which is rooted in scripture found in Ephesians 2:10. That we are the workmanship, the masterpiece of our Lord. He made each of us with care and love. That is (and will always be) the message I hope to convey in making jewellery, whether they are gifts for Christmas or any other time of year.
So how do we bestow gifts at Christmas, in recognition of the perfect gift of Jesus, without it becoming a mad frenzy of overspending?
Personally, I am beginning to think more carefully about what I buy, where I buy it and how much I spend. I'd like my purchases to bless the person I am buying from as well as the person who will receive them. I know first hand the joy that each and every purchase from Poema brings, so it feels good to bring that joy to other small businesses. And purchases made this way are often more considered and deliberate rather than, perhaps, strolling round a large store and putting an array of random items in the trolley - and full disclosure, I've done my share of that!
A few years back, I found my social media feed filling up with posts with #justacard. Keen to discover what this was, I found a movement dedicated to promoting shopping from independent sellers. Earlier this year, I joined their happy throng of 'indie' supporters and will be promoting JustACard this Christmas season and beyond. To find out more, click here.
And whilst we all know about Black Friday when many of us are shopping for Christmas, the end of November is 'Indie Week' - a season when we can celebrate, support and give a big shout out to small (indie) independent businesses.
So you're likely to see me mentioning this a fair bit over the coming weeks.
image credit: Nikki Miles
And of course, if you'd like to support this independent handmade business (that's me btw!), don't forget the open house events I'll be holding towards the end of November. I'd love to see you - and feel free to bring a friend!
...and just a final reminder of these words:
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