Pardon the rant, but...
I couldn't agree with you more. My family was like You and I... we can do for ourselves, and not everything has to be bought. I have no problem making what I need. Food, clothes, etc. And I can totally relate to the fact that some people don't like or actively rather than passively tell you they don't appreciate homemade gifts of any kind.
And here's why that really grinds my gears:
I have spent many, many XMAS's past giving gift cards, cash and something they really really wanted off their wishlist since I got my very first job at 15. That's a lot of "great present" credit, LOL. This year we've had a lot going on and money is very tight. So guess what? I made 90% of what those on my gifting list will be getting - and some pretty nice things at that, which are coming from me and made with much love covering the spectrums of sewing, quilting, crocheting and knitting. People are too materialistic nowadays... they may open their handmade presents from me and balk about them today... but if I died tommorrow in a car crash suddenly it would become a treasured possession. Doesn't anyone else see the bigger picture? Kindness and generosity in whatsoever expression comes from the heart and expresses as love... and I for one - am so tired of seeing everyone else put a price tag on the holidays.
At the end of the day - it is the thought that counts, and my gifts are both unique and representative of each recipient as an individual. I value and love each of them so much that I gave of my time, effort and labor to make something for them, that they could both use and cherish. If they can't remain open hearted to that ideal and sentiment, than that is their problem and I won't apologize - even to the ones that will probably cringe that I either didn't buy it in a store, or that it is something that can't be "returned" and/or didn't come with a gift receipt.
Bottomline is, Christmas is now wayyyyy over-commercialized. Whether an individual walks in in faith or not... (My Husband and I personally do); Christmas at heart it used to be about bringing families together, sharing and making good food and spending quality time together. It was ultimately about the memories that the time spent doing those things - in and of itself brings. And still today, to me, it is what is the most important. People just haven't learned that we aren't promised tommorrow - and the present you get today that you always wanted can't be taken with you. People have forgotten what is WORTH more. What can be taken with you isn't your Wii, the latest and greatest Barbie, a new car or a set of golf clubs - but rather the memories you make at times like these in your life, and it is those solid investments which will truly stand the tests of time and truly last a lifetime.
Merry Christmas everyone, and this holiday season, don't forget to share a little love from your heart, and needle.
Explosive blessings, abundance and inspiration to you all!
- The Creative Seamstress