How do we create a culture that ensures making of gifts to propel our society forward?
Have you thought about Legacy Gift Making? My hope is that more parents and families start working towards developing the experiences that propels our youth to acquire the excitement, and pursuit of developing craft then trade skills to fill in the gaps of our social needs.
Shouldn't we inspire more curiosity so more skills and talent are developed in the future, I am working on legacy gifts for my grandkids. Why?
Recently, I discovered a toy boat made 54 years ago by my grandfather for my brothers to play with in creeks and ponds. We had so much fun playing. However building it was a serious challenge for a man in the hills of Kentucky with limited resources. Grandpa would not let us near the saws, we just watched as he labored for days cutting and getting pitch and curves made correctly so that the boat was buoyant, and durable to handle young boys. We wanted to help but we were able to paint and sand and dreamed of the chance to build a boat.
In hopes of generating curiosity and experience for my descendants, now that I am building two replica toy boats out of similar materials but needed to tech up so that will create more interest and excitement of the gift. Found out what seems simple is far from it because i had to get help at Forge Greensboro Makerspace and this project challenged skilled mentors but we finally endured the numerous setbacks and iterations to now have something that hopefully will capture my grandkids attention in between all of the media consumption and other distractions and more importantly will make them become interested in making lasting gifts for their kids and grandkids.
So as opposed to going through the normal tasks of just buying a present, I want to make this an experience that they will remember for years if not decades later and more importantly they will remember and start creating projects and experiences that will help propel them and our future forward by keeping vital skills and processes alive.
This year, the grandkids will be brought to Oak Hollow lake and I will have 3 fishing lines set up for them to fish at dusk. Upon arriving they will get to reel in the lines and see what is on the other end of the line. I can't wait to see their faces light up when they wonder what is on the hook. What is that on the water?
When the boat arrives, I will press a remote control to turn on the LEDs, then when they see their laminated pictures and see their names laser engraved they surely will be an impactful experience.
What other projects and traditions can we create to foster the pursuit of skills vital to advancing and attitudes that will help advance our society forward?
Happy Holidays to all Davidson Locals and beyond!
