.
I am having a Second Hand Hanukkah Party this year. Instead of bringing my vintage pre antique treasures to the Good Will, I have begun to put them on the dining room table and will allow guests to choose their vintage Hanukkah gifts. The youngest will go first and so on, round and round until the table is empty. I have decided to tell them that we put a hundred dollar bill in one of the gifts to add extra excitement to the gift giving.
So many people are downsizing and those two words stick in my craw. In downsizing, people cram their blessings from the past into cartons and bags and shed tears as they drop them off and get their coveted tax exemption receipt.
Now you may want to know how hard it is to give your treasures away. It might have had some difficulties years ago, but not today. They opened a Good Will down the street from us and we drop in on occasion. There are my things, or shall I say things like mine. Anytime I want a dish for graceful grapes, or a dish for dainty olives, or a platter for large meat dishes, or perhaps a scalloped dish for creamy veggies, or a dish for cheese and crackers, all I have to do is go down the street to the charity shop and for $ 2.99 I can buy something I may need. If I need a very dressy jacket, a sporty cashmere sweater, or a never worn crispy blouse, I can go and get one for a few dollars. I don’t need to worry yet, because my stuff still has stuff.
I did shop in the various stores where in the past I have purchased great gifts, but my mind turned to the drawers full of my treasures, soon to belong to others via the Second Hand Hanukkah gift share. I feel happy.
Sheilaclapkin's Blog; 
Dec 06, 2015 @ 17:09:26
Happy Hanukkah!
What a great idea, Sheila. Enjoy.
Dec 06, 2015 @ 21:14:51
Nuala,
Such fun preparing as well. Many memories. I know some of these gifts were
in my parents home. So actually it involves re-gifting in a way.In a good way.
Did I mention the hundred dollars concealed in one of the gifts? Looking
forward to see who gets that…
Sheila
Dec 08, 2015 @ 08:48:11
Nuala, You are right. Enjoy the PARTY!! Why didn’t I think of that?? Thank YOU!
Dec 06, 2015 @ 18:12:04
Love these thoughts and gives me pause to realize when one actually has enuf and to enjoy your blessings!
At my age time to enjoy everything and not wait for that special occasion!! Each day is Special👍 Thank you for the reminder!
Dec 06, 2015 @ 21:11:51
Brendie,
Unpack your boxes when you are ready and you have a ready made gift giving party. Such fun thinking about it.
Every day all day is special. Especially nap time. ha ha.
Sheila
Dec 06, 2015 @ 20:31:28
Now, this is my kind of party! Love this idea Shelia! Happy Hannukah ♥
Dec 06, 2015 @ 21:09:41
I’m so pleased you wrote to tell me you like this kind of party. It really works
this time and this year!
Love to you and your family!!
Sheila
Dec 08, 2015 @ 08:44:50
It seems to be a party many others will have someday soon. I hope so. Have enough stuff to have more parties.
Dec 06, 2015 @ 23:34:03
Happy Hanukkah: what a great idea. Sounds like everybody had a good time. Love Diane and Jim
>
Dec 08, 2015 @ 08:50:10
We are having the party at the end of the week. We do things backwards sometimes. It usually does not make a difference whether you celebrate a holiday up front or a the end.
Dec 07, 2015 @ 13:20:54
What a good idea! My mother was talking of giving away the bits and bobs from her dressers only a few weeks ago…
Great minds hey?
Have a great time watching in anticipation as the $100 is eventually found!
Phil and Anne
Dec 08, 2015 @ 20:37:24
So much fun. Soooo much!!!!
Dec 08, 2015 @ 20:39:16
Tell your mama to go for it. Soooomuch fun and easy hauling it away. Nice to hear from you both !!!!
Dec 07, 2015 @ 15:54:13
That’s an outstanding idea! Thanks for sharing this.
Dec 08, 2015 @ 20:40:31
You can come and choose as well.
Dec 07, 2015 @ 17:47:00
Great idea
I keep dragging stuff to the grandkids, thinking they would love to have it
and then drag it back
Dec 08, 2015 @ 08:46:18
My dear Ellen, why in the ewer would you ever drag it back. Just leave it. They will incorporate it into their lives. Or they can drag it to wherever!!!
Dec 08, 2015 @ 07:09:39
Great idea Shelia i agree with Brende!
Dec 08, 2015 @ 08:43:31
You do well to agree with Brendie. She has wisdom of her life lived and still living well with style and GRACE!
Dec 08, 2015 @ 18:59:51
What a wonderful idea! It sounds like so much fun.Happy Hanukkah!
Apr 07, 2016 @ 15:25:28
What a great idea!
Apr 07, 2016 @ 15:49:33
E,
As it turned out it was a great and very happy event. The children say they want nothing, BUT there was nothing left on the table of give aways. WE have started making a pile for the next give away. Sure beats giving it to the Good Will.
Now that we know nothing will be left untaken, well, so far, we are happy. Try the give away and let us know how it turns out. I promise you, you will not remember anything that was on that table after it is gone.
s.