Give Something Personal This Christmas

As the world adapts to the new credit crunch way of life, the prescription drugs for Christmas 2008 is to 'get creative' and show that enjoying the festive season doesn't have to cost the earth, and can prove to be even more personal in the process.

In 2007 when a well-known American trend predictor stated that 'knitting has a great future' many scoffed at the idea. Knitting has long been seen District of Columbia personal injury attorneys outdated, old fashioned and something that Grandmothers and Great Aunts did to pass a rainy afternoon. However predictions are often stranger than fiction as there is a major movement that has seen many rekindle their love affair with all things wonderfully woolen.

Stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Madonna and Cameron Diaz have recently reveled themselves as knitters. No longer is knitting a guilty pleasure; the craft is being seen as a form of stress relief and a relatively cheap, creative outlet that provides a sense of accomplishment - perfect for the current unsettled economic climate.

Helping to aid the revival is 2008's autumn and winter fashions. The catwalk looks have not only put the spotlight on chunky knitwear, but also on statement accessories; many of which have elements of knitwear in them, from necklaces to handbags. Marc Jacobs' autumn catwalk collection consisted of pieces that put a real focus on knits, reinventing it for the modern woman with a variety of colours and techniques.

A knitted accessory such as a classic scarf or increasingly trendy mittens can make the perfect gift for Christmas; it's something that can be done relatively cheaply and most importantly is unique and personal from the giver to the wearer. Knitting podcasts can be downloaded from popular music sites that provide tutorials on how to create current styles. Grandma would be impressed.

A move towards all things personal and creative doesn't have to stop at gifts this Christmas. The popularity and relevance of a tree at Christmas cannot be denied with two thirds of all homes having a tree for the festive period. For many the putting up of the tree signifies the start of the season. However with the expense of real trees on the increase, home-ware and styling trends are taking on a very modern theme this year, moving away from the usual tinsel and baubles.

Rather than buying a tree and traditional decorations, photographs can provide the perfect way to dress a space and add a sense of Christmas character. Displaying your favourite family pictures in digital photo frames, for example, and using them as the centrepiece of the room creates an eye catching and totally personal way to celebrate the season that is all about spending time with loved ones. For a more overtly festive theme, use pictures taken during previous Christmases, meaning that you and your family will be the stars of your own Christmas!

With the credit crunch Christmas on the horizon, now is the perfect time to get creative and prove that having a unique Christmas can be achieved without the price tag.

Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.