As Christmas approaches, I often wonder: how will people celebrate the season of giving after the collapse of civilization? The consumerism we’ve grown accustomed to will vanish, forcing us to focus on the deeper meanings of the holiday. Perhaps we’ll need to embrace humility and gratitude, as some of our more traditional family members often remind us.
Alternatively, if Religious Groups Take Over, strict observances might become the norm, with mandatory church services. However, instead of dwelling on how bad things might get, let’s explore how survivalists could keep the spirit of giving alive in a post-apocalyptic world.
What About Presents?
Gift-giving after a societal collapse won’t involve trips to the mall or big-box stores. Creativity will become key. Here are some ideas for unique and practical gifts that could make a difference for that special person in your life.
Lucky Rabbit’s Foot
If you trapped or hunted a rabbit and are wondering what to do with the feet, you could preserve it and give it as a soft charm. The process of making one is simple. I made several of them in my childhood. This is how my grandparents taught me:
- Wash the foot with antibacterial soap and let it air-dry for an hour or so.
- Submerge it for 48 hours in 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Soak it for 24 hours in a Borax solution (1 tablespoon per cup of water).
- Rinse again and let it air-dry for a day.
- Glue a shell casing onto the end to cap the foot.
Tradition says it must be the left hind foot of a rabbit caught in a cemetery to be truly “lucky.” But most people won’t know or care about that detail.
Whittled Art
If you’re skilled with a knife, whittling wood into small figures or useful objects could make for a meaningful and personal gift. Unfortunately, I can’t whittle myself because one little childhood accident put an end to that. But for those with steady hands, this is a great option[1].
Deer Antlers
Antlers from a hunted deer can be a versatile gift. They might seem simple, but they’re highly practical. You can use them to hang hats or coats or as decorative holders for jewelry. Just be mindful of their durability. They’re not meant to hold soaking-wet trench coats.
Moonshine
Homemade spirits can make a great gift, provided you know what you’re doing. Moonshine is essentially untaxed liquor, and the myth of going blind from drinking it stems mostly from incidents during Prohibition. Issues arose when distillers used unsafe materials, denatured alcohol, or failed to discard the first distillates containing methanol.
If you have the skills to distill safely, moonshine could be a thoughtful and morale-boosting present[2].
Fur Blanket
A fur blanket crafted from animals you’ve hunted is not only warm but also demonstrates effort and care. It’s a practical and heartfelt gift for a post-collapse winter.
Useful Tech
Depending on the scenario, functional tech could be a highly valued gift. At Post-Apocalypse Markets, you might find items like rechargeable batteries or even old smartphones. While phones won’t work as communication devices, they could serve as gaming systems, basic computers, or flashlights… provided they’re still functional.
A Can of Food
In dire times, a simple can of someone’s favorite food could be the most thoughtful gift. While we laugh at “holiday meals in a can” today, a preserved treat might be a treasure in the future.
Being Alive
Yes. The situation could be so bad, simply being alive might be the only present you can offer your loved ones.
What to Give Pre-SHFT
If you want to prepare a survivalist loved one now, before disaster strikes, consider practical and enduring gifts. Knowledge is the most valuable resource in any situation, so physical books on survival, handyman skills, or a Survivalist Cookbook are excellent choices. Be sure to avoid digital formats as they may become useless without power.
Other thoughtful gifts include, but are not limited to:
- Solar Panels
- Rechargeable Batteries
- Power Pack (With Solar Panels Built In)
- First Aid Kit
- Knifes (Pocket & Swiss Army)
- Ax or Saw
- Lanterns (Oil & Electric)
- Solar-Crank Radios
- Card Games and/or Harmonica (Entertainment)
- MREs
- Fully Stocked 3-Day Survival Pack
In both good times and bad, the essence of Christmas is in the thought behind the gift, not the size or cost. With a little creativity and effort, even a post-apocalyptic holiday can be a time of giving and gratitude.
[1] Sharp Objects Disclaimer: The use of knives and other sharp objects, including but not limited to whittling tools, involves inherent risks. Always exercise caution and use appropriate safety measures when handling sharp instruments. Ensure you are working in a well-lit environment, keep your tools sharp to reduce the risk of slipping, and cut away from your body to prevent injuries. Protective gloves may be advisable for added safety.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide professional training or supervision. By engaging in activities involving sharp tools, you assume full responsibility for your actions and any resulting injuries or damages. Always prioritize safety and seek professional guidance if you are new to using such tools.
[2] Moonshine: Moonshine is just vodka or whiskey that hasn’t been taxed. Making moonshine is illegal in many states and territories, so it’s important to verify if it’s legal to produce in your region. In some states, merely owning a still or distillation device is illegal.
If owning a distillation device is a crime where you live, that clearly indicates how much the government wants to protect the revenue it gets from liquor sales.
Edwords wOrcs 