It’s only December 8. Calm Down. Some people got their Christmas shopping done in September, some are just starting. There’s still time.
I was going to do this post a month ago, though, when The Anchoress posted on monastic gifts and those produced by other cottage industries.
I was going to add to her excellent post with some finds of my own, but more on the line of what artists and artisans have for sale from a Catholic/Christian themed-perspective. Then I got the bright idea to take a trip and everything else fell by the wayside. But I will make an effort here..
Added to what The Anchoress highlighted, is the catch-all site Monastery Greetings. Some of you probably already receive their catalog. Full of gift ideas from monastic establishments all over the world, there’s much of interest. (Including Orthodox)
You might dig around the Catholic Illustrator’s Guild and see if any of those artists have goods for sale.
Or Owen Swain. Or Daniel Mitsui.
You could also do a search at Etsy for “Catholic” or “saint” and such and see what comes up.
Then there’s music.  There are too many monastic establishments with good recordings to list here, but you could start by checking out the new CD of the Benedictine Sisters, Queen of the Apostles. I ordered mine on Friday, I think, and received it today.
I’ve also heard rumors of a certain seminary producing a CD, but I’m not sure if it will be ready soon enough for Christmas or not.
Add your own, and I’ll move them up into the main post.