Over the past year, it seems like the holidays have taken on a whole new meaning when it comes to not only gift culture but the intention behind the gifts.
Instead of purchasing massive things like bigger televisions, better appliances, or flashy automobiles, recently people have dug deep into this new altruism—mostly in response to the Trump regime, natch—and now, creativity, generosity, and actual thought is the most prized present in the new year.
It’s a holiday miracle!
Throughout most of Oklahoma City, Christmas markets, Hanukkah pop-ups, and all-around non-denominational gift hubs are surely increasing by the bitter days and the frozen nights, offering truly independent and local choices for the season of giving.
Heck, this past weekend I noticed there are four or five seasonal markets around town, with the standout being the First Americans Museum Winter Holiday Art Market. The premier Native American go-to for Indigenous art, clothing, and other handmade works, the event wound throughout the FAM building.
And… well, I know this is kind of selfish, but what I really wanted was to meet Indigenous Santa—the Native saint of the gift-giving season—and give my wife the sustaining presents (presence?) of our shared connection to my Indigenous heritage.
Bracing myself against the frigid wind chill, we walked through the FAM entrance, and I immediately felt embraced by the warming and calm atmosphere of the place.
I have visited FAM for special programs, film screenings, and comic conventions—and frequently dined at the Thirty-Nine Restaurant, the best restaurant in Oklahoma—but today I am on a reconnaissance mission: to find the perfect Christmas present for my wife.
Walking around the warm building, every corner of the place was decorated with handmade prints, intricate jewelry, and other made-to-order items that not only said “happy holidays” on December 25th but all year round.
Yes, there was only joy and cheer for this spirited celebration!
While the impressive array of festive clothing ranged from traditional ribbon skirts to cheeky streetwear, I needed to find a seasonal gift that spotlighted my wife's own individuality while paying tribute to our Native people… the way a holiday gift should be, right?
Partial to my own tribe, the Choctaws, I was delighted to notice that my wife had her eyes on a Choctaw-designed red strawberry long skirt with pockets. Looking over the table, I saw that it actually belonged to a friend of mine, Kristin Gentry and her label KreativeNative.
It all fell into place perfectly. I not only got to buy a gift from a Native artist, but one that I actually know!
Looking over the beautiful skirt, I put on a successful ruse to discourage her from purchasing it for herself—citing holiday expenses and whatnot—and suggested putting it away for the next artists’ market… sigh.
But, sneakily, as she moved on to the next stall to look at other clothes, like an (impostor) Indigenous Santa, I dashed right in there and paid for the skirt, which I will be presenting to her on Christmas morning. I can’t wait! Keeping her from reading this article might have to be my next act of subterfuge.
Gift bought, around the corner near the Thirty-Nine Restaurant, I met up with my wife. She was surrounded by children of all ages, ready to have a wish-fulfilling turn with the one and only Indigenous Santa!
Under the wide brim of his black hat, his rosy cheeks gave way to good tidings, and, of course, he had his ceremonial drum, which he beat throughout the whole day as he sang out to the crowds. I felt like I was in the presence of a true celebrity.
Forget St. Nick, Père Noël, and Kris Kringle—this was the real deal and I’ll hear nothing more about it!
With the donation of a new toy—a “Grow Your Own Sasquatch” model from the gift-shop—my wife and I got to take a genuinely festive picture with him. It was a truly life-affirming moment as I shook his hand, actually feeling a transformative spiritual goodness — the absolute truth that this feeling can and should last all year.
The jolly demeanor of this generous icon upped my holiday spirit by a thousand notches, encouraging me to do so much more in our community—both the Native community and my neighborhood community—and make the world a better place.
That, I realized, is the true meaning of the season.
Shoot, now I want to give my wife her present tonight!
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Follow Louis Fowler on Instagram at @louisfowler78.
