As I was preparing to take down this year's Thanksgiving "door" I was struck by the thought that although we can create and "atomosphere of gratefulness, it does not make us personally grateful or more happy. Just being around grateful people may feel good but we only change as WE determine to become grateful and express it in someway. I enjoy the atmoshere of "collective " gratefulness I feel when I read this year's door....maybe I will leave it up a few more days?What stands out when you think back on your holiday? Will you change anything next year? I am going to make less pumpkin pie and potatos...but look forward to the table games, light shopping, and maybe a good video or movie.
How is your Christmas going to be different this year? We are experimenting with just one gift this year and more of an emphasis on giving vs receiving...maybe a little group exercise around that concept on Christmas eve. Have you tried to limit gifts? Do people just spend the money on themselves instead of others? Seems like that is the trend. Have you heard of the "Advent conspiracy"? http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
What is your favorite tradition....one of ours is making and decorating cookies. (eating them is not bad either...hmm).
It would be great to hear from some of my bloggin friends out there if you decide to "uplug the Christmas machine"as one author describes in her book of the same name. Maybe you are having trouble finding the plug or getting the courage to pull it? ...or do you have it all under control and love every minute of it?
