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?
2 comments:
This "side" of the family has been drawing names and giving 1 gift and praying for that individual the entire year preceding Christmas. Last year we drew couple's names and are praying for our couple. At Christmas this year, we are giving them a card with a description of some charitable deed or contribution we did especially with them in mind. Some ideas were suggested...Christmas Shoe Box...wood for a widow...a meal or food for someone...etc. We will make sure all children in family will open at least 1 gift on Christmas Eve when we exchange cards. We remember how much fun those presents are for the younger ones! love, sherri
I like the idea of praying for your person all year!
I do remember how fun it was to open gifts, that is how we were socialized, but wouldn't it be nice if the next generation had equally if not better memories of a more balanced Christmas? That is what I like about this new trend...IF we don't just end up teaching them that this is a way to have more money to spend on ourselves! The old tradition at least required them to think and spend their time and money on others. Lin
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