Let It Snow! (except in New York, you guys deserve a break)

Image source: http://www.bostonglobe.com/
Seriously Boston, we feel for you...

So Christmas is coming up... and things have been BUSY, though not all in a bad way. Despite the chaos of teething, separation anxiety, more sleep issues and general domestic disorder... I have been very occupied with a lot of creative endeavors.

One of these things is a project for the blog, which I will be revealing next weekend... So stay tuned.

The rest has to do with a new tradition my family is working on for Christmas this year (and hopefully future years). The idea is to do everything as homemade as possible. And ecologically friendly too. We are putting together baskets for most members of our family filled with lots of homemade goodies (sorry, no spoilers!) This year, due to baby, we're a bit limited by time... But we would eventually like to transition to all homemade ornaments and decorations as well. 

There are a few reasons we've decided to make this switch. The first is obvious. Most people who celebrate Christmas complain about the commercialism... We wanted to actually do something about it. It also seemed like a great tradition to help Emily to learn about giving and putting real thought into those gifts. Not to mention it encourages creativity and gives us lots of activities to do over the holidays.

Homemade ornaments allow us to be ecologically friendly - reusing household items, using biodegradable materials - and can minimize storage space since some ornaments can be recycled after the holiday is over. Outdoor ornaments can help feed birds and wildlife (when done safely of course). Again, great lessons for Emily to learn and be a part of.

This means I have been crafting up a storm on top of my usual chores, writing and babytime. And next month I'm sure I'll be baking up a storm. Honestly though, it is incredibly satisfying. Scouring the internet for ideas, coming up with my own, thinking carefully about each person and what they would enjoy... it has been a lot of fun so far. Though I love shopping during the holidays - seeing the lights, hearing the music, walking through the (manageable amount of) snow - putting the time and energy into making gifts has made the holidays so much more meaningful so far.

Next weekend I will be pulling out my decorations and my tree, which means going through everything and purging what we no longer need. Another tradition we want to include Emily in is going through all of our clothes and toys each year and making donations. It's a great way to let go of material things and recognize the needs of others. Food drives and other donations are important to remember as well.

If you celebrate Christmas and have been worrying about the commercialism, the financial stress, or maybe you just feel like it's lost meaning as you've gotten older... here's some of the ideas that we use to remind us what the season is all about:

• Make handmade gifts for people. Even if you're an adult without kids... there are plenty of ideas on the internet or at your library (Cookie cutter salt dough ornaments, knitting, baked goods, repurposed items, poetry, etc.)

• Donate to a charity in someone's name. Most people have a charity which they have personal connections to (my brother has Autism and I used to work for Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, so those are two big ones in my house). Or even set up an advent calendar and donate a small amount to several charities.

• If you do buy presents, try to buy from local businesses or artisans. There are plenty of craft shows around Christmas time, or try your closest Farmer's Market or even a local restaurant.

• Make homemade wrapping paper from recyclable paper

• Decorate a tree outdoors with bird seed, fruits, etc.

• Make decorations for your tree, or a wreath for your door out of environmentally friendly materials or reused items. Throw on some music and get creative. It is a great way to get into the spirit!

• Do a "spring cleaning" and pull out old items (clothes, toys, non-perishable food items) for donation. They are really appreciated at this time of year. Plus, if you have kids, this frees up some space for new toys, clothes etc.

• Which reminds me, if you're shopping for kids, consider non-toy options such as books, or even experiences (certificates for museums, arenas etc.)

• Remember that Christmas - like any holiday - is unique to each person. It has different meanings, different memories associated. And it isn't universally celebrated. Don't judge people because they don't celebrate, or they celebrate differently than you. Whether a person puts up their tree in October or not at all, please don't criticize them. If they celebrate Chanukah or Kwanzaa or Yule or even nothing at all, respect their beliefs and their freedom to express them.

• And finally, find your own traditions. If something feels superficial or forced, get rid of it. Include the things which are meaningful to you and your family. Too often I hear people complaining about Christmas and then continuing on with the traditions they claim not to enjoy. Make the holidays about what you feel is important and what you enjoy and respect that others are doing the same. 

Have any other tips or traditions you'd like to share? Let me know! I'm always looking for new ideas. 

Image source: peanuts.wikia.com