Nov. 11, 2008 - Simplifying Christmas
This past year my husband and I (mostly me) have really felt the need to simplify. In an effort to do this, I've done and accomplished several things. The biggest was going through my house room by room and asking myself a few questions: What is the purpose of this room? What is here that is hindering that purpose? and How can I make it easier and/or simpler to accomplish that purpose? Anyway, you may think I'm silly, but you'd be surprised at what you can cut out and/or get rid of.
So...with the theme of simplifying, I began to think about Christmas. I've always prefered a quiet, simple Christmas and I don't think we've gone overboard in our past celebrations, but there are ways that we can cut back and still have a great holiday season. I've been reluctant in the past to push this "cutting back" idea on my husband, because he LOVES Christmas. And lest you think he is extremely materialistic-let me explain. He grew up in what you could call a "dysfunctional" home. One day, while we were talking, he told me the reason he loves Christmas so much is because when he was a child, that was the one day of the year that his family and home seemed normal and happy. His mom got up and cooked a huge, delicious breakfast. He and his brothers, sister and parents gathered in the living room to open boatloads of gifts that were beautifully wrapped under a sparkling tree. They laughed, had fun, and spent time together. But, when I approached him with an idea I had for this Christmas, he was really receptive and supportive-so I will share with you a little of what we will be doing this year.
I found a poem on another blog that I liked so much that we decided to adapt our gift giving for our children to it this year. I don't know the title or the author-or I would give credit.
Something to eat,
Something to read,
Something to play with,
Something you need.
In the next few weeks, I hope to share with you what we've decided to do for each of the lines in the above poem. I hope you enjoy and feel free to share your Christmas traditions as well-I'd love to hear them!
Comments
Nov. 23, 2008 - simplifying christmas
Posted by River Lin
I happened onto your blog and really appreciated this post about simplifying christmas. Thank you! I am thinking a lot about this subject now. I also enjoyed reading your other posts!
You can check out my blog at http://riverwrites.typepad.com/my_weblog/. I am currently working on a website all about simplicity, too.
Nov. 24, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Oooo! I love that idea! We, too, are simplifying our Christmas, esp. spending. That's a great idea to do with children, esp. to start while they are young, and with our spouses. Thanks for the idea!
~Ann
