Bah Humbug to all those who say it's too early. We'll probably start decorating soon, although I like to wait until Remembrance Day has passed, it feels a bit wrong to be too jolly before that. My own Grandfather, God rest his soul, was a War Vet.
Yesterday we started our Christmas shopping at my favorite store on the planet. It's Ten Thousand Villages, and it's the kind of place where I actually feel good about shopping. My purchases can be traced back to the villages and artisans who make the goods. Instead of picturing a child in a sweatshop, I can picture a child eating breakfast. Not to mention the items are gorgeous, and the food is superb! I really cannot understand why somebody (once they are aware of it) would choose to buy ornaments, decorative goods, etc from a big commercial store when they could shop and make a difference in a person's life - other than fattening up a capitalists wallet. This extends to buying from your local farmer's market where there are loads of crafts and such to select from. Or maybe it's a local store in your downtown? How about a Church sale? Even better, make your own!!! One year, before getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of kids, my husband and I bought or made all of our Christmas presents without stepping foot in a mall or box store! That was the best Christmas shopping we ever did.
So, we have the Christmas music out! And a couple of new (to us) Christmas VHS videos which we snuggled up with the kids and watched last night. Watching Christmas Eve on Sesame Street, which was recorded before I was born, was an example of the kinds of things I want to do differently this year.
We're going to make a list together with the kids (and not just for Santa!) of all the things we want to do this year. And we are going to really try to do them this year. Baking cookies, making gingerbread houses, caroling with the church, making Christmas cards, etc. Maybe this year we'll finally get around to watching It's a Wonderful Life (which I picked up on VHS at a yardsale for $0.50 this summer)
I am so proud of my two kids! Yesterday we were in a thrift store and they did not bug even once for a toy. They have gotten the message. I am really guilty of thrift store and garage sale spoiling because it costs so little money, that I literally would buy them something EVERYTIME because it was cheap and made them happy, and let me finish shopping in peace. But I resolved right after my Daughter's birthday at the beginning of October to not get any more toys until Christmas. And NO COMPLAINTS! Not a single one. We cleaned up their play area and found all the pieces (okay, MOST of them) to all their favorite toys and they are having so much fun rediscovering those. We also take a little more time to play with them, and you know what, they think we're the best toys of all :-)
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