When I was young I began thinking about Christmas in September. I made my list, mailed it to Santa, and every day hoped that he would bring me that special doll or toy that I so badly wanted. My family usually spends Christmas baking cookies, playing Pictionary, listening to “Go Tell It On The Mountain” by Dolly Parton, and setting out cookies and beer for Santa and broccoli for Rudolph. But this year Christmas would be different than any before. This is the first year that Ben and I are spending Christmas as a married couple and the first year that my family is not getting together and having a big celebration. In fact, Ben and I will be alone, just the two of us on Christmas. Since playing Pictionary and setting out beer and cookies for Santa isn’t the same with just two, we decided that it’s time we start our own traditions. We came up with a few ideas…
Giving Throughout The Year
We chose not to get gifts for each other. At Christmas when there are so many important friends and family we want to give to, finding just the right gift for each person can be frustrating. Instead, we give gifts to one other at other times in the year, and focus on others during Christmas.
Upcycling & Recycling Homemade Gifts
We are choosing to make or buy (from places like Etsy) meaningful homemade gifts. We’ve been focused lately on learning all about our impact on the environment so we selected five up-cycling projects who’s main components were used or eco-friendly materials. We made a kids tool-belt and lavender sachets out of scrap fabrics (from our wedding). We took old books that haven’t been read in years and turned them into secret hiding places. We filled pretty teacups from Goodwill with soy wax and organic essential oils to make cute candles. And for our youngest niece, we made a color matching game out of almond milk caps. Ben dug thorough his Dad’s storage boxes and found old family VHS tapes and converted them to DVD for his aunt, uncle, and brother. Gift-making this year was super fun.
Donating Time & Money
We like to give small donations to causes we feel are important. Recently our ’causes’ have included artistic projects— if we don’t support our artists and keep art alive and thriving, then dreams and inspiration for everyone will die with them. We’ve supported sailing programs for the disabled, worked with autistic children, and delivered food to people on the streets. This year we decided to make it a Christmas tradition. Each year we’ll select one project or charity to which we’ll give time, money, or both to during the Christmas holidays. I realized I don’t feel comfortable spending money on gifts that people don’t really need without considering those people who really do need something, often something as basic as food. I was browsing the bookstore a few weeks ago and picked up “The Life You Can Save,” by Peter Singer. I can’t comment on the entire book because I only read the intro, but it was enough to convince me that if I don’t give to meaningful causes then I’m not doing my part in being a good citizen. So, on Christmas day this year, we delivered boxed meals and clothing all over Northern Michigan to families and individuals in need.
Resolutions
A few years ago Ben and I began studying the benefits of raw foods. On New Year’s Eve we made a resolution to go 100% raw for 100 days. It’s possible to stick to anything for just 100 days, right? It was an experiment that had results we didn’t expect. We felt healthier, energized, never sleepy, never hungry. I was surprised by how much I loved preparing raw meals and Ben loved eating them. We were challenged and frustrated at times but we learned a lot about food and our bodies. It was a great resolution. I can’t remember what gifts I gave or received that year, but I will always remember the impact that our “Raw Resolution” had on me. So, our other new holiday tradition is to make a meaningful 30-100 day resolution each year. It has to be one where we are challenged in a meaningful way, and one where we will learn and grow. We’ve been thinking about it for a while, but haven’t decided on what 2013′s resolution will be. Any suggestions?
I love all those ideas! We need to declutter and become less materialistic. Christmas is SO stressful because of all the shopping we each feel competted to do to find gifts that have little meaning and utility. We all need to follow your example, Teresa, and simplify our lives, rid ourselves of nonessentials, and seek joy, purpose, and meaning rather than the usual things we do (watch television, over eat, and drink too much).
Teresa,
You should do a blog post on how to make some of the Christmas gifts you made.
The tea-cup-candle idea is great! I need more candles on my boat, so I’m going to make some just like the ones in your picture.
How did you guys make the book hiding places? What glue did you use?
Great article and great ideas!
Chris Troutner
Chris,
For most of the gifts we just figured it out as we went along. We saw pictures of similar projects on other websites and tried to copy them.
The book hiding place: We selected books that had cool spines and vintage looking covers. Then we used Mod Podge (Elmer’s glue and water will work just as well) and “painted” it all over the edges of the pages while the book was closed. We kept a piece of foil between the first few pages so that they didn’t get glued down. Then we let it dry with a weigh on top (to keep the pages smooth). We did a few coats like this. Then, with an exacto knife and a steel edged ruler we cut out the pages, layer by layer. We coated those edges with Mod Podge as well. When it was dry, we lined it with scraps of fabric. Every time we glued, we dried it with the book closed, weighted, and with a piece of foil separating the first few pages out so they didn’t get glued. When everything was dry, we glued down the first page over the rest, and cut out the last opening so it had a nice edge and covered any fabric edges that didn’t otherwise look good. Lining the book with fabric, isn’t necessary, however.
The teacup candles: We found cups we liked at Goodwill. We bought soy wax at a craft store and followed the instructions on the box. The only thing we did differently was add essential oils (for scent-because we don’t like using the perfumes).
The sewing projects, toolbelt and sachets just came naturally for me. I can be pretty handy with a sewing machine. I didn’t bother making a pattern.
I hope this helps! Send me pics of your projects or reply if you have any other questions.
Teresa
Ask them about the memory jar…………AWESOME
Has your norsea 27 sold. If not i am very much interested
Yes, I’m sorry but she is sold. Good luck finding a boat. You can’t go wrong with a Norsea. They are wonderful boats!
I loved the way guys handle artistic projects and work done for humanity.Some different tradition at different places are very interesting .In my first visit of Panama and san blas like the tradition of San Blas Christmas Bird Count .