Today I feel down.
Everything about the season seems so plastic, so disposable.
Through this fun site, I read about people embracing Christmas by actively living out ways to help others, or "daring to be the change they want to see".
And guess what?
After reading a few posts and clicking on a couple of amazing ideas and missions, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...". Sing it friends.
Now take a peek at my sidebar for links to other inspiring Christmas related posts. Look to your right. You don't even have to scroll. Yes, yes, that's it. Do you see them? Ann, Laura, and Lora.
If you've read (or written!) a post about returning some of the depth and meaning to Christmas, leave a link in the comment section. I'd love to read your work, and add it to my running list. Do tell. Do tell!
15 comments:
I know what you mean about Christmas becoming plastic. I rebelled last year and decided not to buy gifts. I spent quality time with the people instead. For Christmas presents for the grand children I crochet or sew. I'm always amazed that they think those presents are the most special. They are 11, 7, 4. The youngest thinks there is noting better than crocheted slippers so he can ice skate across mom's kitchen floor.
Have a stress free holiday!
My family always celebrates my husband and my brother-in-laws' birthdays the day after Thanksgiving. This year, in lieu of gifts, I had everyone bring items for Operation Christmas Child, and we stuffed boxes together. It was awesome on so many levels, as we suffered the tragic, unexpected loss of one of my nephews in mid-December last year. Here's my post:
http://kendalprivette.blogspot.com/2010/11/goodness.html
Amy, this post may be too dated for you because it's about building the bridge between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
http://www.outnumberedmom.com/2010/11/thankful-thoughts-to-carry-us-to.html
Never fear, though. I'm on the same page with you, my friend, and will be writing about a meaningful season in the days to come. My newsletter for Monday is entitled "Outnumbered by Commercialism"!
Grace,
Thanks for stopping by! Oh, I wish I could crochet or sew. Everyone would be getting handmade gifts...one day I will learn!
Kendal and Laura,
Loved your posts and put links up here! Thanks for sharing with everyone.
I am working on a piece about advent right now, but I think this link about advent is lovely and a great resource: http://www.studyinbrown.com/writing/2010/11/26/advent-resources.html
Thank you for your sweet words. It's lovely to see your place, too! : )
Thanks for the link love! Have been dreading pulling out the decor just b/c it all feels so... pointless. Don't want to be a Scrooge, but don't want to be "plastic," like you said. Must hunt down some inspiration...
I love all the the things you are finding about ways to serve this season!! I don't have a link to a post...but we're planning on taking presents to my uncle's home. He has Down Syndrome and lives with 5 other guys and we were going to take them all presents and some Christmas treats. I think even if you don't have a relative in a group home, any one of these precious people would enjoy presents being brought to them!
This is a great post & great comments too. Looking forward to being inspired and encouraged this Christmas. And maybe I'll be back with a post to link!
I grew up in a church that did not celebrate Christmas with Santa, decorations except for a nativity set and no gifts. I don't feel like I missed anything but I was pretty happy to set up our first tree in 1997, we didn't have much money so cheerios were used for decoration. I'm still frugal with Christmas, I like to decorate but can't bring myself to go crazy when so many people are in need. Maybe I'll write about this.
Amy, I have been hearing so much more this year about giving back at Christmas and trying to help the less fortunate in this season. Particularly, this can be such a lonely time, and very hard if you have nothing.
I'm invloved in a few projects this season that give to others
Here's my Operation Christmas Child video from our local MOPS meeting: http://www.reallifeblog.net/packing-occ-shoeboxes-with-mops-fun-video-linky/
And I'll be posting about the Heart of Haiti project this week, providing a retail outlet for Hatian Artisans trying to provide for their families.
PS Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog!
I love this! Last year my husband's side got all handmade gifts. I sewed table runners and made homemade caramels, one crocheted scarves, another a body scrub in a jar, cappuccino mixes, and even homemade tile coasters. It was great fun to see what everyones talents and gifts and take the time to think about what they're giving.
I hear you, sister. Don't you love the Christmas Change site? They will share some really good stories this season -- I discovered it last year and it really impacted my approach to the holidays.
I just wrote this for my local paper about the Advent season and shopping/spending. Here is the link:
http://journalstar.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/religion/article_f5bb18e3-2a86-5631-8131-c72ab361d5b1.html
Thanks! [sorry it's a wicked long link!]
Michelle and Sarah,
You are up! Thanks so much for sharing your work.
Sarah, great video and Michelle, I knew you wrote for a paper, but it's fun to read your work there!
Misha,
It's linked up.
Loved all the Advent resources over at Study In Brown. Good links and quotes about advent. Thanks for passing this along. I dropped the author of the site, Tonia, a note about sending readers her way. Hope she doesn't mind!
Last year we adopted a family for Christmas through a local charity. It was very rewarding, especially for my kids to begin to see how fortunate we are to be in a position to help.
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