A Different Way to “Do” Christmas
Years ago, a friend on my homeschooling email list wrote the following:
“I wanted to share with you all something different we’re doing this year. This was my DH’s idea, and I think its just wonderful!
Every year in the past, our kids just TEAR through their presents on Christmas Day, then they are so dazed and worn out that they don’t appreciate what they got, and they are cranky and ill-behaved, too, from all the “information overload”. Then, too, there is the subsequent let-down as everyone realizes that it’s all over so quickly.
But this year, we are observing the “12 Days Of Christmas” – we are opening 1 or 2 presents each day, beginning on Christmas Day, and ending on Epiphany, which is the feast of the 3 Kings on January 5th. We have a small Bible reading before we open the presents each day, then everyone picks out their presents to open for that day.
The kids have, surprisingly, taken to this idea VERY well! They open that day’s present(s), and spend the day playing nicely with them, then they get to look forward to what’s coming tomorrow! It’s very peaceful and pleasant!
There are few, if any, drawbacks. First, your kids might get you up early for 12 consecutive days (but ours haven’t – by the third day, we had to wake THEM! Second, you have to be patient and set a good example, even if you got your husband a really great gift and you can’t wait to see his face when he opens it!
DH and I think we’re going to do this every year from now on; we’re going to discuss it at our regular family meeting with the kids, to see what they think.”
I thought that this was a very interesting concept. Haven’t tried it yet because we have a large family Christmas every year with people that we might only see once or twice a year. Has anyone done anything like this or have any other suggestions on how to “do” Christmas a different way? I’d love to hear!
Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix
There nothing nicer to give or receive than a homemade gift from the heart. How about making up a batch of this wonderful warm spiced cider to give to your loved ones for Christmas.
1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries
12 Cinnamon Sticks
1/2 Teaspoon crushed whole Cloves
2 Tablespoon Whole Allspice
Stir together ingredients. Store in an airtight container. Decorate the container with beautiful Christmas ribbons and bows. Attached a tag to the container that has the following information on it:
Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix
2 quarts apple cider
1 quart water
1 package Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix
2 oranges, sliced
In a large saucepan combine the cider, water, and Spiced Cranberry Cider Mix. Heat thoroughly but do not boil. Add most of the orange slices. Serve warm, garnished with the remaining orange slices. Great for holiday
entertaining and fall get-togethers.
Simple Christmas Gift Giving: Take it Online
Yes, it’s that time of year again. Is all your Christmas shopping done yet? Chances are it isn’t and you’re already stressing about fighting your way through the crowds in search of those perfect presents. Relax. Buying Christmas gifts doesn’t have to resemble an episode of Survivor. Instead grab your gift list, your favorite beverage and head to your computer for the easiest holiday shopping you’ve ever experienced.
It’s Better with Baskets
Gift baskets are a super easy way to whittle down your Christmas list. While you may think that gift baskets are impersonal, today’s baskets can be found in a multitude of themes that will suit most anyone on your list. Know someone who has a sweet tooth? Gift baskets comprised of gourmet cookies or chocolates are perfect. For anyone who’s counting their calories, a beautiful fruit basket or spa collection will easily fit the bill.
Gift baskets aren’t just for the ladies either. Golf themed Christmas gift baskets or baskets containing any tasty snacks should suit someone you know quite well.
For couples, try a gourmet cooking basket or wine basket that they can both enjoy for many months to come. The best part of giving these baskets is you don’t need to worry about wrapping or shipping — the company will do all that for you. How easy is that?
Save the Shipping
Christmas gifts are expensive enough once you tally them up – but add the cost of mailing packages out on top of that and gift giving can get pretty expensive. While the post office isn’t likely to have a sale on shipping during the holidays, there are many online stores that offer cheap or free shipping with your purchases. Some stores will offer free shipping if your purchases total a certain amount while others offer to ship your purchases to the nearest physical store at no charge. If you plan on going away for the holidays, why not make all your purchases online, get the company to gift wrap them for you and have them all shipped ahead to your holiday destination? Now that’s shopping smart.
Christmas Gifts That Keep on Giving
Everyone has someone on their list that’s hard to buy for. Instead of stressing yourself out searching for that perfect one time gift, try giving them something related to an interest of theirs. Magazine subscriptions to a topic they love work great. Since there’s a magazine out there for just about any passion or hobby you can think of, you’re bound to find something suitable.
Enrollment in monthly clubs is also a wonderful option. As an example, there are wine of the month clubs, beer of the month clubs, gourmet foods, or even monthly craft clubs for kids. You simply order the subscription online and provide the recipient’s address. Then, every month thereafter they will receive a new delivery. This is a great way to make your Christmas gift last all year long!
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