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Creative Ways to Celebrate the Holy-days
One way to protest the consumerism of the season is to find more meaningful and less money- oriented ways to celebrate the holidays. Besides, the holidays were intended to be celebrations of community and family and thankfulness and humility. Not to mention that what they've turned into makes us all crazy- very few of us can escape the stress of the season, no matter how hard we try. But i say, rather than saying to hell with it all, let's take these holidays back for what they really were meant to be- or rather- what they mean to us. After all, we need to celebrate!Maybe one way is to make Christmas day less gift oriented and more community oriented. We could do more fun things together, like maybe baking, or visiting friends. Maybe each family could make up their own tradition. Gifts could be small tokens of love and friendship rather than the meaning of the season. Presents could be hand made- home made cookies, or scarves, cards, photos, books- get creative! Maybe if you have kids, the day could be more about making bundles to deliver to friends or strangers than just waiting for Santa Claus. Families and friends could celebrate by having a special day where they drink hot cider or chai and make ornaments and decorate the tree together. You could even get a live rosemary tree instead of cutting one down if you want. Go caroling! Make dinner together! Bundle up and go out on the rooftop to look at stars with a bottle of wine and someone you love! Read stories 'round the fireplace...Of course, it can't be denied that we all love to give and receive presents, and, like i said, they could be hand made, or if bought, something special could be found at a thrift store, or from a store where things are humanely, artistically, and sustainably crafted. Or you could buy from or trade with a craft making friend!Here are some hand made/second hand gift ideas: home made bread or cookies, dried herb wreaths from your garden, a favorite book, a mixed cd of favorite songs, knit or crocheted hats or scarves, home made jam, a blank book, a framed photo, a card or calendar made from recycled magazines, bath salts, a book of recipes, and so on. Maybe for a child you could make some wooden blocks, or a coloring book, or a rag doll...Those are just a few ideas to get ya goin'. The point is that we just get creative and be thankful for each other and celebrate together!