So guess what.. I’m off work until January 5th. Ohhh how good it feels! There are so many things I have been wanting to get done around the house, and now I finally have the time. Now there’s just the obstacle of having the energy.
On Monday I went to the mall early and did all our Christmas shopping. Yes that’s me. I waited until the week of Christmas to do our shopping. Not that we really had all that much to buy. Like most, we cut back this year, partially because I personally find spending a lot on Christmas to be a big fat waste of money, but also because I have been trying to keep the holiday in perspective. In all honesty I secretly wish that instead of buying “things” I could donate the money I spent Monday to go to a good cause. But I think doing that would be about as well received as it was for Chandler on Friends.
So even if you didn’t go the charity route for Christmas, you still can help make a difference. For each comment Jennifer receives, she is donating $1 to a charity of your choosing. So go!
Even though we didn’t go the charity route, I really liked the shopping we did this year. Each present is actually something I think that the receiver might like. No longer will I give out the packaged body washes and other things that you know are going straight into either the trash, the bag for goodwill, or the back of the closet to be lost forever. Just knowing that the gifts are fit for their receiver makes me excited for exchanging gifts, something that in prior years I was more anxious about than excited. Next year my goal is to at least start earlier or work on making some gifts because Ashley’s adorable presents have totally inspired me.
I purchased a book titled Green Christmas at the beginning of November with the intention of reading it all and sharing my favorite tips. Well I’m on page 34, and it’s Christmas Eve. So instead, I’m going to share what we did this year instead:
- We did not go and buy new Christmas decorations. I know some might want to change up their decoration year after year, but that is very wasteful. Now given this is only our second Christmas as a married couple, I’m excited for the day when our decorations slowly grow over the years and we develop our favorites. Things that we see and feel Christmas.
- We did not put out lights. Granted we don’t exactly live on a street that does that sort of thing. But eventually once we have a bigger house, I want to copy what I’ve seen in some adorable little houses in downtown Pleasanton and just hang evergreen garland over their windows in the front. We do have lights on our tree, but those are plugged into the light socket that is controlled by a switch, so once our living room light goes out, the tree does too.
- Wrapping paper. I didn’t buy any. Instead I used Trader Joes bags that I have accumulated the many times I’ve forgotten to bring my canvas bag inside. I also reused any gift bags we have received in the past.
- We didn’t send out cards. Didn’t notice? Oh well.. yeah. We didn’t. Saving paper.
- But all those cards that we received last year? I cut off the cute parts and used them as gift tags this year
Only ours probably won’t be like this creepy wall hanging my mom has had forever… It’s like she’s staring at me….
Nothing majorly huge, but I think the best part of trying to be green is knowing that you are making an effort. I’ll never be perfect, but hey I tried. This is my favorite quote of the book (from what I’ve read so far):
Christmas is a magical time of the year. Close your eyes and think back on your best holiday memories. Chances are they don’t have to do with elaborately wrapped gifts but instead involve moments of laughter at an old family joke, a snowy night of caroling with friends, or the sudden appearance of an unexpected friend. Wonderful moments of love, fellowship, and community.
Maybe next year I’ll have read the entire book so that I’ll have more words of wisdom to share with you.
Until then, have a wonderful Christmas with friends and family. I hope you get a chance to relax in all the chaos and enjoy yourselves.
Two Favorite Ornaments. Our C and Cale’s Yoda.
My Exposaroonie shot and our little tree with presents underneath
