The Modern Hippy

     This year for Christmas we decided to cut down on the quantity of presents and go for quality instead. It’s not that we didn’t get good present before but there was definitely a lot of them. Since at the moment I am on a decluttering rampage the last thing I want to do is to add to someone else’s clutter. So this year, more thought, possible usefulness, and cost are always on my mind while wracking my brain for ideas.

     I’ve done some shopping on Etsy, at the craft store, at the thrift stores and our co-op. This year, so far things seem to be less stressful. The nice thing about doing things like this is it’s more eco-friendly. If you get something that is actually useful then it’s less likely to get thrown in the garbage after it’s sat amoungst clutter for several months or years. Of course shopping locally is important because it’s those local shops and companies that keep a local economy afloat, NOT Walmart. In fact, though I do still visit Jo-Ann Fabrics, it’s those huge chains that can hurt a local economy and the local people, perhaps even including you and me. On top of all that is the clutter consideration. I’ve been dealing with a lot of clutter because I’ve acquired many things I thought I needed in the last few years. Living in too much clutter isn’t good for anyone, so by getting something useful that will actually be appreciated and used you aren’t causing a challenge for anyone else.
     Some other ideas for Christmas(brought up by a friend of mine whom has done this herself), if you aren’t sure what to get someone or even what you want for a gift why not donate or have someone else donate to your favorite charity? In King County(think Seattle) most of the city run animal shelters are being shut down because of a lack of funds. This is going to be challenging for the remaining privately run shelters as they will be dealing with even more animals. Why not find a local shelter and find out what they need, buy it and bring it, or just right a check? Or if you can become a foster home for a dog or cat? There are also a lot of people whom may need help. Find a family in need or donate to a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen.
     There are so many things you can do to make your holiday special in a different way; to take it out of the mainstream crazy rush. It’s limited only by time and imagination. And of course, like myself, I’m sure there are many people out there willing to share their ideas. So ask away! Happy Holidays!

This holiday season is going to be thinner for more people – us included. We did some shopping over the year and thus after Rick lost his job I have not had to do anymore shopping.

While this economy is hurting all of us in one way or another. I think it is good for our imaginations. We are forced to be more creative while planning our gifts, dinners, and trips. My mother mentioned about something new this year, white elephant. A brother-in-law is making pumpkin bread from everyone. I tend to make at least one gift each year, because of requests or just desire to make something. This year it is a scarf request from a friend. I was going to make others however; money is non-existent so it will move to birthdays or next holiday season. Mother-in-law mentioned giving away things she already has to those whom would enjoy it most.

     There are many food drives and gift drives being hosted by companies and people I know. My mother-in-law is a nurse and her office is doing a food drive. Since we are moving I am going through a lot of our things and decided that rather than moving those ten cans I have not used in the last year, I’ll give them away to people whom will use them. A few business associates “adopted” a family in need this season and provided gifts for the kids.
     What have you done that is different this year versus previous years? Are you changing the types of gifts you give? Or the amount? Have you donated? Are you involving your kids in your plans?
     Instead of focusing on hardships, focus on the quality time you will get to spend with friends and family. And if you have snow, make a snowman!