Ten Tips for Taking Back Christmas
Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward men are common sentiments at this season of the year. There are times when, Christmas is too commercialized, seems to join that list.
As seasonal greetings go, it seems to be the most meaningless. People who complain about the commercialization of Christmas also talk of the amount they spend on gifts. Those who complain about losing the true meaning of Christmas spend more time shopping than they do at Church.
If you think you need to change your focus at Christmas, here are some simple things you can do to “take back” Christmas.
- Make it yourself. Whether knitting or baking or woodworking, there are loads of ways that we can create gifts.
- Appreciate the gifts your children make. Get an early start on instilling the true value of the season.
- Connect with family and friends. Make time for those you have avoided or neglected throughout the year.
- Be a cheerful recipient. If your sister-in-law insists on cooking Christmas dinner; accept and say thank you. Christmas should not be a “me” time.
- Entertain neighbours and workmates, etc. We feel obligated to buy chocolates for all sorts of people. Instead, invite them over for dinner; organise a potluck supper; have a casual party.
- Speak up for the values of Christmas. Wish others a merry Christmas and peace on earth and do it sincerely.
- Donate to a charity in someone’s name. Instead of buying a gift, give that money where it is needed.
- Make gifts and care packages for those in need. Seniors, street people, those in hospital and many more could use something special at this time of year.
- Watch classic Christmas movies and television. Scrooge, A Charlie Brown Christmas and many others reinforce what Christmas is all about.
- Take some quiet time. Make Advent a season of preparation: mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Don’t cram your Calendar so full that you have no time for reflection.
Christmas is only as commercial as you make it. You choose what Christmas means to you. If you so choose, you can take back Christmas.
[tags]Christmas, holidays, gifts, simplicity, balance, personal development[/tags]
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Hi there,
the odd thing is, that everybody is complaining about the “commercialization” of Christmas but then turns around and invades the shopping mall for all these expensive Christmas gifts.
I feel this is more about oneself than about others and about avoiding decisions. I have an agreement with all of my friends and family to buy Christmas gifts at the maximum value of $ 20 (that’s for the family) and $ 10 (that is for the friends). Been doing this for years and the result is such a relief and such an easygoingness when it comes to Christmas, it is utterly rewarding and relaxing.
This has led to all kinds of nice surprises and the following “gifts” :
– People have written me a nice letter. I now have a whole collection of them and they are a joy to read, the whole year.
–a small self made toy
–self made cooking utensils
–invitation for concert
–self baked fresh whole wheat bread
The list could go on.
This way I am enjoying Christmas again, have no stress because I do not go out to buy things in overcrowded shopping malls and it is MUCH cheaper than before.
Everybody wins.
Werner