I’m a little late with my Christmas preparations this year and with just over 7 weeks to go I’ve done nothing in the way of present buying.
Last year I had an attempt at going back to basics with Christmas, to make it more about our family than the gifts, which worked to a certain extent, but didn’t go far enough. This year I’m attempting it again. I’ve had conversations with family members , which was easier than I thought, and there will be no more ‘voucher in envelope gifts’ only for us to receive one in return; habits that have built up over time that miss the point. Don’t get me wrong I love to buy and receive gifts, but it needs to be with the right intentions.
Still To Do:
- The Budget
- The Menu
- Food shop
- Decorate Parcel Wrap
- Buy ribbon
- Buy gifts
Things I Want To Do:
- Reduce the amount of cards sent
- Reduce the food waste (to zero)
- Use all recycled paper products
- Buy thoughtful small gifts
What about you, how far along are you with your Christmas preparations?
{photo credit: allerleirau}
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Well DH and I never bother with Christmas. We dont give or receive presents. We dont put up decorations. We only have each other so we have an understanding between ourselves.
Oh, I am the same that I have not started Christmas preparations. I figure, starting this week, that I am going to buy a gift per week (mainly for the kids).
We are staying to the basics this year, too. I do not plan on buying any new Christmas decoration. Thus, using the ones we have packed away.
So, I am looking forward to following your progress this holiday season and perhaps take part in seasonal basics. Decorating your own gift wrap? I hope you’ll share the making of it.
PS – hope you are feeling better.
Money Funk´s last blog ..What’s in Your Closet
Oh I LOVE Christmas. But I totally agree with the whole reduction in waste thing. I make my own cards and we are going to try and create or invent of think of small thoughtful gifts instead of stupid cluttering up stuff that no one really wants. I never want to reduce the amount of cards sent – I think it is a total shame that people don’t get into the whole Christmas thing – It is up to the individuals of course, but it is a chance to celebrate what it means to be human and have relationships and gift giving, is about building relationships to me. Not in a buying of friendship sort of way, but in a showing you care, sort of way. to me it is totally about making the effort. And the effort put in to create, share, be with family and all of that.
mo´s last blog ..ok week – here we go!
We ignore Christmas totally! have done for years (we have no children – but even if we did, we wouldn’t get sucked into this ridiculous trap of consumption). It’s a complete waste of resources that this world can’t sustain. All that buying, the misery, the overeating, the debt, the complete inanity of it. Do yourselves (and your funds) a favour – treat it like any other day!!! So liberating.