Friday, December 3, 2010

Preparing for Christmas


Can you tell Noah always has the same pose nowadays?  On his way to attacking the camera...

Celebratory Lights! My favourite part of the house
We spent our Sunday afternoon here in the Adams household getting our living room ready for the big day. This year feels very different to years past; We were always someone’s kid and now suddenly we’re someone’s parent. Overnight it became our responsibility to make family traditions; to make things special for Noah and to figure out what the different seasons of the year mean to us.

Of course, here in Boston we have help: We have the seasons and our church has advent. I’m baking bread and making soup and getting ready for Christmas, even if it doesn’t mean a day off or anything like that.



I saw this documentary a few years ago, and it gave me a self-righteous argument to affirm my frugal, non-gift giver tendencies. This year, I'm trying to wrap my head around giving and generosity that isn't consumerist, excessive or wasteful. It's hard! I think the challenge is to navigate Christmas like our grandparents might have- with huge celebration but likely fewer store-bought gifts. To somehow show people we love them without buying stuff they don't need.

What are your thoughts on homemade gifts? What gifts have you made or received that were outstandingly awesome?

5 comments:

Vanessa Beach said...

My mom made me this awesome photo-calendar with pictures she took while on a visit with us in the States. And there is a bibleverse superimposed on each month's photo to add even more. I love it...it will stay on my wall for years to come regardless of the calender part beneath! :)

I should add that I have a whole collection of photo calendars from years past and I still use them all as decoration, though the older ones have actual photos stuck on them while the newer ones are digitally created and then printed through a website service.

Actually I think any gifts that hold sentimental value are my favourite ones to give and receive. Photos are very versatile and great visual reminders especially for friends and family far away. And my apartment walls are covered with them.

Alternatively, small bags of homemade cookies can bring a smile even to my dads face... :)

leah said...

Here's what we did last year:

http://squibix.net/blog/?entry=1340

Unknown said...

Jo! Just wanted to let you know that I read your blog~ :) I feel like I am gaining insights from your experiences, thoughts, and life. Thanks for sharing them. Noah is so precious. He is privileged to have parents like you guys.
-Jenny

Concrete Gardener said...

Vanessa, I love that your mom did something that she knew you would like. That always seems to be the hard part, right?

Concrete Gardener said...

Jenny, thank you! I'd love to hear more of your thoughts. I hope you're well!