Reused Holiday

We have been quite on the blogosphere the last few weeks. No it is not that we went on a shopping spree, we just got busy.

Some of you might be wondering what we are going to do now that the holidays are coming up. Are we skipping gift giving? Are we breaking our pledge? Have no fear we are doing neither. While we can’t post exactly what we are doing… that would ruin the surprise we will post some tips.

First is that most people feel that holidays is an overwhelming and stressful time when it is suppose to be a time of thankfulness, family, and relaxing. So if shopping stresses you out and gets you down it doesn’t seem like something that should stay. There are lots of guides out there on how to change the holiday season starting with gift buying, gift giving, to traditions. Here are some if you are interested:

New American Dream: http://www.newdream.org/holiday/index.php

Discovery Chanel: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/holidays/

How about starting with the gifts. Here are some ideas:

1. Make something, we know everyone has a talent.

Here is an idea that I loved. How to use that ugly sweater you don’t like any more, or the sweater you shrunk in the wash? Make a great hat! http://www.craftstylish.com/item/28927/how-to-make-hats-from-recycled-sweaters.

2. Food:

Make something, who couldn’t use some holiday cookies. Or buy some local, organic, fair trade food. We all need to eat so you know the gift won’t go to waste!

3. Donations:

There are many people out there that could use some real holiday cheer. Here is a great website that we love that allows you to personalize the donation. http://www.globalgiving.com/

4. Activity

Give someone a gift of an activity. We never spend enough doing the things that make us happy. With a gift card to that activity we love we have no excuse. Yoga class, cooking class, paint your own pottery, movie pass, restaurant gift card… the list is endless.

The last part is the wrapping. We are using all reused materials. Martha Stewart magazines make great wrapping paper for any occasion, ribbon from last year is just as good this year, and take those boxes from work and bubble wrap and give them a second life to ship your gifts.

Not buying used doesn’t mean it is any less thoughtful (might argue more since we really had to put a lot of thought and planning into it), no less festive, and maybe even more fun!

Happy Holidays!

"And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more!"
- from How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Suess