Really, Truly Happy Holidays (Part 2)

“What did you get for Christmas?” As soon as those words were out of my mouth, I cringed. And as the obedient child in front of me began his laundry list of holiday loot, I thought, I really couldn’t care less what this kid got for Christmas. It made me realize how many of us automatically think stuff when we think about the holidays, even when we have the best of intentions and even knowing that it's time spent with our loved ones—not gifts—that make this season meaningful.

Ways to Slow Down, Spend Less and Savor the Season

By Kim Laehle

 I’m not proposing that we stop giving gifts or enjoying our loot. Bill McKibben, author of Hundred Dollar Holiday, says, “The point is not to stop giving; the point is to give things that matter. Give things that are rare—time, attention, memory, whimsy.”

To slow down and really enjoy the holidays, the Arcand family from Colfax looks forward to cutting down their tree each year. Shared experiences—hot chocolate, a bonfire, Santa, and a picnic each year—are what make the tradition special for them.

The Joerger family from Meadow Vista hosts a small neighborhood tea each year. The kids look forward to decorating cookies, and the adults drink tea and chat around the fireplace. For other families, it might not be Christmas without The Nutcracker Suite, caroling, a trip to the snow, or a visit to a local food kitchen.

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Quick & Simple Gift Ideas
Procrastinated? Not so crafty? Holiday budget spent? No worries—you can still do meaningful handmade gifts this year.

Sticks and Stars Visit FoothillHomeCompanion.blogspot.com and click on “tutorials.” Auburn mom Molly Dunham shares her Stick Stars, a great idea for gift-making with kids and for holiday decorating.

Storytime, Anytime A book, paired with a recording of a family member reading it, makes a great gift suggestion for grandparents. It’s a wonderful gift for nieces and nephews, too. Kids can listen long after Christmas is over.

Just Add Love Whip up something yummy—just no fruitcake, please!—then download the adorable “Baked with Love” labels that local mom and super craftstress, Missy Ballance, whipped up just for Sacramento Parent readers.

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If you want to focus less on the “getting” this season, create a family Giving Tree. Make a tree, or use a small live evergreen, and cut out red and white hearts. Each time a family member helps others during the holiday season, hang a heart on the tree. Coins into the Salvation Army pot? Homework help for a sibling? Cookies to an elderly neighbor? Add a heart each time and watch your tree, your conversations, and your family’s good will grow.

 

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Old Traditions Made New

St. Nicholas Day St. Nick traditionally leaves a special ornament and a $10 bill for each child on December 6. But you might choose any day in December, really, and feel free to adjust the amount. Kids honor St. Nick by spending the money on a gift for a needy child. The focus on compassion is a nice antidote to holiday consumerism.

Gratitude Letters The Italians have a tradition of writing “apology letters” and placing them under Dad’s plate on Christmas Eve. Children write to their parents, promising to be good and apologizing for bad choices made that year. Once dinner is over, Dad reads the letters out loud to the family. My own family will tweak this tradition slightly, with everyone writing about the things we’re grateful for, versus focusing on regrets.

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As the holidays approach, let’s remember to not ask, “What did you get?” but rather “What did you do?” As Folsom mom, Tamie Snow, says, “To me, the best parts of the holidays don’t cost a nickel.”

Kim Laehle is a local mom of two and a freelance writer. Check out her blog: DontPeeontheBee.com. Part 1 of her 2-part series on creating “Really, Truly Happy Holidays” appeared in our November 2010 issue, and Kim has even created a Yahoo Group to help local families spend less and enjoy more during the holidays (just click on the link then enter "The Hundred Dollar Holiday Help Hotline" in the search box).