[allenwrench]

On a simple living forum the question was asked if the members still do Christmas? My response was: "Yes, I still do Christmas, but the difference in my life is that Christmas doesn't 'do' me any longer."
I used to dread Christmas coming and it was an unhealthy and sick time of the year for me. Too many expectations and out of control passions built on unrealistic demands.

I've scaled back and try to scale back even more and can now enjoy the hiolidays somewhat
People have adopted Dec 25 as Christ's birthday when they do not know when he was actually born and the evidence looks like he was never born at all.

Then after hijacking that day from the pagans gods, they make it into a sickly stressful week or two to end the year.
Now, I'm not telling you to be atheists. Just keep moderation in line with such things...especially when they are built on make believe or as some call it faith.

[PonyBoy78]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Byron100', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PonyBoy78', 'I') have no shotgun, and I kinda want one.
My partner is getting a solar oven. Pricey - but it's also a pretty utilitarian choice.

[CarlinsDarlin]

We've always hand made some Christmas presents. In our extended family it is the tradition - each year we make gifts for each other. I appreciate a handmade gift more than a store bought one anyway. This past year, my brother made wooden toys for all the little ones, and my sister-in-law painted them (planes, trains, cars, pull toy animals, etc.) they were adorable. A few years ago, I made quilts for everyone. It's a tradition we started long ago, and I expect we'll do more of it as time goes on.

Now, there's always stuff we do buy new as well. There will probably be less of it this year, though.
K

[coyote]

I've been threatening to give everyone original paintings for years. I think this year I'll actually do it. I should probably get started soon, now you mention it. Easy to run out of time on these things and be forced into the malls on the 23[sup]rd[/sup] again.

I react to Christmas about on the same order as Byron and allenwrench. Couldn't figure out why I felt forced to participate in something I didn't believe in, caused me so much stress and disconnect, made me wonder about the future of our culture, and wiped out my year's savings every year.

But Christmas isn't going away - especially since I'm now with my girl, who likes it so much more than I do - so I guess I have to change the way I deal with it. I do hope some of the rampant commercialism goes away. As my friend says, merry Judeo-Christian Peak Retail Season[sup]TM[/sup]!

[WildRose]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('coyote', 'I')'ve been threatening to give everyone original paintings for years. I think this year I'll actually do it.

[CarlinsDarlin]

Speaking of paintings... I gave my first gift of a painting last Christmas to my brother. He has a small Christmas tree farm and I painted him a sign for his farm. It's hanging not out by the trees, though. Rather, they have it in their living room I was honored, and he really liked it. I love to paint, but have never thought I was particularly good at it... but he liked it. I may indeed do more paintings as gifts this year too.

[WildRose]

That's nice, Carlinsdarlin. I would be tickled to receive a gift like that!

For my parents' 50th anniversary, a fellow my dad worked with gave them a painting he did. It was a country road with two mailboxes side-by-side, with my parents' names on them. It has a permanent place on their dining room wall.

[CarlosFerreira]

Fabulous idea! Well, I've been painting scale ficures or years now, wonder if the family would welcome them?

Maybe. I'm not sure.

Well, there's a way to find out, right?

[mobil1]

My wife and I generally buy things for each other that the other would have bought anyway. I'm happy with that system.
We generally do the same for the kids, 3 and 6. Try to maximize value with clothes and educational toys in $0-50 range, although I've stretched to $180 for a bike once.

And I always keep the big boxes for play fort building. Kids can have a ball with free stuff if you show them how. A big bag tied to a fan, or on long string outdoors is a fun kite alternative. Rubber bands, scrap wood, paper airplanes.
IMO, no kid ever grew up and said "My parents didn't spend enough MONEY on me". Many (such as I) DID grow up and say "My parents didn't spend enough TIME with me".

Time is precious and IMO the best gift to give AND receive.

[coyote]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('mobil1', 'I')MO, no kid ever grew up and said "My parents didn't spend enough MONEY on me". Many (such as I) DID grow up and say "My parents didn't spend enough TIME with me".

Time is precious and IMO the best gift to give AND receive.

[coyote]

Looks good CarlinsDarlin. You should definitely do some more this year!

[madison]

My kid will get to watch movies whether or not there is electricity because I have a DVD player that plugs into the car. As long as the car has a working battery (and the DVD player works), he can watch a movie. So, he will likely get "Ben 10 Season 3" :D for Christmas anyway.

That said, I don't give alot of gifts for Christmas. He's likely to get a couple from me (Ben 10 DVD and a board game and maybe some of that building sand - it's really cool), one from "Santa" along with some candy, and gifts from family. I'm buying them now and putting them up.

I am also buying some simple things for future birthdays and Christmases. Little things, but nice things. Pocket knives, games, slingshots, playing cards, flashcards, etc.

[3aidlillahi]

Tonight begins the month of Ramadan. I'm so excited! I wait 11 months a year for this month to roll around and here it is.



Just wishing a Ramadan Mubarak to mass, misterno and all Muslims and all other closet Muslims (PlantedAgent, PMS, Kam - just admit it already guys).Blessed Ramadan, y'all!

[dinopello]

[3aidlillahi]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('golem', '[')smilie=adora.gif]

A L L A H

[PenultimateManStanding]

Can't imagine why you would include me in your list of clandestine Muslims. Odd. Are you high by any chance? PUI? There's a forum for that. "Hi, I'm 3aidihidiho, and I post under the influence". . .

[3aidlillahi]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PenultimateManStanding', 'C')an't imagine why you would include me in your list of clandestine Muslims. Odd. Are you high by any chance?

[PenultimateManStanding]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('3aidlillahi', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PenultimateManStanding', 'C')an't imagine why you would include me in your list of clandestine Muslims. Odd. Are you high by any chance?

[dinopello]

Actually, thanks for the reminder, I work with a couple muslims and now I can wish them a happy holiday. Is the proper way to say Ramadan Mubarak ?

[3aidlillahi]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PenultimateManStanding', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('3aidlillahi', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PenultimateManStanding', 'C')an't imagine why you would include me in your list of clandestine Muslims. Odd. Are you high by any chance?