It's that time of year. I randomly quote from the movie "ELF"
Can't help myself. It's just one of those things. If you don't like it, there is something wrong with you.
More pages created with the December kit from Cocoa Daisy.
There are a few left, so get on it! A little Christmas Cheer for you. What is on your December list so far? Lots of things I am sure. I sometimes feel this low level of anxiety when I let myself think about it. Then I stop. Really, it's no big deal is it?
Ha. Christmas is huge. HUGE. 54 Billion dollars huge. Think about that for a minute. 54 billion dollars. so far.
Did you know that on average americans spend 450 Billion dollars on Christmas. What is included in that figure? credit card debt for many, rushing, pepper spray, stress, lots of junk we don't need, traffic, stress, more stress.
I am not a scrooge. I love Christmas. I love presents. (grey cashmere sweater wrap Santa please?) I love giving presents. But not out of obligation. Not to my dear friends and family that don't need anything or really want anything. Not another sweater, or Santa cookie jar. You know what I mean.
How wonderful to make presents, gifts of time and love. To write a letter to someone, or a story. To take photos for friends or family. To take time with children to make ornaments or cookies for someone special.
I know there are a lot of people that don't really get these kinds of gifts. They want the random gift card or sweater from Old Navy. They don't care if we put thought or heart into their gifts. They just want them. It takes courage to say no to them. To explain that you are spending less on Christmas and giving more heart, more time, more love. They may not like it.
It takes courage. But when you realize that Christmas really can make a difference, that if you spend less and actually give more of yourself, you are truly inspired by the spirit of Christmas. I think it's worth it. And then you can take just a little that you didn't spend and give it away. To your local food bank, a women's shelter or maybe toward building wells for clean drinking water.
I have played this video for the past couple of years. I am not trying to be preachy, it just really helps put my mind and heart in the right place this time of year. I hope it does the same for you.
4 comments:
"Buddy the Elf...whats your favorite color:):)?"
Ugh! I can't get into the horrors of the Holidays right now - I'll be banned from Blogger forever. I do need someone or something to put me in the right frame of mind though. All I want for Christmas is a ticket to Montana. Miss you.
Beautiful layouts! Sooo beautiful!
We quote elf..all the time...especially..."He's an angry elf"...lol..fricken funny movie!
Happy Christmas xoxo!
Gorgeous pages & love the family photos. Such a good-looking family.
Totally agree with your thoughts on Christmas. Was walking around a store today trying to get inspired by something...anything....to buy for my Christmas list. And I was thinking...why do I feel Ike I just have to hurry & buy a bunch of crap just to get through this list? Makes me more & more cynical every year. I actually enjoy shopping the most when doing it anonymously for an adopted family. Then I know I'm making a difference...
Lovely layouts capturing the truly important things in life.
I just finished up an art journal spread ranting about "Tis the Season to Go Shopping", and am so with you on giving that is meaningful, be it time, heart, or a charitable donation. Thank you for sharing those thoughts and the video here.
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