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Holidays:  Buy Nothing Christmas  |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 04 2006 : 8:47:24 PM
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Wow - it DOES have some really good ideas, and it started me thinking about how a "buy nothing" holiday season might work for my household. Thanks for the link!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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suzyhomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
Clare
Tyler Hill
PA
USA
806 Posts |
Posted - Nov 09 2006 : 4:16:46 PM
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I checked it out and forwarded it to my minister as well. We are inspired to have a church crafting day next Nov where any one from the community could come and craft somwwthing and share fellowship.
Country girl in NE PA |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Nov 09 2006 : 6:56:54 PM
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I am reading "Not Buying It" and Buy Nothing Day (the day after Thanksgiving) was definitely mentioned in the book!
The funny thing is, the author went out to the mall to observe everyone else shopping, although she didn't indulge...
For me that is a day to STAY HOME, whether or not I am buying things later on in the season.....
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Nov 09 2006 : 8:33:10 PM
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I worked during HS and college for a large department store that required us to work the day after Thanksgiving. After 6 years of that, I swore I would never feel the need to be out in that insanity!
I've been pretty good most years and am usually done shopping by the first week of December. One year our church had an idea where no family was to spend more than $100. (total). Some people found it really hard to do, but if you are creative it's quite a fun challenge! If you have small children who see all those commercials they are bombarded with, not so easy. I think I went over by $5.00 because I had an unexpected gift that needed buying at the very last minute! The idea was not to hold hard and fast to the $$$ amount but to make each family feel as if they didn't have to go into massive debt each holiday season. Hope you all have creative and crafty holidays!
with a happy heart |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2006 : 06:21:30 AM
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Thankfully not everyone buys into the whole commercial Christmas thing. Gift giving of course started when the Magi brought gifts to baby Jesus (if you believe this, I DO) but then it was another story of a kind man giving gifts to children who had nothing & I see that as a kind thing to do. I feel there is nothing wrong w/ giving a gift but as a society we have blown the roof off of a nice gesture. I have only one time ever gone out on the day after Thanksgiving w/ my mother (when alive) who wanted to experience it just once. We only bought stocking stuffers & went to lunch & it was a fun day. We werent fighting to get gifts like some were & there was no pressure for us.
As a family, we always made things for one another & still do, that will never change. It is a tradition in our house & I dont want it to stop.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Nov 10 2006 : 06:22:52 AM
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my point, you don't have to buy into any of this, if you don't want to!
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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JenniferJuniper
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Jennifer
New Hampshire
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2006 : 08:42:41 AM
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BTW, I just picked up the Sunday paper - all 10 lbs of it, 9 of which were ads for "must-have" Christmas gifts. The glut of ads had the opposite effect on me & has reinforced my commitment to buy nothing.
Also, I must say I am really annoyed with the TV ad by Sears, with the woman who "has to buy presents for 44 people." As if there is no other option. I have a large extended family, 50 people at Christmas dinner is not uncommon, and let me tell ya, nobody has ever bought gifts for everyone, or felt the slightest obligation to; the opportunity to spend time together is the best present of all. |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2006 : 11:20:13 AM
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I detest the commercialism of Christmas. A few years ago we decided that we had had enough of our kids growing up thinking it was all about the gifts. Now our family draws names, sets a $10 limit, and the gift should be homemade if possible. It has made for the most wonderful Christmas because the focus is on Christ, family, and the joy of giving our handmade gifts to the someone.
On another note -- I was at the Mall yesterday (YUCK! but my daughter wanted to go) and Santa is there already! What happened to Thanksgiving? Santa never arrived until the day after Thanksgiving. Just makes me angry.
Handmade purses and bath delights at www.rusticcottagecreations.com
Visit my blog! http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Nov 12 2006 : 5:44:05 PM
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I know Kay, we went on Sat. to look for something & the whole village is already set up. Its disgusting. I guess its up to us to stop the maddness.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 03:42:19 AM
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As with birthdays and anniversaries, it's the time spent that means the most- or time spent on behalf of someone else.
Can't describe the warm fuzzy feeling I get by being surrounded w/ family and friends.
Instead of buying, try those random acts of kindness |
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suzyhomemaker
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
Clare
Tyler Hill
PA
USA
806 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 04:39:07 AM
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I wanted to do the Craft Day this year, so I am now hosting a Chocolate and Crafts party on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. We are going to paint clear glass balls to look like snowman and hot glue the chenille stem and pompoms for ear muffs. If I get a chance, I am also going t oset out some paper crafts to make snowman cards.
When I think of the holidays, I want to give time and energy to my family and friends. What better way than a craft and food get together, a way to get into the mood of the holidays and a reason to drop by the neighbor's home.
As for mall shopping, I dread the mall ANYTIME my daughter wants to go. Fortunately, it is usually once or twice a year when we can't locate enough things to fit at Salvation Army. This last visit we went to Kohls, like a mini mall inside, and hit it on a sale and needed to go nowhere else afterwards.
My sister comes for Thanksgiving with her family. They stay in our camper overnight or two nights. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, my sister and I head to my downtown Honesdale. It is our nearest big town. All the local stores on Main St. have Christmas music and cookies and tea out. We visit with the owners I know, walk up and down the street and do browsing and some shopping. I love it. It is very low key and cozy. I usually get some cards and wrapping paper and a little ornament for each of my children. I like that I am supporting local businesses and the visiting with the owners and people we know also out make it a fun time. We have lunch out at a nice little cafe. Then, the husbands meet us in town later for pizza with the children. Afterwards, my daughter changes and gets ready to twirl in the Christmas parade. There are so many floats with lights and Christmas trees. The girls in the twirling corp twirl either lighted baton (ends glow) or fire baton (first year my daughter will twirl fire in the night parades). The town has hot cocoa and does the tree lighting ceremony in the park at the end of the parade. It is such a great way to celebrate the beginning of the holidays.
I used to just stay home and start my Christmas baking and decorating, but I enjoy getting to town and being out with my sister now. It has become a new tradition for several years.
As for handmade gifts, I appreciate those the most and love to make them myself. I wish I had time to create all our gifts, but I buy one special thing for each of our children and a new ornament for the tree. We make an ornament each year as well. We will make three at least so that when the children are grown they will have one from each year to take with them for their first Christmas tree and one left for us to use. I used to make 50 or more each year and send to each of my siblings, my husband's siblings, our parents and the neighbors and friends we bless. This year I tried to make several things i nthe fall and got many gifts done this way.
Generally, I bake and pack up goodies and tea and my husband's honey for our friends and neighbors. You would not believe how many tell me when I drop off the bag of goodies that they have been waiting for them. There is quite a bit of cookies inside and they are enjoyed by all who receive them. Plus, you do visiting while there. For the older people, this is the best part of the holiday.
Country girl in NE PA |
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katie-ell
True Blue Farmgirl
1818 Posts
Katie
Illinois
1818 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 04:59:07 AM
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Clare -- I am here with my morning cup of tea, reading your post . . . and you paint just a lovely picture of holiday time with your family. It's important to spend time together, and sometimes a day of window-shopping and browsing is just what we girls need. And the tradition you are establishing -- that's what your children will carry in their hearts for years to come.
I agree that it is important to support small, local businesses. They are sometimes overshadowed by the mall tenants and the big corporate stores, but they offer so much more to the community.
Thanks for the glimpse into your holiday world / whirl! |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 09:40:40 AM
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Clare -- your holiday sounds so wonderful! Makes me want to come visit that wonderful town! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and love the day after too. I just love being able to get the family together to enjoy the meal and each other without all the trappings of gifts. Then the day after I start thinking about holiday baking -- one of my favorite things to do.
Handmade purses and bath delights at www.rusticcottagecreations.com
Visit my blog! http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl
1323 Posts
Debbie
in the Pandhandle of
Idaho
USA
1323 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 09:51:19 AM
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Clare,
Sounds absolutely perfect. That is exactly the kind of day I love to spend. Not buying into all the mall craziness, but getting out and into the spirit of the holidays. I'm thinking about what I can do with my daughter next Friday now!! Thanks.
Debbie
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
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Beach Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
111 Posts
Vanessa
Williamsburg
VA
111 Posts |
Posted - Dec 14 2006 : 09:05:25 AM
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I know most of this discussion was back in November, but since I'm new here I thought I'd reply anyway. I used to (before being a single mom of 3) devoted the 24th &/or the 25th of each month to Christmas. If for some reason the dates were not conducive to my schedule, I'd do this on the weekend closest to. Anyway, each "Christmas Day" of the month I would work on Christmas. In January, I'd simply do a plan for the next year, making my list and checking it twice, revamping the card list, etc. I always play Christmas music (Snoopy's Christmas or Joy to the World playing in August even!) and have a cup of cocoa (over ice in the heat of the summer).
In October I would address the envelopes and begin work on the annual newsletter, which was usually written to an existing song or in poem format. Although one year I did a multiple choice letter.
For example, "This past year John was jumping on a trampoline and:
A)jumped all the way to China
B)landed on Mars
C)landed on the back of his brother's head and broke his face
D)jumped for 5 days non-stop
The (true) answer is C. 
I make ornaments and gifts every year so I would work on them. I wrap as I go leaving bows and ribbons off so they don't get smashed. I put a number on the back of the package and in a notebook, write who that number is for. In November, I'd stuff the envelopes, add on ribbons and bows, pre-bake anything that can be frozen and by Christmas, I'm smiling.
Somehow I lost all of this when I had 3 kids that I homeschooled, a marriage from ...(well, you know) and was just in survival mode. My goal for 2007 is to get back on it and bring my kids in with me.
Oh, one more thing...to remind me of the upcoming "Christmas Day" each month, I put a Christmas sticker on the calendar.
Vanessa
Farmgirl-by-the-Sea |
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ktknits
True Blue Farmgirl
582 Posts
Kathy
Northwest Indiana
USA
582 Posts |
Posted - Dec 14 2006 : 09:12:37 AM
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Vanessa, what a wonderful idea! This is definitely one I'm going to try to adopt. Farmgirl ingenuity strikes again!
Kathy |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Dec 14 2006 : 11:16:41 AM
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What a great idea, Vanessa - the "Christmas Days!" Planning like that and spreading the work around makes creating gifts and buying less much easier because it seems like it would really eliminate any last-minute stress.
Yikes! I hope the brothers are okay after the trampoline incident!!!
And Clare - that DOES sound like a wonderful holiday plan!
It really warms my heart to hear about all of you farmgirls and what you do to make the holidays special. Thanks for "talking" about it!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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sonflowergurl
True Blue Farmgirl
349 Posts
Katee
Tampa 'Burbs
FL
USA
349 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2006 : 1:08:30 PM
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Vanessa, that's an awesome idea. I always think in January about what I could do for people the next year, but if I were more organized with it, I might actually accomplish what I come up with. Thanks for the idea! (I'm knitting at superspeed to try to get some scarves finished for the grandmas right now...should've planned a little better! LOL)
Katee
A life without love is like a year without summer.
"Looking Toward the Son"---- http://sonflowergirl731.blogspot.com
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2006 : 1:34:18 PM
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gurlz .. while i do lots of crafting year round .. and gifting of those gifts .. i jus' can't imagine not doin' a little shoppin' too!
i got all new 'bedding' .. down pillows, bed linens, down comforters and beautiful comforter covers for my daughter and grandchildren .. lordy! i sure couldna' made those. they just moved into a new house .. and they were looking for 'fresh new linens' for their bedrooms .. and i thought this was the perfect gift to give them .. this way .. they will think of us every time they snuggle down at night and say their bedtime prayers.
for our other daughter and her husband (what a LOVE he is!) we're getting them a beautiful new front door (hmmmmm .. what do you call it??) you know .. the brass plate and knob and key hole opener. and .. we're also getting them a nice telephone/answering machine. they have one .. but its the kind you have to call the phone company to get your messages and half the time .. they just don't. this one will give your messages with a simple push of the button.
i'm asking santa for a 'lap top computer' .. ha! i'd like to see honey hunk try to put one of those together!
buying BOOKS for all my other family members! my hand-dids for other friends and family this year will be christmas cookies and baked 'delights' .. and home-made candles!
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2006 : 5:41:32 PM
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Frannie, what a lovely choice for your family! I received a very nice down comforter from my mother, many years ago. She chose a high quality one, and told me if I took good care it would last a large part of my life. She was right; and it's so light, it's like sleeping under a cloud.
My mother's been gone almost ten years, but barely a night goes by where I don't thank her for my wonderful down comforter. She kept me warm and cozy when I was little, and even now she still does. |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2006 : 8:11:39 PM
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mary ann .. hank and i had one that lasted about 20 years! cost about $500. which we thought was a TON of money back then .. but we were told we would get many years service from it.
what a dear remembrance and what a special gift .. i think she knew! xo
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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Beach Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
111 Posts
Vanessa
Williamsburg
VA
111 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2006 : 06:06:34 AM
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Gift Bags
The closest Wal-Mart (WM) is a little over an hour away from me~I have to leave the island and "go up the beach." A couple of weeks ago I had to go to Virginia and went to a Super WM and one of the big (no, huge) new Target stores. It was overwhelming and I had forgotten how crazy the Christmas season is in the "real world" off the island. BUY ME...SPEND IN ME...TAKE ME, I'M ON SALE... everything in the stores was screaming at me and my boys. It was really too much and I was glad to get out.
While I was at WM I bought a couple of packages of 10 brown bags with a handle (very cheap in the craft section), a package of brown lunch bags and some jute (to tie the lunch bags up with). During the past few days the boys and I have a so much fun painting these bags to put gifts in for family and friends. I didn't know my boys could paint such cute snowmen! I didn't know that I could paint such cute snowmen, LOL. Anyway it has been such a joy to sit down and paint with them, see their creativity, and just share the Christmas season in this way.
We're definitely going to start doing next year's bags on those monthly Christmas Days.
Vanessa
Farmgirl-by-the-Sea |
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Bridge
True Blue Farmgirl
814 Posts
Bridgette
Southern
Indiana
USA
814 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2006 : 4:04:00 PM
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Vanessa, that is a awesome idea!! I may have to give it a try next year.
~~Bridge's Boutique~~
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Holidays: Buy Nothing Christmas |
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Buy Nothing Christmas
