BlogHer - Christmas tree - Comments

A Christmas tree on the wall

sassylawyer — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:36:43 -0600

Hope to see some photos of that!

Connie Veneracion

"it's our memories and stories that make us family"

sassylawyer — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:34:58 -0600

Oh, how perfectly you said that. :)

Connie Veneracion

My mother never passed the

bryanalwright — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:48:03 -0600

My mother never passed the Christmas without home decorating. I remember there was a Christmas when she tried to find new decoration for the house instead of using tree. She decorated the wall with bell, ribbon, and leaf. I was so impressed with her creativity. Now, as my own house is not wide enough for a big Christmas tree, I decorate my house as she did. Your article give me some more new idea for this Christmas.

Bryanalwright

Completed projects

sassylawyer — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:38:46 -0600

We completed three yesterday, Debra. ~~Photos coming up.~~ :)

Connie

You're on the right track

grannysu — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:16:13 -0600

Granny Sue Stories from the Mountains and Beyond www.grannysu.blogspot.com susannaholstein@yahoo.com

Not only is it bonding time, working on projects together is also storytelling time--time to share memories, to tell your child family stories she may not have heard, to confess the dreams you had that you either realized or did not, and to tell her about when she was little. Too many families don't remember to share these memories, yet children want and need to hear them. Family isn't only sharing blood or name--it's our memories and stories that make us family.

"Christmas decor need not be connected..."

sassylawyer — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:02:11 -0600

Precisely. But in this age of media-driven commercialism, it can be trying for parents to teach children that Christmas should not be about materialism. It might be a culture thing but in the Philippines, parents make demands (often not so subtly) on the godparents of their children. Weeks before Christmas, they send T-shirt and shoe sizes, or they bluntly tell the godparents what toys the kids prefer to receive for Christmas. It really negates the "giving" aspect of the season as the voluntariness is lost.

Connie Veneracion

"I'm glad you're enjoying the family activity"

sassylawyer — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:51:14 -0600

Oh, it was fun yesterday. Messy and fun. And we're going to do it every weekend until the Christmas break when we can start making more decor everyday.

Connie Veneracion

Thanks for the suggestions

sassylawyer — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:49:28 -0600

I'm not really into seasonal decor as I've always felt it's really the introspection that counts during the season. But if the making the decor means "together" activities, I'm all for it.

Connie Veneracion

Christmas decor need not be

trendoffice — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 04:51:50 -0600

Christmas decor need not be connected with "the crass commercialism that has come to characterize Christmas" - this is one of those great periods of the year that makes us cosy and warm at home, evokes memories and dreams. How can one miss it deliberately? The charm of it comes with giving children the chance to participate and inspire their creativity, feel the beauty of holidays at home. I like all the decoration and special cooking, inviting friends, relaxing after the hard year's work. We should not deprive ousleves and especially children of this pleasure.

trendoffice

Tis the season

tisha85 — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:33:43 -0600

I'm glad you're enjoying the family activity. It was always difficult to get my parents involved. I just loved the lights and the decor and the scent of a fresh wreath and Xmas tree after living in Hawaii for seven years. When we moved to California the neighborhood came alive at Xmas. It was magical to me.

Tisha
A Blob Blog
www.tallensweightloss.blogspot.com

well, there is always the interjection of another theme

Mata H — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:23:54 -0600

If your family also observes Christmas as having to do with the Nativity, you may wish to consider:

1. an Advent Wreath easily "makeable" from found items and a few candles.
2. A Nativity Scene. Some families place the three kings on one side of the room, and move them forward toward the manger a bit each day until their supposed arrival-day, January 6th. These can be purchased cheaply, even on eBay.
3. An Advent Calendar (I don't know this company -- just chose it for the pictures). You could hand-make one, too.
4. A midnight Christmas Eve mass/service -- these are lovely and a sweet part of many family traditions.I know it is not a decoration, but I tossed it in. I loved doing it as a kid, and even loved driving home in the dark and decorated little town where we lived.

And, you can always make Dough ornaments. There are lots of recipes out there for these not-to-be eaten items, and lots of fun ways to get different effects (use a garlic press to make hair, for example). Bake them with a hole for ribbon, or bake a paperclip into them to use as a hook-holder.

~~ Contributing Editor, Mata H. also blogs right along at Time's Fool

Pictures please..

debra roby — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:51:53 -0600

Sassylawyer,

I am completely in favor of the hand-made christmas design. When you and your family finally finish some of the projects, would you please post the photos and send me the link?

Debra
A Stitch In Time
Weight for Deb