| Moms Are Frugal.com |
An artificial tree, lights, ornaments, outside lights,buying gifts and wrapping them are all ways that we have come to know as “Christmas tradition”. Why have we evolved from the simplicity of the true Christmas? Sitting in front of a real tree, with homemade popcorn or cranberries and a string of lights at nighttime is the most peaceful moment that I recall as child. The fresh pine scent, a quiet night with hot cocoa and hopefully a little snowfall outside.
If you want to go back to your Christmas traditions of the past then start this Christmas, or plan for next year to make simplicity your focus change your thinking. Nothing happens without change.
Artificial Trees vs. Real Christmas Trees
An artificial tree has to be stored.
An artificial tree is made from petroleum based chemicals
An artificial tree does not hold the same emotion of Christmas.
Real Christmas trees are recyclable.
Real Christmas trees hold a fresh pine scent and are free of chemicals.
Real trees hold a family tradition of picking one out, then decorating. Memories.
Store bought gifts vs. Homemade gifts
Homemade gifts are clutter free. Break down your Christmas list in a wants vs. needs. Don’t add to other people’s clutter. Give them a recyclable gift, one that can be reused or recycled.
Homemade gifts are more memorable and will be regarded as thoughtful.
Homemade gifts can also teach a lesson. A lesson in simplicity.
Store bought gifts add to clutter. They may end up at the goodwill next year.
Store bought gifts are thoughtful but not as memorable.
Store bought gifts teach a lesson in buying what someone wants, not what thought is behind the gift.
Used Toys vs. New Toys
This one is a hard one for me because I see how privileged my kids are, and how they have a million (exaggerated) toys that are sold in a garage sale, or are given away. It is especially hard to see them love a cardboard box alot more than the $30.00 toy they received.
Used toys are cheaper. Know exactly what your children love to play with and buy that toy. Look for it in used shops first to save money. Clean it up, get a new box, be creative with the wrapping and recycle it.
Used toys save money that can be saved for something like a vacation that kids will remember much more.
Used toys can help children to focus on loving one toy instead of playing with something then getting rid of it for something new. Play with it until its broke…then get another one.
New toys are more expensive.
New toys promote materialism and greed by buying kids what is advertised on TV.
New toys are not as memorable unless you find the ONE toy they will love.
New toys are fine as long as limits are in place. Don’t overspend. Teach children about ways to have a green frugal Christmas.
As Christmas approaches and shopping increases it is very easy to get caught up in the whirlwind. Remember what really counts, and what presents you hold dear from year to year. Do you love gifts that are going to sit on a shelf? Do you really want to take down a tree and put it in your storage or do you want to help someone else who makes a living selling trees? Do you want to add to another family member or friends’ clutter, or do you want to try a new hobby and see what you can make for them?
As I get ready to go out and shop for gifts I will be keeping all of these in my mind. At this season in my life simplicity is my new word. My favorite gift this year would be something of my children that I can look at everyday of the year and melt when I see it!
If my husband does buy me something he knows what I truly love, not just something under the tree with my name on it.
Having a green Christmas can bring joys and lessons in life that we have long overlooked.
Enjoy the holidays!
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