Compostable Christmas

I had grand plans to make all my xmas wrap this year. I bought used sheets to sew into differently sized, reusable bags. Then I could decorate them with the kids. I was going to give away all my wrapping paper ahead of time and force myself into action.

The amount of waste on average per person per day is 5 pounds. At Christmas, that amount can double and more. Think about some things that are 10 pounds: bag of flour, a three month old baby, a couple of bricks....it's a LOT.

So I have some guilt about throwing away that much trash. I thought that by eliminating the paper aspect, it would help. Then the reality of TOYS hit me. All the plastic molded to fit each little dog or block or doll, all the waxed cardboard, and the sheer amount of packaging!!!!!! It's enough to make you quit.

Then there is the experience of receiving a gift. I would much rather have a sensible, reusable bag of some kind. But my kids might not feel the same way. I remember how fun it was to tear into a present, so excited to find out what it is. The anticipation, so much more exciting than the gift itself. Does that excitement go away if it's simply a pull out of the bag? Am I depriving them of a classic Christmas experience?

Well, they have this year to tear into paper wrapped surprises and we'll find out if wrapping paper is compostable.


Good thing I never got around to giving it away.

Happy rampant consumerism season!!!!!!!!!

I know, I know. What a cynic right? That's not it exactly. I love this time of year, as much as anybody. This year, it's taken a new timbre.

A lot of you know that I no longer attend church or ascribe to the Christian spirituality. I loved being Episcopalian. I'm so glad I grew up with such a rich and wonderful religious experience.

But now I have a dilemma. If I wouldn't raise Amelia to believe in Jesus, why would I raise her to believe in Santa Claus????

I know these are both also historical characters as well, and I tell her about them as such. I don't want her to be ignorant, but I don't want to lead her on either. I asked her if she believed me when I told her a man would come down the chimney (then I explained what a chimney was) and leave toys under the tree. That he would make it to all the children in the whole world and give them toys. Her response was a "Mom" in the tone of "You're the silliest"

So then, what exactly is the point of Christmas? If there's no Christ and no Claus....

But there IS!!! A point, that is.

Historically, my feeling is that making it through the winter was a celebration in itself. The solstice is the half way point. This year, December 21 will be the longest night of the year. The day when the sun is furthest from us.  Days begin to get longer and, hopefully, warmer. I don't mind saying I celebrate AFTER I make it through the winter, but I appreciate the holiday breaking up the monotony of the long dark season. I think that a show of abundance is a fit way to celebrate.

And of course I love presents. I love giving them to my kids and watching the excitement they have dreaming about what could be inside those wrapped packages. I love giving at least one present to somebody who never would have expected it. I love making little treats for my friends. I love any excuse to make crafts. I love to get presents too!!!! I love that although the economy sucks, there are twinkling lights everywhere.

We read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" every year before bed on Christmas Eve. We turn off the lights, except for the tree and get into our jammies. Usually there's a fire lit and we all snuggle together on the couch, just like when I was a kid. Some how, that makes the night magical.

I hope that they love this tradition as much as I.

I hope they see Santa Claus and this whole holiday as a wonderful idea of generosity.