Thinking of Having a Stress Free Christmas, Read How Here!!!!

I have always had a disdain for shopping. Actually I like to give gifts, especially when they are meaningful. What I don't like is shopping for shopping sake only. YUCK, who needs more cheap stuff from China? This year our budget is only 40% of last years due to many factors, and I am going to have to get creative. This actually appeals to me having less choices makes this somewhat easier. I have ask my extended family what they would like from Amazon.com or a gift certificate to a restaurant, or local store? That's it. I told them my budget is $500 for the whole season. Last year it was more than double. We have four kids so we would usually spend at least that on them. Not this year. We plan on using our Garvan Gardens passes and going to see Christmas lights for free several times, driving around looking at lights (cost of gas), listening to Christmas music and decorating with stuff we already have and taking walks. I will probably pull out seasonal movies and pop popcorn, and we'll probably hit the library a few times. If you haven't' seen Elf the movie I highly recommend it... When Will Ferrell hugs the raccoon: Priceless Belly Laugh!!!
The other thing we will do is give gifts that give more... I am part of a group of three women who serve on an Alternative Giving committee. We put together charities that are local to global and sell gifts of fair trade coffee and food baskets from Rice Depot. This year as last I will purchase share's to send to Jackson House or Samaritan House and give a card to all four of my kids teachers saying in lue of a cheap gift we gave the money to help feed the poor. The reception every year from the teacher is "Thank you, I absolutely love this and I told the whole class about it."They think its the bee's knees. I hope you will join me in supporting Alternative Giving for the Holidays. Come by the church or go to the catalog and participate. Please click on the Westminster Homepage to the left and go to Alternative Giving to view the catalog.

All my love and joy to each of you for a reflective and meaningful Christmas that shines the light of God on each and every gift you give, showing the love of Christ in your heart.

Blessings,
Courtney