In the early years of DINK (Double Income No Kids) we had both the time and money to come up with thoughtful gifts for each other. After a few years we began to notice it getting more difficult...it was almost like every year there were higher expectations, even if they were unspoken!
So in about Year Three of our relationship we made a pact: Limit of $75 and we hit the Eaton Centre in Toronto at 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve! What a hoot! Low expectation and high entertainment value. Some gifts turned out to be very useful (I once bought Chris a Nike bag for his workout clothes; remember this was the early 90s). Some were very durable: Chris bought me a wool ear band that I wear each winter to this day! Somehow it has escaped washing machine (unlike the wool cap I bought Chris, which became Stephen's baby hat the following summer!) Other gifts included a Crocodile Dundee hat, turtle earrings, a cordless drill, chocolates and a hand written poem, a disposable camera and Ralph Lauren cologne that didn't get opened until Stephen was two and he dumped it in the toilet!
Since we've had children, it became more interesting. In the early days of parenthood (which coincided, unfortunately with the early days of a business) we had to get very creative with presents for the kids. The first few years were easy; boxes and ribbons sufficed. After that we became bargain hunters, although it got even more difficult the year Chris was determined not to buy anything made in China (or anything with batteries). That was an eye opener! It ended with me and three tired toddlers hanging our in McDonalds while Chris methodically finished searching the Toys R Us across the street!
Somehow the kids didn't notice that the Christmas tree had way more Lego and Lincoln Logs than ever before!
Since deciding to build a sustainable house, and becoming more and more conscious of our impact on the earth (and pocketbook!) Chris and I have had many
Our week long vacation has meant we've had an uninterrupted time to
Our last afternoon at the ski hill has been internet research, looking into homemade gifts. Chris found an exceptionally helpful site by a lady named Terry Porter. I will dig up the link later!
Keep checking back; we intend to document our ideas and see if we are successful in our Christmas gift giving goals!
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This week we prepared for Christmas as a family. I got a dead white mulberry tree, some granite river stones, and set the tree into my five gallon crock. It is an eccentric looking tree. I put colorful lights on the tree. The girls and I cut up colorful paper making snowflakes, "leaves", and streamers. We do not use any store decorations. I started doing this about three years ago and was surprised at how much fun I had plus the girls skills are changing so each year so the tree looks different.
This year the girls have added a play clay village for under the tree. Erika worked on houses for the villagers. Sonja is making a nativity scene with all the animals and their gifts to the baby Jesus. Nevertheless, Sonja has given the scene her creative touch. Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men, and all the animals are one eyed "aliens".
As for presents, we are very sparse. I find the girls are happiest with two or three small presents. Most come from Shaen's side of the family who love holiday gift giving. Shaen is planning to make two wooden chests for the girl's room. The girls will help him build the chests which is part of the pleasure. The girls and I made bee wax candles for gifts and we hope to make soap next week. I will make a special meal as my gift to the family.
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