Ah, Christmas.
Are you feeling excited about Christmas? Or are you feeling totally unenthusiastic about the sheer volume of advertising, the pressure to consume and to keep up with the Joneses?
I don't tend to blog a whole lot on the topic of Christmas, because I have no desire to add to the noise and pressure that people already feel during this time of year. But this weekends reading list there are two posts I wrote last year on mindful gift-giving for kids, and another for tweens/teens which you may want to check out of you are stuck for gift ideas.
Giving gifts that are going to be consumed like quality local produce or homemade goods make lovely gifts for the adults in your life. As well as supporting small local businesses and farmers. For kids, we like to give practical items that they will need for the new school year in their Santa Sacks. Our children all need new lunch box's so I have purchased sturdy stainless steel $8 lunch boxes for all of them from Ali and fresh undies for the new year. They always laugh about getting undies from Santa, and these things add up hugely if left to the purchase at the beginning of the year straight after Christmas. Why not kill two birds with one stone? There are school socks yet to buy, a fresh drawing pad each, stickers and stationery. The little boys have a small $15 lego set and Will has asked for a new cap. Add in a book each and some lollies and their Santa Sacks will be bursting at the seams! With the added bonus of the majority of the school preparation for the new year is done way in advance.
Christmas with children and the thought of our homes filling with more pointless stuff we don't need nor use can feel utterly overwhelming. But with a little planning, it can be a time where we give them the things they will need for the new season. I believe and have witnessed in my own family, that giving like this cultivates an attitude of gratefulness. Getting things remains an occasional and special treat which builds anticipation and adds to the overall sense of pleasure.
Much love,
Emma
xx
10 mindful clutter-free gift ideas for young children
10 ideas for mindful clutter-free gifts for teen/tween boys
Mathew Evans: Eating vegan the big picture
Becoming Minimalist: Beautiful home
Conversations: Annabel Crabb Why don't Dads take parental leave?
Are you feeling excited about Christmas? Or are you feeling totally unenthusiastic about the sheer volume of advertising, the pressure to consume and to keep up with the Joneses?
I don't tend to blog a whole lot on the topic of Christmas, because I have no desire to add to the noise and pressure that people already feel during this time of year. But this weekends reading list there are two posts I wrote last year on mindful gift-giving for kids, and another for tweens/teens which you may want to check out of you are stuck for gift ideas.
Christmas with children and the thought of our homes filling with more pointless stuff we don't need nor use can feel utterly overwhelming. But with a little planning, it can be a time where we give them the things they will need for the new season. I believe and have witnessed in my own family, that giving like this cultivates an attitude of gratefulness. Getting things remains an occasional and special treat which builds anticipation and adds to the overall sense of pleasure.
Much love,
Emma
xx
10 mindful clutter-free gift ideas for young children
10 ideas for mindful clutter-free gifts for teen/tween boys
Mathew Evans: Eating vegan the big picture
Becoming Minimalist: Beautiful home
Conversations: Annabel Crabb Why don't Dads take parental leave?
