Christmas is a time of great joy; a time to gather with family and friends and celebrate the birth of Jesus and to remember that God is always present among us. The preparations often involve running from place to place to buy gifts, writing out Christmas cards, decorating the house and a million other last-minute preparations for the holidays.
This year think about celebrating an earth-friendly Christmas. Here are a few ideas:
Earth-friendly gift-giving ideas
- Shop locally. Support local craft persons and artisans;
- Buy gifts made of recycled materials;
- Make your own gifts;
- Have a white elephant gift exchange: everyone gives a gift they find around the house without spending any money;
- Buy fair trade items; a few good sources:
Make your own Christmas cards
The following sites provide excellent ideas:
www.pinterest.com/explore/easy-christmas
www.bhg.com/christmas/cards/make-your-own-christmas-cards/
Spend an evening making Christmas ornaments with the family
www.pinterest.com/explore/christmas-ornaments/?lp=true
Make a Christmas wreath
www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/how-to/g1253/diy-christmas-wreaths/
www.marthastewart.com/276349/how-to-make-a-wreath
www.bhg.com/christmas/wreaths/
Bake Christmas cookies
http://allrecipes.com/recipes/841/holidays-and-events/christmas/desserts/christmas-cookies/
www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/dishes/cookie-recipes/christmas-cookies
www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/christmas/g2177/easy-christmas-cookies/
www.goodhousekeeping.com/best-christmas-cookies-recipes/
Give a donation in someone’s name as a gift
A few ideas:
www.internationalmissionforchildren.org/
Most important of all take time to prepare yourself.
The following are some youtube sites for personal reflection and prayer:
A reflection on the names of Jesus
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqU7h2om18I
This Christmas could be different
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIOuga8LBZc
Relaxing Christmas music:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DChDhKFHVO4
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-__PcqLe0tc
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEcRxAGHxoA
A few quotes for reflection:
“Incarnation names and celebrates the embodiment of God in the whole of creation.”
– Diarmuid O’Murchu
“God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving. If he gives us the gift of Christmas, it is because we all have the ability to understand and receive it.”
– Pope Francis
“Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” –Alexander Smith
All of us here at EarthConnection wish you and your families a very blessed, joyous and peace-filled Christmas season. May the Miracle of Christmas fill your lives now and always.
Sr. Winnie Brubach, SC – Facilities Coordinator
Sue DiTullio – Administrative Assistant
Sr. Caroljean Willie, SC – Program Director
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