tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post1079814543324131259..comments2024-03-16T14:03:19.116+00:00Comments on Above the River: The last drop of lightCJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14311693185700341580noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-36223137902153701432015-12-31T07:22:05.468+00:002015-12-31T07:22:05.468+00:00thanks to shar information in the website,after re...thanks to shar information in the website,after reading i' very like'it<br /><a href="http://goo.gl/QlccJk" rel="nofollow">obat pereda nyeri dan kaku di leher tradisional</a>obiherbalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06244620954995308531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-50807605594056496662015-12-19T17:47:54.627+00:002015-12-19T17:47:54.627+00:00On the wrapping paper thing, I tend to re-use all ...On the wrapping paper thing, I tend to re-use all the paper that so often comes into the house in other guises -- protection for things I've ordered online, unwanted letters from estate agents etc etc. So often it's lovely and brown and looks just like the classy Kraft wrapping paper. I either stamp it, or -- if I'm feeling v inspired! -- iron it and then stick it through the printer with some nice pictures on it. I have to confess, it does give me a little smug glow of satisfaction not to buy wrapping paper. It is the most absurd invention ever, when you think about it, purchasing something for the sole purpose of being almost immediately ripped and torn and thrown away! (I am also a prolific re-user of wrapping paper that we get given with presents in. I think I do that to the point of being a little embarrassing, ha ha.) xxxSabrina (Wolves in London)https://www.blogger.com/profile/17511110616201632118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-5504667727189496962015-12-19T09:07:32.546+00:002015-12-19T09:07:32.546+00:00oh thank you Christina! will do. I found a little ...oh thank you Christina! will do. I found a little stash of coloured light bulbs so I've filled with gaps at the end with those and then hidden them out of sight...... it works for now!driftwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11416170414524297337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-25806003382036972812015-12-17T23:06:53.468+00:002015-12-17T23:06:53.468+00:00I cannot commend/agree with your comments about a ...I cannot commend/agree with your comments about a 'smaller' Christmas enough - and I know what you mean about 'nauseating' over-consumption without wanting to bah-humbug at all. I've been feeling exactly the same this year particularly, and so have been concentrating on small, meaningful, mostly made gifts, using things I had already, and no new decorations that aren't foraged foliage. Also, no more store-bought unrecyclable wrapping paper! And food - food as gifts. Who needs more things, really?!! Well - I suppose those are all very obvious, common-sense changes. But basically I just want to say good on you, and you're not alone :)Louisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18277732200893723884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-14099042554903327562015-12-17T20:55:55.786+00:002015-12-17T20:55:55.786+00:00I feel the same way as you about Christmas. Our Ch...I feel the same way as you about Christmas. Our Christmas presents have always been less excessive as our friends and family. The children are used to this, it is difficult sometimes when they are surrounded by others who give and receive so much more. We reuse Christmas bags and wrap gits in tissue paper. We have made our own Christmas cards. Our food is where possible from local suppliers, and the quality is better too. I have reduced our Christmas decorations and bring in more greenery and branches from outside to provide a festive feel. I came across the 4 gift rule the other day-a thing they want, a thing they need, a thing they wear and a thing they read. I am happy as long as I have a book at Christmas! Sarah xDown by the seahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06148800326418238027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-85701611892754908112015-12-17T16:01:59.047+00:002015-12-17T16:01:59.047+00:00I prefer to celebrate Yule & give gifts in mem...I prefer to celebrate Yule & give gifts in memory of those who have passed on..... =>¿<=Sylphic Designshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14175301223929228440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-68850267742182385572015-12-17T16:01:51.401+00:002015-12-17T16:01:51.401+00:00I prefer to celebrate Yule & give gifts in mem...I prefer to celebrate Yule & give gifts in memory of those who have passed on..... =>¿<=Sylphic Designshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14175301223929228440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-36310723948383162532015-12-17T15:40:18.079+00:002015-12-17T15:40:18.079+00:00Mostly homemade gifts here, or things that are nee...Mostly homemade gifts here, or things that are needed and will be used. I agree about the over-consumption aspect, it makes me uncomfortable too. Well said, CJ! xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-44660953878100139002015-12-17T13:35:29.478+00:002015-12-17T13:35:29.478+00:00I make my cards out of recycled cards and I just m...I make my cards out of recycled cards and I just mostly say 'no' to lots of stuff, I too find it all a bit sickening. My children don't ask for much so that is a blessing, they just like cutting and sticking and making stuff out nothing which warms my heart. We would rather go on a holiday together than by lots of rubbish, that is what we value more. Jo xJohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03668713514058875484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-87225706222084881962015-12-17T09:18:29.068+00:002015-12-17T09:18:29.068+00:00All along with you here... It is not so much that ...All along with you here... It is not so much that I do or give less, but I give it more thoughts... Shop small, shop local, I have been trying to stick this into my head for this Xmas... It is not always easy but it is worth it... I have written some days ago a post which I titled "conscious Christmas" so your words here resonate loud :-)Stephaniehttp://www.lecomptoirdestephanie.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-45070446808745597902015-12-16T16:46:37.964+00:002015-12-16T16:46:37.964+00:00I totally understand your thoughts and it is frust...I totally understand your thoughts and it is frustrating especially this time of year when it is all so in your face! Having little ones makes it all so much more doesn't it? More to buy, more to wrap, more to shop for. But they do add so much wonder and magic to this time of year.<br />hugs to you,<br />MeredithMereknitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04596140300034854370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-71902039753811369942015-12-16T14:52:06.764+00:002015-12-16T14:52:06.764+00:00I use cards that are made from recycled materials,...I use cards that are made from recycled materials, local meat and produce and only gift to my 10yr old and husband. Our trees in the house we've had for years and the ornaments are ancient and some of them are handmade. As I live in a tourist area, we've had christmas decorations in the shops since the summer so I am sick of it all already if I'm honest. We have a christmas dinner and sweets and stuff but nowhere near as much as we used to. <br />If you find an opt out badge, may I have one to please. Love your blog. XAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08353610475054781575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-79798613798699774862015-12-16T11:10:59.175+00:002015-12-16T11:10:59.175+00:00Good for you! Our Christmas lasts about a fortnigh...Good for you! Our Christmas lasts about a fortnight - Firstly quiet at home with just the two of us. No turkey or extravagance on the day - just church, a few gifts and my husband doing his annual attack on one of Jamie's recipes. Then our daughter and her family, when we have the turkey/beef (Local meat) depending on what she has already had. Adult presents are little things in a gift box with a maximum value of 20.00 and the children get something homemade, a couple of books and a toy to play with. The grandchildren so far are unaware of advertising. Hooray BBC iplayer with no ads!<br />Then we start the round of wider family, catching up with whatever has happened since we last saw them, accompanied by food which we all contribute to.<br />Exhausting but enjoyable. Tree goes up on Christmas Eve, just like it did when I was little. Decorated to the sound of carols and mince pies. As primary school teachers we have never been able to concentrate on Christmas till the school celebrations are done. I am glad when the timing is like this year - a week before and a week after. Perfect. Marynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-48103406405604230092015-12-16T10:05:42.446+00:002015-12-16T10:05:42.446+00:00No need to apologise Ellen, I love a lengthy comme...No need to apologise Ellen, I love a lengthy comment. You're right about looking after the planet on all the other days as well. We tend not to have tinsel here, then last year on a walk in the middle of the countryside we found a huge long piece of it on a bush. In the middle of nowhere! The littlest boy brought it home and so now that's his decoration and it lives in his room, although it's been temporarily banished to the cupboard under the stairs because it's shedding bits everywhere. Maybe he'll forget about it... CJ xxCJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14311693185700341580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-62473213630196705632015-12-15T23:42:29.656+00:002015-12-15T23:42:29.656+00:00I'd like to be able give you some kind of prac...I'd like to be able give you some kind of practical advice for having a less excessive Christmas. Unfortunately I'm probably not the right one. I'm married to a Grinch who begrudgingly gives into our Christmas spirit of gifting and decorating, but we try to be thoughtful -- practical gifts, reusable things, minimal packaging when possible our decorations too are manageable, no more acquiring really. just one box for us all.<br /><br />I actually let my son put tinsel on the tree this year. First time in 12, because he was becoming obsessive about it. Fixated, like a child who is never allowed to have candy. I think it'll be demystified now and for the next 364 days of the next year when we continue to find these pieces of silver devil tears all around our tiny apartment mixed in with wayward pine needles. <br /><br />So thinking on this I'll say what my mother and I say about Valentine's Day. What good is it if your lover treats you well one day of the year and crap the other 364? You seem like a friend of the earth year round. Do I make sense? <br /><br />I see your life as very actively environmentally conscious. You're making this consciousness normal and a happy easy way of life for your family which will more than likely be the way they live in the future. Three boys who know how to take care of each other and the earth should help us bring about some balance to the spoils of the holiday season yeah? I think you're already on track CJ. *Sorry about the lengthy commentelnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09654199835246576704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-5809239228750151272015-12-15T19:54:32.829+00:002015-12-15T19:54:32.829+00:00We got out of it all sort of by accident. The firs...We got out of it all sort of by accident. The first year I was married to my farmer husband, we were completely hailed out. So we wrote letters to all our relatives, and basically opted out except for the people who had no other family to exchange with. When finances got better (took a couple of years) we discussed it and decided not to go back. Our children (5) each got a change of clothes, a good book, and one thing they really wanted (under $20.00). Our tree is fake (dreaded plastic) but we have had it 20 years, and it's small enough one tiny string of lights is enough.<br />We raised our children to believe that Christmas was for the little ones, and to spend their spare money on giving to the needy. I can't avoid the shops, I own one - although it is a fabric and needlework shop - and so not full of 'stuff.' We downsized sending cards when I realized we only got one back for every 12 or so we sent, and some people never responded in ten years. Then we went to just a handwritten 'news' letter for the remaining few. Most of them are now passed on so it's pretty much done for us. Dinner is just a few traditional things like a ham, sweet potatoes, cherry and apple pie, and whoever wants to stop by. Quiet, peaceful, - we don't have everything, but we don't really need anything. It's harder when your children are small, especially with the advertising, but we did without television, so ours weren't even aware of a lot of the stuff to ask for. I wouldn't do it any different if I was starting over. Good luck with your holidays. Wishing you a peaceful heart.Patty@inStitcheshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18008067462064666901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-16628700575344227992015-12-15T18:33:48.554+00:002015-12-15T18:33:48.554+00:00That sounds so frustrating about the tree! One pe...That sounds so frustrating about the tree! One person's mess up created a problem for you to solve that I'm sure wasn't fun at all. At least it's up and decorated with all your love from past Christmases. Would love to see a picture! I know what you mean about a cloud of mass consumerism hanging over our heads especially during this season. Sometimes I find it hard to believe how many different versions of a shirt I can purchase. Are there really enough people to buy all these things available to us? I know I'm part of the problem, because I love selling stuff, too, (and buying things) but it still makes you stop to think once in a while. Your version of the holiday sounds lovely. Just spending time with loved ones will make the season bright. Wishing you a very merry Christmas, CJ!Karihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04482703385103047136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-57777083778517074832015-12-15T14:45:25.007+00:002015-12-15T14:45:25.007+00:00I don't celebrate Christmas but enjoy watching...I don't celebrate Christmas but enjoy watching it from afar! The very best way to do it :)Handmade in Israelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05074180274102087566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-67955042418143264762015-12-15T11:57:03.553+00:002015-12-15T11:57:03.553+00:00I would certainly be quite grumpy after that wrest...I would certainly be quite grumpy after that wrestling match! :) <br /><br />Here in the USA in the stores, the Christmas stuff is on the shelves the day after Halloween, Thanksgiving is just about bypassed and by the time Christmas actually arrives one is practically immune to it after having seen it for two months everywhere you look. Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13091419343402163298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-24897598734956236562015-12-15T11:56:13.849+00:002015-12-15T11:56:13.849+00:00I would certainly be quite grumpy after that wrest...I would certainly be quite grumpy after that wrestling match! :) <br /><br />Here in the USA in the stores, the Christmas stuff is on the shelves the day after Halloween, Thanksgiving is just about bypassed and by the time Christmas actually arrives one is practically immune to it after having seen it for two months everywhere you look. Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13091419343402163298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-19110998620127401532015-12-15T10:03:19.391+00:002015-12-15T10:03:19.391+00:00We have a little hardware shop that stocks dozens ...We have a little hardware shop that stocks dozens of different fairy lights bulbs. Richard bought two bulbs for an ancient star chain last year. If you email me the details, I can ask next time I pass the shop. xxChristinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11883091348839145603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-89079665082183420272015-12-15T10:01:45.684+00:002015-12-15T10:01:45.684+00:00You make me laugh CJ! Wrestling with a Christmas t...You make me laugh CJ! Wrestling with a Christmas tree can't be easy. You also make me feel less guilty that I haven't written a single Christmas card yet. I only watch recorded shows on the telly just now to avoid the adverts and the news. It is crazy. I like a minimalist Christmas. We are not generally shopping more than usual and we do try and get local food. Richard's friend manages the local abattoir so we usually get a piece of beef from a local cow, processed locally. I am tempted to buy an IKEA christmas tree but will probably go for a tree from the local farm, even though it costs double the money. Present wise, it is only the children in the family and my mum who get one, one or two good friends. I don't deny the little ones the plastic crap they so dearly want (Hotwheels and Playmobil) but for my mum and my best friend I bought little things from our artist cooperative. I am feeling quite smug now, reading this comment. Have a lovely stress free week. xxChristinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11883091348839145603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-42020891854577398602015-12-15T09:05:38.709+00:002015-12-15T09:05:38.709+00:00fairy lights are my big rant at the moment. we hav...fairy lights are my big rant at the moment. we have two sets of lights, which aren't very old, and despite my very best efforts I can't get replacement bulbs. The lady in the shop suggested I just buy a whole new set.... two hours of wrestling bulbs later I got 3/4 of the string of bulbs working, and that will have to do....... I don't do crackers, or plasticky ribbons, and the boxes of sweets drive me mad. So much packaging...... We got our birch branch Christmas tree down from the attic yesterday, each time it gets stuffed through the hatch it gets more battered and loses a few more twigs, but the relief of not having to go and buy a tree it immense xxxdriftwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11416170414524297337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-17434406143821189122015-12-14T21:56:45.455+00:002015-12-14T21:56:45.455+00:00Couldn't have put it better! I've just don...Couldn't have put it better! I've just done a little shopping today and hated seeing all those people loaded up with carrier bags and boxes full of 'stuff'. I'm trying to only give homemade or locally bought gifts this year but haven't been totally successful. I do love Sandra D's secret santa for the adults idea - I'm going to suggest that for next year. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02322755464488266572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235841642149423068.post-45446379054640605852015-12-14T21:36:46.254+00:002015-12-14T21:36:46.254+00:00No tips, but I do agree with what you said. I try...No tips, but I do agree with what you said. I try and do things myself, like make the cake and decorate it as that makes me feel more connected to the real parts of Christmas. Glad that you found the right books for the tree propping, ours is leaning - artificial though it is! - and I cannot find just the right thing to get it straight. I will keep trying! xxAmy at love made my homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17111180584250029433noreply@blogger.com