There were years that we were very poor, so for months before the holiday we would save the things we needed anyway, to have as Christmas gifts. We were no less appreciative of getting needed things than frivolous trinkets, in fact, I think we appreciated them more. Shoes, linens to replace threadbare ones, tools, or whatever, were something that received more appreciation at Christmas and felt like an indulgence.

You can reduce your exposure to the advertising and pressure to buy if you plan your gifts early, so that you do not need to go to shopping centers in late November and December. Some families make the choice of one small gift only, or of only handmade gifts. Giving your time is another option. It is often even more appreciated to get something repaired or fixed or a problem solved than it is to receive something wrapped.

Think of events you can do for December and Christmas to bring you and your family and friends closer together. Baking cookies or candies with a good friend is one of my favorite Christmas rituals. We bake them to give away as gifts, so it is often an all weekend activity like a tiny cookie factory. It takes more time than money. We always play the game of having “high standards” and not allowing any slightly imperfect cookie or candy leave the kitchen (we of course, eat the imperfect ones… funny how there are a lot of them). We put on music, we talk, make a complete and utter mess, wrap the gifts together to make them as pretty as possible but the best part is having a wonderful time together.

You can also plan a board game night or a music night when you invite friends in for a nice evening, or go caroling. Some people like volunteering during this time of year to help the hungry or bring cheer to children in hospitals or the elderly in nursing homes.

Enjoying the seasonal weather is another way of having a less commercial holiday. When weather permits you can have a lovely bonfire and hot cider outdoors, go sledding or skating or hiking to see the natural wonders in your area. All of these things can be annual events with loved ones, like a late night walk on Christmas eve through your neighborhood.

For many, they wish to bring the spirit of the holiday back by observing their religious beliefs and making that central to their celebration. There are delightful church events in most Christian churches and you need only contact your church to find out more. There are also wonderful ethnic traditions centered around religious beliefs, and it can be a way of getting in touch with your roots to learn how to use a nacimiento (Mexico), advent calendar (Germany), a Santa Lucia wreath (Sweden) or traditions from your heritage or any other country.

Social network users, click for myspace comments such as compliments, cool comments, love, flirty, birthday, holidays, religion, funny, cute, etc. You can also use myspace graphics If you love Thanksgiving, click Christmas Myspace Layouts to add to your profile.

Waechtersbach Plate, You Are Special Today, Cherry Red $22.93 This is the original "red plate" imported from Germany where it is carefully made by Waechtersbach, producer of world famous ceramics noted for their brilliant, deep color. This plate is a perfect complement to Waechtersbach's solid cherry red dinnerware, formerly known as the "Fun Factory" line. Set the table in red and replace one setting with the "you are special" plate to honor a guest or ce...

Faith Hope and Love Ceramic Commuter Coffee Tea Cup Travel Mug $11.99 This mug has the inspirational words from 1 Corinthians 13:13 "Faith Hope and Love and the Greatest of These is Love". Purple and pink hues with white swirls complete the design. Whether it's with you in your car or on your desk at work, this mug is a MUST HAVE. Practical & convenient. Travel mug holds up to 18 ounces. Snug plastic lid and two openings for sipping. Made of ceramic. Lid twist...

Seek Beach Scene Absorbent Stone Auto Car Cup Holder Coaster $2.49 Spilled drinks in your car driving you mad? Put an end to messy cupholders in your car or boat with this great idea. Made of absorbent stone, these high quality coasters will catch spills and drips. Express yourself with this popular moisture absorbent coaster designed to fit most auto cup holders. They are also great for use on your bar, coffee table or anywhere you could use a great coaster !...

WOW Gospel 2012 (2 CD) $9.78 2012 two CD set. Filled with songs that lived at the top of the charts at Gospel radio, this double CD set is chock full of hits, including songs from Kirk Franklin , Mary Mary, and Marvin Sapp plus newcomers Wess Morgan and BET Sunday Best winner Le'Andria Johnson. Each WOW Gospel installment to date has achieved great success, garnering Gold and platinum certifications along with a faithful fanb...

Wow Hits 2012 $8.94 ...

Someone To Watch Over Me $5.60 BOYLE SUSAN SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME...

The First Christmas [VHS] $9.98 Lucas is a young shepherd, who has been blinded by lightening. Fortunately, some thoughful nuns at a nearby nunnery offer to take care of him. When Sister Catherine descovers Lucas has never seen snow, she tries to describe it to him. The nuns decide that at this year's Christmas pageant Lucas will play an angel. To everyone's surpise, it snows during the Christmas show. With the snow comes an une...

Jacob's Gift Video [VHS] $9.99 "The one who builds the best project will be asked to help build the new synagogue," Rabbi Simeon announces to the students in his woodworking shop. In this live action video, young Jacob struggles to choose just the right project to show his craftsmanship, until he finally discovers a great idea. But with his father's inn overflowing with guests, Jacob is pulled away from the project by his dut...

Timmy's Special Delivery: A Precious Moments Christmas Story [VHS] $4.46 ...

I Am Not a Plastic Cup Plastic Acrylic Tumbler ECO CUP on Ice with Straw ...