Advent Calendar

A wonderful gift of Christmas came to me in the form of an Advent Calendar from Jacquie Lawson and Lorrie of Fabric Paper Thread.  Thank you, Lorrie! ♥ What games I have played and arrangements I've made! There are so many things to do that I may never find them all. 
Today, I begin caring for my grandsons after school and on vacation days. I think they may quite enjoy hanging out in Chudleigh Manor, too.
And, just because I can, I may be sharing more of the things I have been doing there. I'd not be surprised to know that many of you have also been hanging out in the English countryside. ☺   P.S. Oops, forgot to say that, for those with iPads, there is a free app for a Christmas Village Advent Calendar also from Jacquie Lawson. 

Little Whatevers and Some Christmas Thoughts

Nothing too exciting going on around here today...

Oh wait! Yes, it's time for my hair to be trimmed this morning. I found yet another picture to take with me this time so I'll probably have the most confused hairdresser ever. I'm pretty sure that she already thinks I'm a nut. No comments please. Whether I show you my new do depends upon how well you behave until I get back or whether I'm in tears. Because, believe me, I can be reduced to tears by bad hair days. I can. I am that shallow.

The following is an excellent good sense article printed in its entirety about Christmas shopping. It's time for most of us to begin thinking about these things. I first read it while visiting Diane who writes a wonderful (and sadly private) blog. I believe she said that this comes from one of the ubiquitous forwards we all receive.

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone, yes EVERYONE, gets his/her hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

I don't believe that that's what Christmas is all about, but I still like the article. Thank you, Diane!

(Feel free to copy and share with your friends and family.)

For even more excellent and practical suggestions, visit Coffee Tea Books and Me Being a Blessing During the Holidays.

Have a blessed day...