Christmas Amidst Crisis

Indeed Christmas is just around the corner, For adults there are several ways to an expense-LESS Christmas, a homemade greeting card and a warm warm very warm HUG is going to nice, ok.. but what about the kids, i don't think my kids would appreciate a hug or a homemade greeting card. I will try to ask them what dish they want for Christmas and i will let them cook each own dish, that would be less expensive,it will be exciting for them. but then again, what about the other kids, well i don't think there is a way for an expense less Christmas. Give me some more time and i will think of a way.

I will be making home made gift baskets for a lot of my family members. I will also be painting ceramic ornaments and ceramic houses (you can get these cheap at Michaels or JoAnns). I bought my niece and nephews books from Barnes and Nobel. I am not sure what to get my hubby since he has not given me any ideas as to what he wants. I have recipes for cookies, bread, fudge and candy (these are easy to follow and you do not need do too many ingredients).

How about making a blessing wreath? Each of you writes down blessings that you have received through the year, and write blessings that you wish for others to receive (not just family and friends but also strangers...country men and women. Hang the wreath someplace prominent in your home...to remind you of the blessings that you have received through the years and also to remind you of the family members that aren't with you any more.

The situation of the deprived truly pervades the senses. They are everywhere begging for alms and a soft spot in our hearts to love them. Christmas is actually a time to put them in our hearts. Thank God my family is not so materialistic anymore. We only exchange scented soaps and candles, inspirational books and fruit cakes for Christmas. Then we eat out as a celebration of Jesus' birthday. Then we give out wafers and other biscuits, candies and noodles, plastic toys and books to the children of the streets. A fellow homeowner gives out bags of rice and canned goods. I wish I could do that. Another cooks lugao with a piece of chicken or boiled egg and opens his garage for feeding. I also wish I could do that. In time, when my children had graduated. I told them to remember the less fortunate as first in their list come Christmas time. They promised to do so.

HI msfrancisco, Yes, Christmas is in the air, and no matter how devastated our country has been in the past few weeks, we cannot just ignore the festive mood that naturally comes with the season. There are creative ways to celebrate Christmas without digging deeply into the pocket, I've seen some tips on the local morning shows, and I intend to try some of them. The mere presence of all family members and friends is enough to make Christmas special. Gift giving will still be there, but what gifts to give, in this difficult times is a big question. This season, I'd like to focus more on the true spirit of Christmas - love, compassion, forgiveness, generosity and contentment - these should reign in our hearts. After all, this is what Christmas is all about.

Youre right msfrancisco, it would be difficult to celebrate Christmas while most of our fellowmen have nothing to spend, they dont even have a house. Well, i would like to share with you some ways to celebrate Christmas. Recycle your Christmas decorations. Wealthy ones fill their house with lights and decorations but we dont have to do that. Its a fire hazzard isnt it. Prepare simple dishes (food) only enough for the whole family. On Christmas day, go to church and go to the mall to watch a movie or treat the kids to the rides. Thats all.

Some things should be continued, especially those that are needed to take care of one another and that lift the spirits. I will celebrate Christmas my and my family's traditional ways, with a mindfulness toward keeping costs low and gratitude and love high. Karen