2015 Guide to Moulding Boys into Men

Posted on February 13, 2015 by dainabenson

Hi! Remember me?

I cannot believe a year has shot by since my last blog.

Life…sigh…

I’m sure you can relate.

A few big changes have happened in our household. I started my own business and took a nice stack of courses to benefit me. Our household of 5 became 4 (sniff…sniff…) as the oldest has fled the nest and started a life of his own. And one more big change – my baby has become a teenager.

WTH?

We have somehow gone from the haywire s**t show that was managing babies and toddlers to the…well, let’s face it…it’s still a s**t show with teens. I guess the big difference is that in the midst of smelly diapers, misused crayons and spilled lego, there didn’t seem to be an end in sight. Now we are a mere 5 years from being parents of adults and proud owners of an empty nest (theoretically).

Cheers!

beer pic

There are several key values to instill in our boys as we get them ready for the world.

First; we are the manner police. I get compliments on their manners constantly. And although I’m proud (and I really am) I honestly think that it’s sad how good manners stand out so much.

Our aim is not to just have polite children. I want them to understand how much farther someone is willing to go for you when you are courteous and kind. When you show authentic gratitude for another person’s actions. And how a simple ‘I’m sorry’ can turn around a situation.

I want them to understand that good deeds aren’t always followed by praise – that isn’t why we do them. We all have a responsibility to leave the world better than we found it. Even if it’s just holding open a door for a stranger or giving someone your bus seat.

We also want them to understand that no one ‘owes’ them anything. The world doesn’t owe them opportunities, or large pay cheques or easy paths. You aren’t entitled to start at the top. Hard work, risks, choices – that’s where life is born. Earn it! Do it! Experience it! Don’t be afraid to fail! Your integrity isn’t just an asset to an employer. It’s a gift to yourself. Leaving a day’s work knowing that you did it well for no other reason than it feels good do know you did a good job.

And;

We want them to fill their lives with people who care about them. I had a conversation with my 15-yr-old recently about the quality of friendships, and the importance of reciprocity. People come and go. Some friends are better than others, but ask yourself; does that guy have my back like I have his? Would be jump in to help me if I was in trouble?

And this goes their relationships with girls.

As much as I expect them to be courteous and caring with the ladies in their lives, I want them to choose partners who will respect them back. How do these girls treat their friends and families? How do they talk to/about strangers? Do they have interests and passions of their own? Do they respect your interests and passions? These things matter. Please treat your gal like a queen. But she should be treating you like a king.

At the end of the day, after we’ve done our best to mould upstanding citizens, we just really want our kids to recognize life for the adventure it is. Work hard when you are working, but play hard too. Contribute to your community, but go out and see the world. And while they are out exploring the world, finding their place and enjoying the wonderful people in their lives, we don’t want them to forget to come home and tell us all about it.

Ttys ❤

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Sprig has Sprug

Posted on April 21, 2014 by dainabenson

 

I hate spring. No, I LOVE spring…no I hate spring…

Let’s just say; it’s complicated

It has a been a long winter. Very long. Several times I’ve got excited about the fact I could finally see my (brown) lawn only to wake up to fresh white snow in the morning.

AHHH!

I’m itching to get outside and enjoy a little spring – literally. I’m sick. So sick. Snow mould is my worst allergy, followed by my second worst allergy which hits me when the tree buds just begin to open. My eyes are swollen and scratchy, my nose is red and chapped. I’m coughing and sneezing (and apparently becoming rather whiney). I look like absolute s***, so you know I’m going to run into someone from high school when I stop for gas.

But that’s ok. I’m just sick of winter!

Spring has always been a big deal around our household. Gone are the times that the boys put on rubber boots and splash pants so they could jump in puddles. These days are now replaced with older boys riding bikes through puddles with absolutely no rubberized gear to protect their expensive running shoes nor deflect that muddy splatter from their clothing – sigh. It’s funny how splashing in the mud never seems to lose its appeal. 2014-04-21 15 20 10

 

Spring fever has also hit the furry member of our household. Our dog not only enjoys exploring some of the muddier parts of our yard but feels the need to run through the house and onto my favourite chair with his dirty little feet before I can get him wiped.

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Why do I love spring again?

It’s the time of year we become reacquainted with our neighbours. Brisk temperatures and attached garages hide us away and I find myself struggling to even remember some of my neighbour’s names. But what’s his face next door waved at me yesterday and the lady with the black dog said hello…missed those guys!

We are big on neighbourhood spring clean-up. Perhaps it is ‘I’ who am big on it, but since I call the shots ‘WE’ head out into our street and neighbouring parks to pick up the trash that’s been hidden for months beneath the snow.

I can’t lie – I love it. Every dirty moment.

I love the fact that I can do something outside after months holed up in the house. I love the soggy, muddy, often smelly junk. It’s like an archaeology dig. You never know what you will find. There are the usual things; wrappers, cans, mitts, cigarette packs (…and porn time to time). We’ve stumbled onto things that I’ve had to educate my children not to touch; broken glass, lighters, the occasional latex-made product. Sadly, I’ve found a syringe or two over the years.

We’ve also found a few items that owners are certainly sorry they’ve lost. Lost toys, jewellery, keys – we have a strict ‘no keeping’ policy but it doesn’t take away from the fun of the treasure hunt.

The biggest thing we ‘find’ is that people see us cleaning and decide they should join in. I always keep extra bags. Every year without fail we’ve had at least one other person show up with gloves and a smile. I have yet to hear my kids complain that ‘it isn’t their mess’. We all understand that this little community clean up is just a necessary step in the gear up for summer process. They don’t want to see the trash in their green space any more than I do. It also keeps them mindful of their own impact on the environment. It’s sad to see how much trash is discarded on the ground. I will never understand how someone can be so disrespectful to the earth and its occupants.

So Spring and I have a complicated relationship but I love it unconditionally as you would an annoying family member…you know the one…

I encourage you to give up a little time, get some fresh air and go pick up some of the crap that is taking away from the beauty of your street. It’s a great way to meet you neighbours, do a great service for our planet and who knows, you might just find something special…ish.

Happy Spring!

D

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Go Canada!

Posted on March 19, 2014 by dainabenson

The Olympic Games this year were very exciting for me. Everyone loves cheering for his or her favourite team but when it comes to cheering for our country, we all get competitive. I was amazed at all of the countries and athletes participating in the Olympics. My favourite sports to watch were the snowboarding, speed skating and the skeleton. The athlete’s hard work and incredible talent just blows my mind!

Everyone was sneaking in time to watch the Olympics when they could, including during work time. My entire school joined together in the gym and watched the men’s semi-final hockey game. With everyone’s spirits glowing as red and white as the Canadian flag, the gyms energy was the most phenomenal thing I have ever felt in my life. Everyone was cheering so loud at our big win, that it took my breath away. The millions of people who watched the game must have had an astounding day.

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My family and I went to our friends house to celebrate and (try to) stay up all night for the 5:00 A.M final men’s hockey game. This being for the gold, I was so excited to watch and cheer for my country as they played live on TV. Sadly, my friend and I fell asleep by 4:00 A.M. When I woke up it was 7:00, the game was over. Even though I missed the game, I still was thrilled with our win.

GOLD! Way to go Canada!

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Sharing this feeling with people I care about makes me happy to live in Canada, where I can speak for myself and celebrate with who I wish. Team Canada was our community connection. Everyone cheered as one as our home team stood upon the podium. As a community we were united in pride and love for our country. We need to find more things that do that.

Thanks for reading!

Kobe – 12

 

Obviously we have a hockey theme lately.

We DO need to find more things that incite pride and unity within our community. I had heard a small amount of criticism about the school pausing classes to enjoy the Olympics in the gym. Not just at my children’s school but at schools across the country. These critics are missing the point. It is not about having a day off classes. It’s about spirit, togetherness, gratitude and patriotism. Its about experiencing something with your friends that you can’t learn in a classroom. Bravo to the school administrations and business owners who saw the importance in providing access to Olympics. After reading Kobe’s blog, I would have to say mission accomplished!

D.

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Its the Best Game You can Name

Posted on February 28, 2014 by dainabenson

Hey guys! Long time, no write. I thought I’d get away with avoiding the blog this year but my mom informed me that I’m doing it anyways.

Today, I’m going to talk about playing shinny at the outdoor rink (ODR). My friends and I go to one of the local rinks and have a game of drop-in hockey with all the people there.

I love hockey. I love the sound when my blades hit the ice. I love the stick handling. I love winding up for a shot. Even the sound of the puck hitting the post. Sometimes it’s cold. Really cold. But that just means that once in a while I practically get the ice to myself.

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The best part about the outdoor rink is the people. I play with kids as young as 4 and grownups as old as 60. There’s no age limit to play. Some people play hockey in a league and some can barely skate, but it doesn’t matter because everybody’s there just to have fun.

We’re very different but we all love hockey.

We may have been strangers at first but now we know each other better. We have some laughs, encourage each other and have some good (play) fights.

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It’s a Canadian thing.

Together we shovel the rink. We bring extra pucks and water bottles to share with anyone who needs some. I’ve brought extra sticks in case someone doesn’t have one. The more, the merrier.

And the thing is it’s free! You need skates and stick. That’s it. Oh, and you need to love hockey and want to have fun.

I look forward to seeing the familiar faces each time I go, even when its -20⁰c. So pack up your skates and stick – if you don’t have one I’ll bring an extra – and join me in a hockey game. I can promise you a rockin’ time and awesome people. See you there!

Stay Sweet!

Conner

It’s pretty cool seeing my son walk to the rink, skates in hand and a stick over his shoulder. The outdoor rinks are such a great place in any community. People of all ages and back grounds sharing in something healthy and fun. Don’t forget to check out your own local ice. Your community is waiting for you.

Xo

D

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Mind Your Manners!

Posted on February 20, 2014 by dainabenson

I’ve allowed a little situation from earlier this week to get under my skin. I won’t get into specifics. As my friend Barb – and fellow blogger – has joked many times, it would be great to have a secret blog that no one you knew read so that you could blast out your every thought without the consequence of upsetting people in your life.

But I digress…

Simply; I found someone’s behaviour rude. I was (am) annoyed. I’ve yet to shrug it off.

Meh. This happens.

Some things are easier to look past than others. I don’t want to be the manner police, but let’s say for today’s blog that I am.

What has happened to common courtesy? Has it become an optional attitude that we can choose to use each day as we would a toothbrush or a pair of socks?

Pardon me, but courtesy doesn’t NOT go with these shoes…

conner manners

I was taught manners. They were ingrained in me. I was taught respect. Not just for others but for myself. When I was a kid it was not only the parents that were in charge of these qualities. An aunt, a neighbour or even the lady at the cash register was quite happy set you straight – it was still an ‘it takes a community to raise a child’ mentality.

I have passed this onto my kids. It is an expectation. I do expect them to mind their *Ps & Qs. To be thoughtful and kind.

To be grateful.

I expect them to be good house guests and respectful neighbours. I don’t think that it’s old fashioned or extreme parenting. I’ve explained to them how much further someone is willing to go to aid you when you are polite. Or how understanding people can be with a simple ‘I’m sorry.’ My kids do not struggle with the concept, in fact they are polite and thoughtful boys. They respect themselves enough to understand their value and in turn recognise how they should behave and treat other people. I am very proud of them.

kobe manners

I don’t find that it takes any exhausting effort on my part to say thank-you when someone offers me their service. Or to be considerate about someone’s time, space or needs. Community thrives under these conditions. Indifference and apathy are the chisels which divide a group. It is in our nature to look to our neighbours for support much as our ancestors relied on their clan members for survival. And really the first, and utterly effortless step in these relationships, is courtesy.

The act of rudeness, which initiated this particular blog, was not intentional. The person was simply discourteous, indifferent and thoughtless. And why did I get so prickly over it? I don’t know. I guess the real question is; should we expect people to mind their manners?

Yes. I think we should.

A little rant-y for this week, huh? Please feel free to share your feelings on the subject.

Xo

D

*I, of course, use Ps & Qs in the modern usage of the phrase – my kids do not serve alcohol 😉

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Spreading a Little Love

Posted on February 5, 2014 by dainabenson

Valentine’s day is around the corner. I know a lot of you may have the opinion that it is a Hallmark Holiday. Its cards and flowers and Valentines and chocolates, maybe even some bling. Yes, it’s carefully marketed. Yes, it’s an invented celebration that has been completely commercialized.

I’ve heard the arguments. I don’t even disagree – but who cares?

I get my share of the commercialized swag. I love it all. I will always welcome gestures of affection in whatever mode of transportation they find me. For my boys, it is an opportunity to go above and beyond to show they care and I have to say, the older they get the harder it is for them to wear their hearts on their sleeves – even for mom. They are thoughtful year round. I get shiny rocks they discover on the way home from school or wildflowers they find growing by the pond. I LOVE IT! But they enjoy the over-the-top quality of the heart-shaped boxes and cheap chocolates. Not because they can’t be bothered to be sweet year round but because it’s fun.

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My Husband is wonderful. I don’t’ have to wait for V-day for TLC but that doesn’t mean I don’t love the traditional sappy greeting card and overpriced flowers that he brings home.

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Debatably we began dating on Valentine’s day in 1995. I say debatably because my hubby and I don’t agree on the date. I was in grade 12 and he showed up at my school to surprise me with a mushy card and an adorable teddy bear.

So sweet!

Unfortunately, I didn’t show up to school that day. Booo me – I know.

We saw each other the next day and he ‘asked me out’. Technically, we began dating on February 15th…but the intention was on the 14th so I prefer to give credit to that day.

Moral of the story, kids; don’t play hookie. The first day of your life with your soul mate could start a day late.

My parents do the most romantic thing. They each have a giant hardcover Valentine’s card that they purchased sometime in the early 80’s. Every year they write a little note in each other’s cards. Can you imagine? Three decades of little, lovey messages to look back on. These cards are such a treasure!

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I guess my thoughts are that a gesture of love is beautiful. It might have been inspired by the bombardment of pink and red hearts when you walk into the grocery store but it is still beautiful. We should be loving and appreciative of our partner year round but what’s wrong with one day a year to go bat-shit-crazy over the top? You don’t have to cave to the commercial end of it. But why not make something special for your co-workers? Or send a series of thoughtful emails to your loved ones. Or go get some sexy boudoir pics done and shock the hell out of your spouse. Join in the fun!

I have the absolute good fortune to spend my V-day on the beach at a sunshine resort this year. It is a family vacation. Not sure that there will be paper valentines and ridiculously priced roses but I will be sure to show my loved ones that I care.

Wishing all you peeps loving thoughts on this Hallmark Holiday.

Xo

D.

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Call me crazy…seriously…

Posted on January 8, 2014 by dainabenson

2014 is here! We closed out 2013 feeling grateful, accomplished and best of all – sane!

I opened up the new calendar and saw beautiful, blank squares with little, quiet numbers…briefly. Then my head began to fill with the millions of things I had to fit in those squares with the start of the new year…which reminded me of all the little things I was to do different/better/more of…plus the variety of things that could be tacked onto a ‘resolution’ style list (though I don’t actually call it that…)

Deep breath, Daina.

There is only one way for a panic stricken, habitual list maker to survive. Paper. Pen. Phewff.

January is always a crazy month. As I mentioned, I’m not really a resolution making gal, but I feel the drive like everyone else to get back on the elliptical, make healthier choices and get my house and life organized. I’m not sure if the urge to exercise is because I see everyone else getting into gear or because I can feel the turkey and shortbread when I try to squeeze into my jeans. And as for getting organized? Well, I just really need to get organized.

Schedule

We have 5 January birthdays including my own. It is the start of new sports season for everyone in my household (none of us share a sport). I have schedules to make work, a wonderful sunshine vacation to prepare for and a little mental list of things I really want to do for myself. Personal goals…not resolutions…

I’m sure you do too.

As for my wonderful sunshine vacation…

vacation

It is truly wonderful once you get there. Beaches and sunshine and relaxation and margaritas…mmm… But it’s the getting there. I have to get us packed, make arrangements with the school, for the dog, for the mail etc. Passports, travel arrangements blah blah blah

And then there’s the body prep.

I have boys. For them, getting ready for a beach vacation means: Pack trunks and sunglasses. Get on the plane. Get off the plane. Get into said trunks and sunglasses . Enjoy.

I, on the other hand, am watching my weight for the months in advance (damn you Turkey and Shortbread). I have to book my pedicure and hair appointments. I get a spray tan because I’m one of the whitest girls in Alberta and the sun cooks me up like crispy bacon. And then I have to over pack…because I’m a girl and I want to have clothing choices everyday that I’m on vacation so I look as pretty as my polished toes and highlighted hair. It all sounds very vain, doesn’t it? Sigh…it is. At home I rock the ponytail and hoodie persona. On vacation I want to feel like…a babe…what can I say?

Arg… my non-resolution stuff…

habits

My husband and I do a sit down with each kid and each other to discuss our goals for the next few months. For the kids, we discuss what they want to do different or better and then ask how we can support them in achieving their goals. It gives the boys an opportunity to challenge themselves and feel the support from their parents. It’s also nice for hubby and me to see where are kids are at and understand what is important to them. They surprise us every time.

I personally get knocked down by my own staggering list of health improvements, personal goals and new responsibilities.

But I don’t call them resolutions for a reason. There is no timeline. No false promises. No broken intentions. It’s simply becoming aware of things I’d like to change and taking the first steps in making that happen.

This is the trap many people fall into.

Some changes are possible to make quickly – many are not. And as our life evolves throughout the year, things that seemed important in January are often irrelevant by October.

I attack these self improvement items with the same mantra that inspired this blog; Small steps, gestures and actions make big changes. For now, I just need to make lists to bring order to the millions of thoughts colliding in my scull.

So, to sum up my January panic:

1. Organize the calendar. I probably will change it as I go but at least the craziness is out of my head for now.

2. Make endless lists to organize our vacation even though all we really need are swimsuits, flip flops and sunscreen…but at least all the craziness is out of my head for now.

3. Organize my thoughts and goals on paper to bring about self awareness and ideas for a healthier lifestyle

…and get the craziness out of my head.

Do you see why I make lists?

Stay sane, my friends!

xo

D

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Christmas Spirit

Posted on December 18, 2013 by dainabenson

Today I am talking about Christmas spirit. At my school, we collect for Christmas hampers which include food and toys and other knick knacks for families within our community. This year is my first time to be in charge of them.

I`m thrilled!

We`ve made Christmas posters and wrapped boxes for the Christmas goodies. It was very cool. When I saw all of the hampers piled high in the school foyer today, ready for delivery, I got a huge smile. I`m so proud of our school for pulling together, and getting involved with a program that has such a big impact on our community.

Christmas blog Kobe

Tonight is also special. We get to deliver a hamper for a family we sponsored along with my grandparents. This is through another organization that supports local families. We do it every year. Our sponsor family has three children and one of them is the same age as I am.

Making these Christmas hampers gives me a warm feeling in my heart. I remember ripping up the stairs, yelling at my parents to wake up. When my parents woke, I sprinted to the living room. My heart gasped with joy, over whelmed with presents and happiness. I thought of all the kids getting that same feeling and that told me I was doing an important thing. I hope all those kids have a special Christmas in this community I call home.

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We can all give to these organizations. Mom cleaned out the pantry and my brother and I each took a big bag of food to school. Every can of soup or box of macaroni makes a difference!

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas. I’m planning on a good one!

Later!

Kobe – 12

The delivery to our sponsor family (its a different one each year) is a big part of Christmas for us. A few years ago we left the home of a very grateful mom and her extremely excited little girls and Kobe turned to me with teary eyes and said ‘My heart feels so full’. He was only about 6 or 7.  I was so happy that I’d involved the kids in the delivery. I’d hoped they would leave seeing the importance of such charities as well as feel grateful for our life. But they get so much more.

xo

D

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Adopt-A-Driveway UPDATE

Posted on December 12, 2013 by dainabenson

Hey there, well we adopted our driveway – listen to this!

She ended up being an old family friend. Isn’t that cool? We didn’t even know she was living in town. When someone contacted us with her name and number, we jumped on it. My mom and dad knew her for a very long time. My dad played hockey with her son and she was my dad’s boss when he was a truck driver. My mom graduated high school with her son.

Funny how the universe works.

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When I adopted the driveway I knew I’d feel good about doing a good deed. I was surprised on how much attention the blog got, both people who seemed inspired and people who just wanted me to shovel there driveway (HaHa – maybe next year folks). I didn’t realize that I would feel…I don’t know…proud, I guess. I’m proud that I followed through with what I’d promised and proud that I’m doing a good job.   

Our homeowner is very grateful.  It isn’t a big job to shovel, but it helps her a lot and that makes me feel so good inside.

Remember when I said I hope that she or he won’t be grumpy? Well she is the sweetest person (phewff) and this has been so worth it.

One more thing…

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I should admit that I don’t really enjoy the writing part of this blog. Writing isn’t my favorite thing…which is part of why I guess we’re doing it – practice! But it does make me spend more time thinking about the things I do and how it affects others. Both good and bad. I think it makes me pay more attention to the things other people do as well. I notice how many people are very thoughtful and helpful. I see that people can be very generous. Bad behavior gets noticed more for some reason. I’m glad I am noticing more good now.

How about you?

Stay sweet!

Conner – 13

I found it interesting when Conner had a hard time admitting that he was proud of himself. Pride and vanity are not the same thing. He should be proud. A healthy amount of pride is what drives us to continue doing what we are doing. It is a reward. So happy he let himself feel that pride. I’m proud too! Also appreciate his honesty about writing the blog. My kids are not always eager to do the actual writing part of the blog – actually it is quite a headache sometimes. But as they reflect on what they’ve been doing, that is where the real insights come. The practice certainly doesn’t hurt either Winking smile

Keep warm friends.

D.

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Time for the Holidays

Posted on December 4, 2013 by dainabenson

Over the years I’ve tried many different things to be more planet friendly over the holidays. I want to be mindful of the consumption, and the seemingly unavoidable waste, which comes with gifts and such. Though I have the very best of intentions at heart, my ideas are not always supported by my family.

One year I wrapped all of our presents in brown recyclable postal paper and tied pretty jute bows and crape flowers for decoration.

So pretty.

The kids, however, were disappointed in the dull wrap and missed the bright coloured paper. I’d forgotten that when you are little so much of the excitement of Christmas comes from the wrap. Sigh…it was a nice try but honestly, tape doesn’t stick to the brown paper that well anyhow and it just took so damn long to do.

We are back to bright paper although I’m big on reusable gift bags now that my kids are past the ‘rip and tear’ phase. That’s got to be better than nothing. (I also used newspaper years ago when I was a poor college student. It was ok except for the flimsiness of the paper and the fact that your hands were black from handling it.)

I’ve made Christmas cards from leftover paper from my scrapbooking days for a few years in a row. I’ve prided myself in purchasing very little and using up only stock I have as well as buttons, string, staples and whatever else I find laying around so not to be wasteful. I don’t mind tooting my own horn here and saying that they are beautiful. But as my stock dwindles and I feel that nagging pressure to up my game each year I’ve had to become more imaginative and the cards have become more and more complex. I actually have tendonitis (self-diagnosed) in my arm from this year’s batch. For these reasons I’ve had to rope my husband in to help with their completion for past 3 years. He has been a pretty good sport although makes it clear that he’d rather be doing….anything else. I told him that really it’s become a Christmas tradition that we make cute, crafty, Christmas cards together each year…he is not amused.

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I’ve done huge baking days with plans on giving friends and neighbours some good ol’ home baked yummies instead of something store bought and cheap. But with three sons it is really hard to produce baked goods faster than they disappear from the cooling tray.

…I may eat some of them as well…

And sadly, I don’t really luv baking. The whole idea of giving a gift baked with love disappears and becomes baked grudgingly with good intentions, frustration with my grabby kids and fear of not fitting in my holiday dress because of the dozen cookies I sampled while baking.

Doesn’t really have the same ring to it, does it?

My absolute least popular idea was a couple years ago I replaced our very large Christmas stockings with incredibly cute, yet significantly smaller ones. This was for two reasons. One, these large stockings were originally purchased because Santa was delivering toys that came with large packaging. He could then fit two largely packaged items in and it would nearly fill the sock. It was for convenience and to help out the old guy. Now the kids are interested in high ticket items that are small. I mean have you noticed the price shift? It seems that the smaller the gift the greater expense. Craziness! A stocking could very well put father Christmas right out of business. (hmm…I’ve always wanted diamond earrings – guess the kids aren’t the only ones with expensive taste)

Smaller stockings it is.

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The second reason is that I am no longer interested in accumulating more stuff. I believe in gift giving – enjoy it. But there is a difference between generosity and gluttony. I’ve watched far too many gifts go unappreciated by my children over the years simply because of the sheer number they received. They just couldn’t play with all of them. It creates clutter and chaos.

So where are we? Still with a little more paper waste than I’d like, complex Christmas cards, complicated baking practices and shrunken socks.

There’s hope!

We have the spirit of generosity and the time to give it. We have time to give to loved ones. We have time to support the organizations in the community. We have time to be good neighbours and friends. And we definitely have time to enjoy what is most important.

 

 

 

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