The kids and I sat down this weekend and mapped out our plan for a green christmas. Its going to be different but alot more thoughtful we think than the commercial crap that is so often shoved down our throats by every outlet possible at this time of year.
1)Home made stuff....Rhiannon and I both worked really hard to make jelly, salsa, syrup and other canned stuff. We are alos planning several gifts in jar items and baked goods to give to family and friends. We have picked up a couple of tie dye kits and several packages of white shirts too. Those will be for the kids friends and people they want to make gifts for.
2)Second hand stuff.....My kids have never thought everything they get should or needs to be brand new. There are so many good finds to be made at yard sales and second hand stores. Kids outgrow toys and get bored with them so quick that there isnt a reason to not look for second hand. Even if you dont have the time to get out second hand shopping everyone has time to check craigslist
3)Sales.....We are trying to avoid buying pretty much anything brand new this year at all, however some things are useful and cheap enough not to pass up. Take for instance today I was lucky enough to catch numerous items at wal-mart for $1 each, including Dr Scholls tennis shoes for Donovan. I bought 3 pairs for 3 dollars, a savings of 72 dollars not taking tax into consideration. The secret is not just falling for the SALE attitude and buying only what you need and will use.
4)Free....Before you knock it I suggest trying it. Freecycle is a wonderful thing and I also plan to start a green christmas yahoo group to help people trade items around that they need. In this ecconomy I see free/trading and barter as very viable options for the holiday season.
Any more ideas?? We are still brain storming
Our house has turned into reptile rescue. We have 6 pythons now...sigh. Its fun though. They are interesting and have alot of personality. Kali is still my favourite. She has the privilage of the big tank in the living room where she gets to be in the middle of all the household activities. We have aquired Shiva and Durga who we rescued from horrible circumstances.(2 snakes being kept in a 10 gallon tank with a hot rock and no water)They had only been fed once in the last month and she had thrown hers up so they were basically starved to boot. Both are happy, healthier and turning into as big of attention sluts as the rest of our crew. Unfortunatly we are at our limit so if anyone is interested in educating themselves and adding a new family member let me know. I am offered pythons for cheap to free pretty regularly at this point. Snakes are easy, dont smell, and allergin free.
Well I think I am going to call it a night. Tonya starts her new job as a lunch lady tomorrow and I have to be up early to take her to work.
No comments:
Post a Comment