Wrapping paper and Christmas cards are part of the tradition but how about being even more creative and environmentally friendly? Sending online Christmas cards isn’t the same but it’s an alternative. If you buy cards get them in a box, buying a single card will cost a lot more. Plus you will have enough cards rather than going out again for anyone you forgot. Of course, look for cards and wrapping paper made with recycled paper.

Wrap presents in fabric: dish cloths, towels, blankets, scarves, pillowcases and clothing. How about giving presents in other containers such as lunch bags, travel cases, laundry baskets, cookie jars, food storage containers, tool boxes, knapsacks and other things people can use again. It’s a present in a present that way. You can also wrap presents in drawings children have made. Pages from comics, magazines, newspapers and books too dog eared to reuse (second hand bookstores) are crafty ideas too.

Skip the bows and ribbons and go with other reusable things like strings of beads, knitting yarn, garden twine and mittens on a string for kids. Decorate the top of the package with Christmas ornaments, fridge magnets, hair clips, seed packages, sample packs of coffee, photos from Christmas past, anything small and useful or just small and pretty.

Furoshiki - a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that were frequently used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods.

At what hour is Christmas over? I have no idea. It's over for me. Kind of that deflated feeling, not quite as strong as getting out of bed in the morning and realizing the world has ended, civilization is gone and you're the last one left. (It's a fetish of mine, someday I'd like to test it out).

My nephew slept for about two hours last night, maybe. There were a bunch of adults yapping downstairs, a few drinks, a lot of really dumb stories exchanged and remembered. Isin't it weird to be the adults? I still think about that. Kind of "wow, how did I get here?" My brother and sisters (4 of us) outnumbered the dates and inlaws so most of the stories were ours. I've been the inlaw before though, sort of stuck in the middle of someone else's stories and traditions. Actually, it was nice not to be the odd one out for a short time.

I think we were a bit loud for Zack. He says he did fall asleep for awhile then. But, he came downstairs twice to check on the progress of Santa. I had told him about the Norad website and Santa was on his mind. It's just this year (at the age of 10) that he is beginning to consider that Santa might not be real, he isn't sure though, so he kept checking the web for the radar progress. Last time he asked me if Santa was real (when he was seven) I told him I believed in Christmas spirit and Santa was part of that. So he was good to go for awhile. This year his friends at school must be wearing off on him a bit more. Ten is old enough to shrug off Santa, but I hope he keeps something of it, the merry feeling and the faith.

In the morning the little girl, Roxanne, woke everyone up, not too early. I remember being up at 4:00 when we were kids, they had a late start getting up at 7:00, kids today!

Everyone is tired today, even Zack admitted he's tired. I drove home in the afternoon and was beginning to fall asleep at the wheel along the way. No coffee stops open though I did find a gas station that didn't require plastic only. I might have managed on fumes but I hate driving and worrying about the gas tank, there are enough other things to worry about with the car. Today it did pretty good, the weather was very wet, foggy and mild. A colder day would have been tougher. Last winter my brakes kept freezing. There's nothing like driving a long and realizing that odd light on the dash is talking about your brakes and the fact that you might not have any. lol Brakes are such a nice feature on a car, I'll be sure to request them on any future car I buy.

So, now I'm here. Christmas is done and it feels kind of deflated. But, tomorrow is Boxing Day. I'm thinking like Scarlet O'Hara, though I'm not going anywhere near a store till next week. :) I had my chocolate fix on Christmas Eve and again this morning. I also had my bacon and eggs fix too. Why does bacon smell so divine while cooking but never that great to actually eat?

It's a bit silly but I'm a bit disappointed with my family about Christmas, it's the same each year for uncountable years. But, I brought down something for almost everyone. I skipped my brother as I made the apron for his girlfriend (on top of what I already had for her). Anyway, out of the six people there, only Graham's girlfriend gave me anything for Christmas. It's kind of petty and I shouldn't care but I do, a little. It's not the reason why I give out presents myself.

If that were the case I'd long ago have stopped. They haven't done a gift exchange since we were kids and even then they were not really interested in giving, more in getting. Still, I keep giving out presents cause it's who I am and I enjoy having something special for everyone. It matters enough to me to keep doing it even though I feel kind of left out when I get nothing in return. I think they just don't care. Only Sherry really seemed to enjoy the apron and coffee set I gave her. My sisters said thanks and put their gift aside, out of the way. Anyway, that's why I never go out and rob the bank to pay for Christmas, there isn't any point. I give gifts for my enjoyment, I don't worry about meeting expectations of dollars spent or getting the perfect gift. I do it for me and likely I will keep doing it just the same, always till I'm dried up and gone. :)

I believe in Santa Claus. Maybe I just choose to believe. But I think there's more to it. In part it's the Christmas spirit generated in this season, sharing good cheer and love, friendship. Maybe it's the atmosphere of giving and not just taking. Maybe it's the strength of all those children who also believe in Santa Claus. All those things combine and make strong magickal forces. You may scoff all you like. But the fact is this is a powerful time of year. Each person wandering around with their own part in the whole of the Christmas spirit contributes to the power. Each good deed, each gift shared and each friend greeted is part of a huge ritual taking place.

Children traditionally set out offerings for Santa: milk and cookies, something for the reindeer and a tidbit for the elves. We send him notes asking for blessings. Santa also has ritual music and poetry, widely known and frequently chanted at this time of year. The rituals are passed on to each new child, carried along and given new life for each generation.

All those people, no matter what path they follow, know about Santa Claus. He's the focus of the spirit of giving and good will. For children he's the figure of authority, he who must be pleased. Cultural icon, old wives tale or commercial legend, Santa has been given power and there doesn't need to be an actual human being for that power to exist. We don't need to see a man in a red suit driving an air borne sleigh, packing a bottomless bag of toys to believe in Santa Claus. It's all around us, every moment of every day in this season.

So, scoff if you choose. But, I believe in Santa Claus. I like it that way.

Merry Yule, Seasons Greetings and leave Santa a little something tonight.

It's been awhile since you wrote a letter to Santa. I bet he'd like to hear from you. Go ahead, give in to temptation, write Santa a letter and send him your Christmas wish list. Then leave it lying around for your loved ones to... mail. Exercise your letter writing skills and get something you really want under the tree.

Do you remember how to start? "Dear Santa" works well. Here is my own letter to Santa this year. Likely he'll have to check his back lists to figure out who I am. It's been quite a long time between letters.

Dear Santa,

How are things up there in the North Pole? I hope you're keeping warm, you and Mrs. Claus. Let the reindeer sleep in the barn a few nights. Let the elves work late, or later and give Mrs. Claus some cuddling and well, surely you haven't forgotten how that works.

Anyway, just thought I'd send a note. It's been quite awhile since I wrote. I found some delicious sounding coffee recipes. Wish I had someone to share them with here. But, maybe next Christmas. Hint.

So, yes, Santa, as you may have guessed. I'd like a good man under my tree this year. I realize I haven't quit gotten around to putting up the tree. I think working retail slowly sucks the Christmas enthusiasm out of you. I'm around Christmas trees, decorations, and such all day. I can't help that it's kind of nice to come home and only hear the odd Christmas carol on the radio. You must know what it's like, up there, surrounded by Christmas every day.

Still, if you bring the man, I'll put up the tree. Or at least leave that 24 hour Christmas radio station on. Ick!

If you don't indulge in love slaves, that's ok. A digital camera would be a nice substitute. Or, if you're really feeling generous just a stocking full of cash to buy a house would be wonderful. Not something you'd have to make in the toy shop either. Isn't that a bonus? I bet you get tired of wood shavings.

Well, it's getting light outside. I think I'll start some coffee brewing and see if there's any sign of reindeer outside.

Seasons Greetings to you and Mrs. Claus, all the best,

Laura

Christmas, by that name, is a Christian holiday, Christ's Mass is how it started as far as I remember. Also, if you want to get technical, holiday is also a Christian word, coming from holy day, the long, extended version before the remix.

I was thinking tonight, do you call it Christmas or always religiously, in a semi-fanatical way, call it Yule? To me, I don't think the small things are worth fighting against the tide over. I don't mind calling it Christmas or a holiday. I know what it means to me. I know where it comes from, historically and spiritually.

I also know how I celebrate it. I don't go to a church, not one recognized by the average Yellow Pages phone book. I live in my 'church' it's always with me and all around me. Mostly, I just like being outside. That's when I feel closest to everything that matters and makes me feel good.

So, for me Yule or Christmas, is about time outside as well as our family traditions. The Christmas tree, singing carols, the exchange of new pajamas on Christmas Eve, the big dinner, making bread together, driving around admiring the fancy coloured lights, and so on. My favourite things are fresh, new snow on Christmas day and admiring the tree all lit up and decorated with ornaments we've made and kept from year to year and relatives past.

However you feel about Yule, remember the spirit of the season. Don't insist people recognize you as Pagan, call it Yule whenever you might be listening and don't make someone feel their Christmas is less than your Yule. Play nice. Religious tolerance works both ways.