Unplug the Christmas Machine!
By Becky Lovejoy
What kind of holiday activity is most meaningful for you? Packing food baskets for the needy? Singing carols by candlelight and sipping cider? Traveling to get away from it all? Or recommitting to your spiritual life by being involved at church and taking time for reflection? Make conscious choices instead of being swept up in hectic shopping, endless parties, and a to-do list that never ends.
 Is this the year to unplug from the busyness and commercialism that can sneak down the chimney? Re-think old habits and create new traditions, to balance our spiritual world with an increasingly commercial one.
Gifts are great but what if you're unemployed or the budget is pretty lean? Shop locally—like at Leedy Grange's first-Saturday Flea Market or one of the many holiday bazaars. Make or bake edible gifts, or find things in your attic to re-home. Family members might like a packet of old photos; grown children can get their old games and toys back in festively decorated boxes; and busy parents would love coupons for services like baby sitting, yard work or dog walking. Instead of giving dozens of gifts, take the whole family out for a magical evening at ZooLights or a Christmas recital.
"Unplug the Christmas Machine" is a great concept and a book by Jo Robinson and Jean Staeheli, that gives guidance for bringing the magic back to your holidays. "Simplify Your Christmas," by Elaine St. James, is another great resource, with 100 ways to reduce stress and recapture the joy of the holidays.
The Cedar Mill Community Library has over 5,000 circulating Christmas-themed books, and is hosting a workshop to "Unplug the Christmas Machine" on Sunday, December 4, 2-4 pm, facilitated by Becky Lovejoy. Reserve your space or request an e-version of a nifty workbook that will inspire you to make some changes. To RSVP or get more information, contact: SeabrookXmas@Comcast.net.
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