There is no ideal Christmas; only the Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, and traditions.
- Bill McKibben

Our family has been trying, a little more each year, to remove ourselves from all of the parts of Christmas that are not in line with our values. I admit that it has been a long road, and that we have a very long way to go yet. Even with not being a part of the traditional school system, even without watching cable TV, I am amazed at how much we get drawn up in the commercialization of the holidays. I have so much admiration for those families who are truly living their values - filling their homes with natural warmth, dedicating the season to reconnecting with and giving to others, and showing their love and gratitude with hand made gifts. These families take on the extra 'work' that comes from making their own gifts with a smile (and perhaps a good strong cup of coffee). I am sure that each and every one of those gifts, made with so much intention and love, will be remembered long after any mass produced plastic toy picked up on the fly has been forgotten. What a beautiful gift that is to give a child.

I'm sending you these tiny gifts
and know you'll understand
Why I'd rathert send you something
that I made myself by hand.

- a Victorian Christmas card