Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thoughts on Black Friday

Reinvent your Christmas Season!

Each and every year some poor soul is killed standing in line to get a bargain the day after Thanksgiving. What does this say about our values and how we look at the upcoming Christmas holiday.

I think that we should rethink this entire shopping thing and do something different this year. Invest in experiences, not stuff. Doing things, not buying things, gives you the most bang for your buck. Do you remember what you even recieved for Christmas gifts last year? Now how about an experience like going sledding with your kids or caroling with a group of friends? Making memories is what the holidays is all about, so instead of shopping, spend some time with your loved ones. An eight hour gift of time could become the most precious thing under your tree this holiday season.

10 Magical Things to do with your Kids this season:

1. Go and see the Lights. Drive around town or visit someplace with a spectacular display.
2. Attend the Nutcracker Ballet, A Christmas Carol play, a concert or other holiday program.
3. Bake cookies, make a gingerbread house or teach the kids how to make your favorite holiday treats.
4. String popcorn or cranberries together for your tree. Decorate your tree together.
5. Sing Christmas carols together, either at home in front of a roaring fire or walk through your neighborhood and sing to every one on your street.
6. Make handmade cards to send, instead of store bought ones. Write letters to those you love who are far away.
7. Pack boxes for charity food drives together. Have your child pick out foods that they think another child would like to eat. Add a big bow on the top of your box.
8. Plan a special dinner with traditional foods, candlelight, music and special guests. Dress up in your best clothes, eat on the "good" dishes, use a table cloth and real napkins and use your fanciest manners. Let your child make the place cards, centerpiece and napkin rings.

9. Watch a classic Christmas movie together. A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 42nd street, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer... (we have lots at the library).

10. Read a holiday story together(we have lots at the library). Make up your own story, or tell your kids about holidays past that you remember, write them down and have your kids draw a picture about the memory to make your own Christmas book.

Wishing your a Very Merry Christmas season.
Michele, Children's Librarian


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