a different christmas

no theme party this christmas. it's too much of a rush for all, what with the vacation and anniversary celebrations. but definitely back next year.

that was the first difference.

with all that financial uncertainty out there, it seemed fitting to do our part to save and give back to society.

so it was a green and austere christmas we had this year.

the trimmings were all recycled. the santa hats are at least 5 years old. got a good wash for one last use and then they were sent to the recycling bin.

these trimmings will be seen again next year in a different presentation. they have since been stashed away in a box.

food this year was also cut down. we don't really need the works. we had a ham and a turkey and we are still eating leftovers today!!

the second difference is the absence of a tree. it is greener to buy a real tree as we send it back to the nursery to be compacted into mulch and compost. but this year, it was a little late to buy one. 

so i set up a corner instead. santa did climb down to deliver presents but even the presents are much fewer than the previous years.

that makes the third difference. the family agreed to give to the less fortunate so through world vision, a VWO, wei decided to give a bicycle to a child in laos while xru gave 2 HIV test kits to children in lesotho. these donations were our "presents" to them. the rest of the family gave food hampers to the local needy. 

the girls made presents for all. wei gave out hand-drawn glass water bottles ala stained glass. most pretty and practical. xru, on the other hand sewed cute keychains for all.

yes, so, the surprise element is missing. 

but the goodness you feel deep down more than compensates for it.

in the midst of all the commercialism that christmas has become over the years, it's good to take stock, and go back to the basics.

it's a season of giving and sharing. and let's not forget that.