A Buy Nothing Christmas

Some people might think I'm nuts for doing this but I'm going to plug another site here. I came across it while searching for a different Christmas topic and was intrigued enough to go and read this 'A Buy Nothing Christmas' Alternatives page. Just click on the name, it's linked and will take you to where I'm talking about.

There are quite a few suggestions for making low or no cost gifts, adopting an animal species on the brink of extinction, recycling and bunches more, all for Christmas gift giving. The point obviously, is to avoid buying the traditionally expensive presents that have become synonymous with the season.

So many of us suffer overwhelming consumerism at this time of year. We buy stuff nobody needs and that we can't afford. That's not always the case, certainly, but sometimes it seems that things have spiraled out of control. I just think that it would be nice to step back a little and give more from the heart than the credit card. Gee, that sounds a little cynical, doesn't it. Guess, I'd better dig out my Santa hat and start getting into the spirit more myself.

Meantime, check out the site. You might find some ideas that are perfect for the people on your list this year without having to spend a fortune. It's fun to make personal gifts or to give something totally unique and extra thoughtful. The recipients will love it, too!

3 Months to Go Until Christmas...Again, Already!

Wow. Yesterday, I was wearing shorts and tank top in the hot sunshine, here in my little part of Ontario. This morning, I wake up and realize that it's only 3 months to the day until Christmas. Again. Already. Maybe it's me but it seems that it comes around a little faster each year.

Regardless of my perceptions or feelings about the fleeting passage of days, it's time to start gearing up for Santa's annual visit. In the days and weeks to come, I'll be scouring for Christmas ideas, gifts, decorations, crafts and anything else I can find that will hopefully help you get excited about another Christmas in our beautiful Canada.

Here we go!

Aluminum Christmas Trees, Very Retro

When I was a little girl, my maternal grandparents had an artificial tree. It was the first one I ever saw. I remember thinking how hideous and unnatural it looked, all silver and shiny....and spindly. At the time, I was too young to know anything about aluminum Christmas trees, had no idea such a thing existed outside of my grandparent's home. I couldn't fathom why they liked it or that anyone else would have such an ugly Christmas tree. I had no idea that it was a fashionable trend at the time.

While looking for some information about aluminum Christmas trees for this post, I discovered that there is an actual Aluminum Tree Museum. Who knew? Who would want it?

I couldn't help myself, I had to click on the link to see what on earth was on the site. Touting itself as "The World's Only Museum Dedicated to Vintage Aluminum Trees", it's the only place (online, at least) where you can get glimpses of aluminum trees past. Oye. Maybe you'll love these but they are not my cup of tea.

If you want to have a look-see, here's the link: Aluminum Christmas Trees - Only Vintage Museum.

The Tabletop Christmas Tree

Tabletop Christmas trees are not a brand new thing. My mom had one years ago. It was a ceramic thing, about 10 - 12" tall and had different colours of mini lights poking out of it's ceramic branches. Nowadays, you can get a tabletop Christmas tree that is far nicer and more realistic. Guess that means that we've made progress and there's a market for mini trees.

Tabletop Christmas Tree Varieties

I was surprised by far the little tabletop tree has come since its early, badly done ceramic days. It is now available in a variety of sizes, materials and stages of decoration. Get one that's 4 1/2 feet tall, bare but pre-lit and ready to decorate or go with a 19" curly tinsel tree or a Thomas Kindcare resin one.

The table Christmas tree is, in my opinion, a great option for those who lack space or have no need/desire for a full-sized one.

Check these out for yourself. There are about 4 pages of various styles to look at. If nothing else, it will catch you up-to-date with mini trees. It might even give you some ideas.

Click on the link below to see samples of the

Tabletop Christmas Tree