It's nice to be able the say no to alot of fluff and froufrou.

I remember I'm not competing bulb for bulb, wreath for wreath with the Griswolds next door. I hate having to remember which box the hanging thingys, knickknack thingys and the plugin thingys are. I don't need more holiday ornaments- I need more time. Its nice to be able to embrace the simple joy of a home baked chocolate chip cookie, a single pillar candle in your favorite scent and a cup of hot chocolate or herbal tea for the caffeine and calorie-conscious. I remember the humble beginnings of the first Christmas at the manger, as well as the saying of the Grinch, that Christmas came "Without boxes, packages or bags!"

I like to say no to TV during the holiday season.

What I mean by saying no is limiting it. When I watch TV during this season, I find myself being tempted by gizmos and gadgets that I've long lived without, and have gotten by just fine. Don't get me wrong we watch inspirational movies on VCR. One thing that we're spared from is chronic materialistic merchandising of the latest stuff we're told we can't live without or the latest thing that we're told will up our "cool" factor (if that were possible from an inanimate object) every 10 minutes during the commercial break. I'm a big fan of Christmas music-Celtic, jazz and spirituals. We can have fun by belting out the lyrics that we can remember from year to year. Reading Charles Dickens is a favorite tradition for me. If you've never read the little match girl, I encourage you to do so. It may remind you of Romania or some other faraway place. These are inexpensive ways to celebrate instead of focusing on consuming.

Following the Wise men’s example of three gifts.

When I heard the idea, I latched onto it with all my heart. It helps curb the * Is that all I get?* attitude. One can incorporate this in two ways. You can limit buying for individuals and purchase things appropriate for the group or family. The other use is to limit each individual to three gifts each.

Another great idea for reigning in greediness is giving to people who have little or nothing at all. There are neat organizations that enable you to give gifts, such as a goat, to a destitute family trying to make do in a third-world country. Its a way to embrace being kind, not just giving to get. Besides its fun to able to say you gave a goat for Christmas.

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