Gwen Moss

Sunday, December 18, 2011

How many Christmas gifts should your child get?

Today is our big shopping day.

Patrick came home last night from college, right as Jim and I were headed out to a big, beautiful Christmas party. We were so excited to see him that we waited around to visit a little before we left, and at one point he summed up my own thoughts when he said, “Wow, I can’t believe Christmas is already here…” Me either.

Since Christmas shopping is on my mind today, this headline caught my attention when I got online to glance over the news, Why my kids won’t get any gifts this holiday season. Of course I couldn’t resist clicking on to read more.

It turns out, that this brief article was written by a London-based writer who has two boys under the ages of five. She basically shares her struggle to keep her young boys sweet and untouched by society’s blatant commercialization of this holy time, and she openly wonders, “how many more years we have left,” before her boys catch on and they lose this “innocence.” It’s not that she’s against giving her little boys presents, but she’s intent on teaching them the true spirit of Christmas in these early formative years.

Last year, Americans spent $450 billion on Christmas. The shopping frenzy that is a part of this season makes all of us parents worry about the powerful pull toward the shallow, material version of Christmas. It’s something for all of us to think about.

How do you teach your kids to be more excited about the gifts they give, then the gifts they receive?

photo: Google images

In our home

From the time our boys were little we talked about getting three special presents on Christmas.

“What are the three presents you’re asking Santa for?” I would ask.

This simple idea of three presents came from the Three Wise Men and their gifts for Baby Jesus and I think it offered a nice “boundary” in their minds about presents; it forced the boys to think about what they truly wanted before they blurted out their latest whim. And even though there were additional stocking stuffers and other presents from family members, (and over the years, even a few extra gifts here and there) this idea of the “big three” still stands.

Recently, I became aware of This Important Website. If you’re interested in ways to enlarge your family’s views about giving to others, check it out.

And before I head out to shop with my guys on this glorious, sunny day I’ll leave you with these lovely words:

photo:thinknice.com

And There’s still time ...

If you would like to try to put some of these words on an “old sign” you should check out this tutorial on the Funky Junk website. She’s an amazing DIYer talent and she has so many creative ideas for decorating your home over there.

Don’t you think a rustic sign with a meaningful message would be a unique Christmas gift for someone on your list?

Have a beautiful day my friends!

Technorati Tags: Christmas gifts,how many should you buy your child?

Friday, December 16, 2011

Little Black Dresses…Which Style are YOU?

I have to go shopping for something dressy. And even though it’s a special occasion and I’m actually excited about it, I’m dreading the whole shopping experience. Ugh. When is somebody going to figure out that those harsh, mega-watt lights do not belong in a woman’s dressing room? PLEASE. I want to see my body under the soft glow of candlelight and after a few sips of bubbly champagne. Is that too much to ask of our friendly fashion industry?

Anyway, these photos include some of Harper Magazines best little black dresses. What do you think?

Which style are you?

And… if you’re much more daring than me and you’re in the mood for sequins, click HERE for some ideas.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Little black dresses,holidays

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

My Christmas Wishes for YOU

Recently, I was up late at night decorating my banister and an old Cary Grant movie, To Catch a Thief, came on the television. I love those old classic movies and as I tied the garlands on the staircase and fiddled with the pinecones, this nostalgic ‘Hitchcock’ plot became a surprisingly enjoyable backdrop for these quiet hours.

unexpected contentment…

photos: christmastimeinthecity

I had the fire going strong in the fireplace and even though Jim was out of town and Michael was asleep, I felt incredibly content and captivated by my busy work.

These few, unexpected hours of contentment reminded me that happy moments can happen when we least expect them.

So here are some moments that I’m wishing for you …

some of my Christmas wishes for you in luscious shades of white…

I hope you have a chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty of all your Christmas decorations

Photo: Creative Culinary

And I hope you find time to have a decadent cocktail like this Smore-martini with a good friend, and “catch-up” on your busy lives.

I hope you have a chance to sit at a table with some wonderful listeners. And that the people are interesting and comfortable to be with… and that somebody says something funny or absurd that makes you laugh out loud.

I hope you find something small and lovely in your path today.

I hope you have an unexpected phone call or a visit from somebody…and that this visit triggers fond, sentimental memories that you had previously forgotten.

I hope you get a chance to sing Christmas carols, loud and off-key this season (even if it’s only in your car with the radio blasting).

I hope something magical and good happens to you or someone in your family. And that afterwards you shake your head and mutter to yourself, “I can’t believe that happened ..”

I hope you feel pure excitement about a gift that you chose for somebody on your list. And that they absolutely love what you picked out for them.

I hope you read the book, The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion because it will make you appreciate every single day that you have with your loved one…

I hope you take time to bake something during the holidays so that your kitchen smells sweet …

I hope you still feel that giggly, child-like excitement about Christmas morning.

I hope you get a chance to dance during these holidays…

and wear an outfit that makes you feel utterly sexy and fun.

I hope you dream about a white, blissful Christmas and in your dream, this day is everything you want it to be… and when you wake up, I hope that SAME, happy sensation stays with you all day long.

And finally, I hope that you know deep down in your heart, how truly unique and special you are in the world.

Have a great day, my friend!

photos: google images, christmastimeinthecity, country living, chrispotheringpinterest, cynthia garrett.typepad, loretablog.blogspot.com, polyvore.com, weheartit.com

Technorati Tags: holiday decorating,white

Monday, December 12, 2011

On the topic of Christmas Stockings…

Over the weekend I was busy sewing my red and white toile Christmas stockings, only there was one itty bitty complication: I don’t know how to sew.

But that’s okay, because here’s a picture of my new best friend and sewing teacher, Mr. YouTube.

And here is a quick shot of my vintage toile curtains I found at an antique shop a year ago, now all cut up and ready to be sewn. Only I make no promises, since this is my first project on the sewing machine that’s been gathering dust for some years. But ya know, this YouTube teacher, he’s pretty good…

I’ll share my stockings with you when I’m done.

In the meantime I have some other Christmas Stockings for you to enjoy.

Does your family have the same stockings every year?

Which of these match your style?