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Elven Idea Factory # 1 - the 2009 plan

The Elves have joined us at the Idea Factory the month of December, and I'm seriously excited to share their ideas with you!

There are a few holiday points that they want me to make before we proceed with this month's first of four installments; they say these two points are very important things to remember this holiday season and beyond!

1. WATCH joyous things like ELF or your favorite holiday movie that makes you think of laughter, singing, giving, and acting like a 10 year old. The elves want to make clear that the more joyous you are in your daily routine, the more light your being in both luminosity and weight, and the easier you can uplift all those around you!

2. DON'T WATCH negative things like the news, crime shows about murder, and depressing talk shows about crumbling relationships or other nerve-striking topics. The less you conflict and inflict your joy with pain, the easier it is to maintain. (Sorry, the elves like to rhyme, it's been very hard keeping this even remotely serious for you.) :)

On to IDEA #1 - our 2009 plan
This holiday we decided to help rebuild our personal economy and carbon footprint by not mailing as many gifts, and making all our gifts green and intentional (but still appreciable)! This means we'll be making many of our gifts, reducing our gift load by not exchanging gifts with the sisters out of town and thus reducing the carbon footprint of shipping these gifts, and thinking of creative new ways to give. Some great ideas for personalized items that don't cost much but mean much more include:
  • a knitted or crocheted scarf or hat
  • a photo session or photo album from the year [best for family members]
  • a personalized music cd
  • homemade bath products
  • homemade food products
  • books or other "white elephant" items [best at a theme party]
  • a massage by you or cleaning session for their house [best for girlfriend or boyfriend]
  • a drawing or painting, poem or photo in a frame [best for mom, think of 5th grade]
  • a babysitting session [best for new mothers] or other traded service
  • a family heirloom or other item [best for younger relatives whom you trust]
  • your used electronic devices, furniture, computers [best for the new college student]

The elves say that making gifts brings the spirit of Christmas to a new high because they are the most thoughtful and fitting and provoke the most smiles from the recipients. We'll break down this list in the next three installments; look for new DIY bath products (and old ones), holiday recipes, crafts, and more!

Happy holidays to everyone celebrating a holiday this December and beyond!
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