by cottage angel

Created on: December 10, 2008   Last Updated: March 30, 2011

Ways To Have a Joyful Christmas While In A Recession

Joyful Christmas while in a recession? Is that possible? It sure is possible.

Let us look back for inspiration to Christmases of the past, when the country was in a recession. For those of us, of an age, who remember stories told to us by our grandparents and even our parents, explaining their Christmas's shared, during the great recession, there is much we can learn and appreciate. We can even add some of these ideas to our current Christmas celebrations. Joy is where you find it and make it! It is given to us; JOY is an act which gives us the feeling of Love and Happiness. Concentrate on JOY itself, and what you can do to bring that JOY into your homes this season. JOY is a small word, but one that brings eternal memories and pleasure! Practicing JOY is another matter and here are a few ideas to bring back that sense of JOY into your homes this Christmas. Especially when money is limited.

First and foremost, money was tight in the past recessions; you either paid your debt or bought presents. The money went to pay bills, what was left over was used for a grand Christmas Day meal. As you listen to the stories of the past, real and honest sharing of life in those times, one act that was shared over and over again was the good old fashioned homemade baking and cooking that was done. The preparation was fun, and excitement of decorating cookies and preparing the turkey was an event the whole family enjoyed. Today we can recapture that sense of excitement, by having the children or yourself, help bake homemade cookies. This idea can also be used for baking presents this year, to give to the teachers and loved ones. Homemade breads, cookies and candies are always appreciated this time of year by everyone. You cannot compare the taste of a homemade item to a store bought one. It is as different as night is to day.

The goodies made can packaged in many unique ways. Some ideas are, Mason Jars, covered with a piece of lace with an added bow on top. Or for a family member gift, place the goodies in a box and cover the box with a few family photographs of special times together with that particular member of the family. This kind of gift will be one that has your very own personal touch added to it. This kind of gift brings JOY to both the giver and the receiver.

For the centerpiece on the holiday table, have the children or yourself go outside and gather different berries and pieces of pine and pine cones. Whatever

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