Jessica Martin-W
Writer & Speaker, The Le
Holiday Traditions
For the last several years our family has participated in The Advent Conspiracy. Choosing
to have a big Christmas in terms of giving to
others, we keep our gift giving to a minimum
and focus instead on how we can make a difference long term.
For our family, the experience of giving to
others builds memories that far outlast a pile
of presents. Some of our favorite resources for
giving back are Living Waters International
and Kahiniwalla.
Holiday Memories
Growing up, my family delighted in becoming
“secret Christmas Angels,” selecting a family
going through a difficult time or in need. We’d
leave a package every night on their door step
all through December leading up to the 24th.
I have so many fun memories of planning and
executing the whole thing every year... including the time I almost got caught by the family as I was dropping off the box and running
away. I got so nervous, I ran into a pole! My
brother still teases me about that.
Celebrating Sustainably
12
Using found objects and scouring thrift stores,
with a dose of creativity, some of our favorite
gifts in the family were created by repurposing materials. They cost nothing but time and
love. We share our desire for items made from
natural materials and that we are a plastic-free
family with grandparents, letting them know
we’d prefer a membership to the science or
health museum over a collection of branded
plastic items.
Our food is sourced mainly from our local
farmer’s market, eating local and in season
fresh foods, reducing emissions required to
get our food to us and we prepare most of our
food ourselves. Every year we use less and
less wrapping paper and wrap in play silks or
fabric bags.
The Reason for the Season
Children can become overwhelmed and overstimulated by a pile of gifts. But they will
engage and recall for years about the simplest
experience.
I love the holiday season, experiencing and interacting with our children has helped me appreciate the joy in a single piece of dark chocolate, the tiny cold hand clutching mine as we
totter on skates, the confident and warm smile
of my teen sharing a sandwich and a blanket
with a member of the street community in our
area, and the anticipation of opening one of
twenty-four tiny envelops every day.
By incorporating traditions from other winter
holidays and other cultures, we’ve broadened
our perspective to appreciate the global community more and connect by allowing the gift
of the Christ child to inspire us to make a difference in the lives of those that need it most.
Sharing that with our children grows such a
deep appreciation for the gifts we have in each
other.