In this time between Thanksgiving and my upcoming Birthday on December 7th, I regularly enter a period of reflection. This year however, I found myself dreading my birthday and the holidays and I could not figure out why. I usually see every year as another celebration of being alive, and the holidays as a lovely and romantic time of families, food and fantasy - yes, Norman Rockwell is alive and well in my dreams. So it was not a dread of the typical things one associates with birthdays and holidays but rather I realized, an absolute, overwhelming dread of "stuff." I simply did not want to open anything or have to find more room in my itsy-bitsy house for anything. After a bit more reflection, I wrote a letter to my immediate family, requesting less material gifts and more gifts of time and experience together. I sent it. And then felt overcome with more dread. Would they be offended? Would they think me spoiled and unappreciative? A grinch? On and on the worries went until morning, when I began to receive calls of gratitude. It seemed everyone loved the letter and was truly touched by my sentiments. My sister and brother-in-law found it too long (Who me? Wordy?) but there were none of the awful ramifications I feared. So should you feel any of the same dread, here are some pointers in writing your letter:

• Be bold yet gentle.
• Be thoughtful.
• Share examples of experiences you loved (nostalgic remembrances of things you’ve done together in the past).
• Offer ideas: going to dinner together, the theatre, a walk or hike, and feel good gifts such as those of pigs, rabbits or goats through organizations such as Heifer International ).
• Be positive rather than preachy.

As with all things EcoMom, focus on first steps. And know that more greening your holiday ideas will be coming all month long. So relax, enjoy and Sustain Your Self!