11/9/02 VS Chicago Meeting Notes

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"Our doubts are our traitors."
Shakespeare

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Present: Jill, Kath, Celia, Julie, Lenny, Colin, Don, Anne, Vicki, Laura, Sue, JR, Ross, Roberto, Nancy, and two new people who we got their names, Chris and Lloyd and two others whose names were not recorded unfortunately

GIFT IDEAS
To simplify, draw names instead of buying everyone a present.
It seems as if people give what they would like to receive, so write down what you receive from someone for future reference
Consider grab bags (regular or white elephant)
Consider giving consumable gifts such as food (nuts, home made bread/cookies, jar of cookie mix or beans for soup)
Make "mix" tape or burn CDs
Take kids for outing
Gift certificates for your time (baby-sitting/decorating) as well restaurants/movies
Knit scarves, hats
Make dough ornaments, photo montages and/or handmade boxes
Individual servings of home made chicken soup to store in freezer in case someone gets a cold during the holiday season also makes a nice simple gift idea

LOW/NO COST HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS
First Night in Evanston
Wine tasting
4th Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue has free concerts
Skate on State
Carol
Chi Center Grand opening - 12/15/02 free massages, food, etc
Cookie exchange party
Cookie decorating party
Sledding
Build a snow man
Consider having a potluck for Thanksgiving/Xmas instead of preparing entire dinner yourself
Attend holidays parties/potlucks (EarthSave Chicago, CVS, Go Veggie!)
Year End Service "Kindling Light of Wisdom Heart" at the Zen Buddhist Temple on Cornelia (www.zenbuddhisttemple.org)

HOW TO RESIST SPENDING BINGES
Are you doing it because you like shop?
Is it a thoughtful purchase?
Think about those things really important to you before buying more things
Consider what is enough
Get in touch with who you are (spiritual versus materialistic)
Buy items for sharing (CD's, games, etc)
Consider freezing your credit cards

GAMES WHICH EDUCATE AND ENTERTAIN
(aka HOW TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS WHEN YOU'RE DIFFERENT)
Create new family "traditions"
Realize that you can't live up to the expectations of others
Brings ideas to share versus to educate
Invent or craft gifts
Get beyond the disparity and the guilt associated with different values in gift giving
Consider celebrating Kwanzaa which falls after Xmas (when things are marked down) and focuses more on the spirit of community, friendship

HOLIDAY DEPRESSION, ANGER AND STRESS
For some, the reduced light is an issue (Season Affective Disorder - SAD)
For many, weight gain during the holiday season is an issue. Some strategies to help include finding an exercise buddy, exercise early in the day, walk to school/work)
Cut back on TV - have friends versus watching "Friends"
More frequent contact with family is stressful - breathe and discuss with family how to make it better
Be conscious - be aware - stay in the moment
Know your limits
Realize that stress does occur when behavior is in conflict with values
Understand that expectations create stress (their idea of the "perfect" Xmas, gift giving traditions) and can lead to disappointment
Important to remember that it's all in the delivery when it comes to messages - be gentle and loving even if declining an invitation or communicating a personal preference regarding your holiday celebration style

INEXPENSIVE HOLIDAY DECORATING IDEAS
Simmer a pot of water, a few drops of orange extract, 10 whole cloves and 2 cinnamon sticks on the stove for a delightful holiday scent throughout your home.

Cheap Holiday Decorating...

Take ideas from nature...
Decorated potted trees.
Go foraging outside for pinecones, tree branches, dried plants, fruits, berries, etc.
Make snowflakes.
Glue leaves to windows. Will wash off easily.

Make decorations together...
Make ornaments with friends.
Kids and adults make wrapping paper.

Hang cards, send E-cards, or write letters recapping the year. Light lots of candles. Bring out anything red or green, silver or gold.

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(Reported by Laura & Julie)