As for Christmas gifts, as far as I know christian families in Holland don’t buy gifts for each other for Christmas. I’m glad to, cause now I don’t have to worry about buying into the commercialism:)which is going crazy if you ask me.

In Holland we have another tradition called ‘sinterklaas’ (saint nicholas). Every year on december 5th he arrives with a steamboat from Spain, well, that’s what the little ones believe and we better not tell them it ain’t true:)! On that day we give each other (small)gifts with a funny poem and a handmade gift we call a ‘surprise’ (something like a present to fool someone). Our food that night exists of chocolate letters, marzipan, and something I can’t find the English translation for (sorry!) but it is delicious, that’s for sure! There’s a lot more to tell but I don’t wanna take more space here.

On Christmas Day (and Boxing Day) we have a great dinner, more extended then usual, or having dinner at a restaurant. And one or more decorated christmas trees(I have just 1, that’s enough for me:). But no gifts…

I’m probably about half way through my Christmas shopping right now. We’re doing a smaller Christmas as a family this year than we have some years in the past, and I think that’s a good thing.

So far as balance goes, I try to keep an eye out for people around me in need. In some ways, I think it can be equally effective – if not more so – to give to ease the needs of someone you’re in direct contact with rather than always giving through an organization. Some years, my family has gone for giving some money to an organization rather than giving each other presents, and we’ve also tried to help people who are having a rough time of it with our time, gifts, or both.

Speaking of Christmas and giving, check out the Advent Conspiracy website; I think the video on their front page does a good job of putting a few things in perspective and gives us a chance to put our money where our mouth is:

http://www.adventconspiracy.org/