Though we haven’t quite hit Thanksgiving yet, the move into holiday mode has already officially begun. And if it seems like it’s coming at you faster than ever, perhaps it’s because it really is. I even read one report of an early “black Friday” which seems to me like calling Thursday Monday.

In our house we are beginning our holiday prep by making list of the items we can make for gifts this year. Sewing, drawing, baking, helping, collecting will all be themes this year for sure. We are not big shoppers by any stretch. Well, unless you count the thrift store which I truly adore. We are however big lovers of making and sending packages far and wide. These packages have become a big part of our holidays and we start their assemblage in early December and fill them all month long. It’s fun on our end to make things, draw pictures, find things in our treasure stash, discover relics here and there that remind us of relatives far and wide and pack them up in crayon covered wrappings. When all is said and done, filled and decorated, the boxes go out via USPS to their destinations.

To all of us in our family of six, this ritual, which has grown over the past few years, feels connected. It fills us with the spirit of giving. It fills us with thoughts of our huge and extended family. It is now filled with tradition too. And it feels slow and connected.

What are some of your traditions? What are the things you do during the holidays that fill you with love and connection? How have you found ways to celebrate the season without feeling overwhelmed?

Need help finding ways to slow down your holiday? We’ll help you bring back the comfort and the joy.

Future Craft Collective has posted the first of its summer long series for Craftzine’s Virtual Summer Camp. This one is all about getting intentional and finding inspiration within the family. Sound like a familiar Slow Family theme? Here’s a teaser below. From there you can go to Craftzine and get the rest of the project…

It’s that time of year, folks, when the classroom parties hit a fever pitch, the volunteer coordinator at school has you on speed dial, and we, as parents, start to spiral into a little bit of a panic about the season that is ending and the season that is about to begin. Don’t get us wrong, we love summer with its opportunities for sleeping in and its carefree nature. It’s just the transition that can be a little tricky. This is our kick-off project for summer “campless” camp and we are totally excited for a summer full of projects. With this project, it is our greatest intention to help ease you and your kids into the transition, while simultaneously helping you get intentional about the open-ended summer months ahead. Read more…

Intentions and Inspirations Banner

I just blogged at my other blog about my worries of inadequacy this time of year. I usually have a handle on it but this year, though I’ve thought lots about how it will go, I didn’t do enough of the actual footwork towards getting it all done. Now, 2 days to go, I’m trying to salvage a feeling of peace and joy.

So, I come here to blog some more, and I read a comment regarding the Gift Giving page and I am inspired once again. I did get the hammock. And a few other toys of great connection – games and rockets and models to build together. But I was feeling like it needed something more. So the comment from Kami about building a stocked picnic basket was exactly what I needed to bump it up where I want it to be. We are going on a picnic on Christmas day anyway (also thanks to Kami’s inspiration) so, a beautifully stocked basket will be the perfect intro to that outing.

I love finding ideas from other mamas, other families, other people. That is one of the great beauties of the blog world.

Title: Solstice Celebration!
Location: Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge in Austin, TX
Link out: Click here
Description: Gather on the bridge to celebrate the changing season and to welcome the light that is on its way.
Start Time: 4:05
Date: 2008-12-21
End Time: 6:00

I know it looks like a sweat shop but really it’s a bunch of mamas getting crafty for the holidays in the Ramonster World Headquarters, home of the Future Craft Collective.

Lots of folks freak out at this time of year as Thanksgiving draws near and Christmas comes trotting quickly behind. So much pressure and obligation to do it according to some one else’s dictate. Some folks though decide that rather than freaking-out they can make the holidays exactly what they want they want them to be.

If you want to gather and discuss ways to make the holidays your own and leave the obligatory hustle and bustle out of it, check out our class being offered next week. We’re dreaming of a SLOW Christmas.