My friend Ron just sent an email around about this one - but I don't think he'll mind if I share it.

I'm new to this site, so if this idea has already been submitted, I apologize.  If it violates the spirit of the site, again I apologize.  It's just that I love this idea so much I like to pass it on when I have the chance.

Here is a great gift you could bring as a hostess present to someone this week.

Simply print out the free download, cut along the black lines and tie up with a ribbon-it will hopefully bring many blessings!

http://thecitycradle.com/advent-conspiracy-feasting-a-present-from-me

Feeling discontent with Christmas this year, knowing that there is so much suffering, I've been brainstorming ways to create new traditions.  One thing I've done is asked my niece and nephew to look at World Vision's gift catalogue and choose one thing each to give to someone half a world away.  It's easy to forget how much joy kids can get out of giving, but I was reminded of this when listening to stories of the youth at my church finding creative ways to raise money for a village in Malawi that my church works with.

To all those trying to refocus Christmas, I offer the free ebook, Have an Authentic Christmas! Downloadable at: http://www.torchoffaith.com/?action=getpage&page=10584

My wife and I have four kids (ages 8,6,4,2) and came across a very cool idea a few years back on how to make Chistmas more about Christ and less about getting gifts (thus spending less)... and at the same time tying in Santa to the story of Christmas.  Santa only brings our children three (3) presents each year.  THAT'S IT!!  Why three?  Santa brings three gifts each year just as the wise men brought Jesus three gifts.  As a parent this really takes the pressure off of having to go out and get all of the latest and greatest toys... and the kids love it!

http://www.redefine-christmas.org

Our tradition is to decorate the tree with NO ornaments. Popcorn, cranberries, lights and tinsel are OK, but the main thing you see on our tree is our blessing chain. Immediately after Christmas, the kids and I start making a construction paper chain. Each link has a blessing written on it. My kids are currently 2, 4 and 6, so our blessings are simple. Right now our tree sports links that say "escalators," "date nights," "fire," "grass," and numerous names of friends and family members.

The Drop '09 Album Is Here!
Spending less doesn't always mean giving less. Featuring five artists from around the country,
"Drop" is a great gift idea that can also send the right message to friends and family members.
Download the album & CD art, then feel free to donate whatever amount you wish directly to Living Water,
and know that your contribution will help provide clean water to people around the world.

Go to www.wcrossing.org/drop to download.

I am new to AC and really embracing this whole "conspiracy".  I have no trouble with ideas for gifts for my family and my son's church preschool teachers.  However, my daughter is in public school and they don't do "homemade" foods.  What kinds of things can we make for them?  If I gave my daughter the choice, she would draw them a picture, but she is so loving and giving, that's an everyday thing.