Bah Humbug. OK, that’s not very nice. But let’s face it. The kick off of Thanksgiving also kicks off a troublesome time for many of us. We get too worried about getting everything done. Over the years I’ve thought about the traditions I’d like to preserve and the ones I’d like to do away with.

I’m no longer into the idea of taking down a tree just to watch it die in my living room. However I love the woodsy aroma of pine, and other December scents like frankincense and cinnamon and orange and cranberry. So maybe I’ll enlist the help of my kids in making a few orange pomander balls.

I’m trying to get away from making a huge deal out of December 25th and instead learn more about December 21st. More on this as that day draws near.

I would like to give the people I care for tokens of my appreciation like the gift of my time or handcrafted gifts. Our sisters at Art Jewelry Magazine are offering their downloadable projects for 50% off. That’s only $1.95 to learn how to make some really beautiful jewelry. One of my favorite projects is John Madsen’s Branch Out bracelet.

There are all kinds of projects, suitable for gift giving, scattered throughout the November issue of BeadStyle. In the Bulletin Board (p. 16 17), there are some Kalmbach book titles that would be appropriate for my jewelry designing friends. I love just about anything made by Brenda Schweder, and Vintage Redux is full of super-creative ideas.

I guess I have a full month to figure out other rituals and traditions I’d like to make room for during the season. And to be honest, I’ll probably continue to work through my Bah Humbugs for many years to come.