How Do You Balance Greed and Gifts?

Consumerism surrounds the holiday season: is greed inevitable, and how do you avoid it?

For those children who celebrate, Christmas' biggest connotation can be the pile of gifts. With this in mind, a panel of staff contributors at The Chicago Tribune tackled the question of whether it's inevitable to see greed in their kids around Christmastime. The parents weighed in on suggestions to remind kids of Christmas spirit. Among their suggestions? Help your kids round up some old toys to donate to charity before giving them new toys. Sign them up to participate in a community service project. The Tribune's advice got us thinking at Patch about how we were taught or are teaching our kids to be less greedy around the holidays. Some of our suggestions? Find a giving tree and let your child pick a name or two off of it, and take them …

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SOUND OFF: Is November Too Early to Decorate for Christmas?

When do you start decorating for Christmas?

Christmas music is already being played around the clock on the radio and some Newport residents have already "decked the halls."  A local house was already decorated before Thanksgiving this year.  While we applaud this family's enthusiasm for the holidays, we want to know when you plan to dig the Christmas boxes out of the attic. Do you wait until the day after Thanksgiving or the week before? Tell us what you think in the comments section below! 

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Poll: Christmas Tree or Holiday Tree?

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee is hosting a 'holiday tree' lighting next week, despite objections.

Holiday tree or Christmas tree? Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee is calling the 17-foot spruce tree that will be lit inside the Statehouse rotunda a "holiday tree," even though the General Assembly passed a resolution calling it a "Christmas tree" earlier this year. According to The Providence Journal, the governor is defending his use of the term, saying it honors Rhode Island's heritage as a refuge for religious tolerance three centuries ago. Some state lawmakers criticize his position, and an Associated Press story on the issue has been picked up across the country. News outlets such as The Washington Post, MSNBC and the Huffington Post have all run with the story. The governor is inviting all Rhode Islanders to join him and his wife …

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mindy

9:22 am on Thursday, December 15, 2011

may i just say it is a christmas tree so build a bridge and get over it.   more ›

Earth Tones By Cindy

Make Your Own Designer Wreath

How to give an ordinary wreath a personal touch

A few special touches can give your ordinary wreath a designer look. Start with a purchased balsam wreath from your local garden center or grocery store, or make your own by wiring bundles of greens together. Add some extra greens and decorations; finish with a pretty bow, and voila! Your holiday wreath will be unique and gorgeous. You will need: First, make a long sturdy loop to hang the wreath. Start with a theme or color scheme; it will help you decide which decorations you want to use. Limit yourself to two or three colors, or just use one color for a monochromatic look. Add the extra greens first, if you are using them. These will give your wreath texture and color. Choose greens that will enhance the other colors in your wreath: …

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