There are a lot of things we don't need. In fact, the list is almost endless: war, famine, pestilence, annoying people, mosquitos.... What about the over-commercialization of Christmas? Shopping malls full of harried people spending more money than they can afford on more things than any one child (or adult) can appreciate. Last year, we didn't shop 'til we dropped. Of course, we still shopped (mostly online), but some people used the extra time that staying home brought with it to make presents – to knit, hammer, paint, sew, bake. Some people wrote letters and sent cards, decorated the houses that had become havens of peace and safety. They realized there were things they didn't need, and that all the hustle and bustle of the season obscures the real meaning of Christmas.

There were other people, though, who had unmet needs. They grieved that they could not be with family and other loved ones; that they could not travel to the place that would always be home. This year, with proper precautions, may they have a Christmas with the people who matter the most to them. May we all have a Christmas with the people who matter the most to us. May we decide that we do not need to be with people who are unkind and argumentative. May we decide that we don't need to compete with others to see who can give the biggest and best gifts or the fanciest parties or put up the most extravagant light displays. May we focus on the true spirit of Christmas.

I'm dreaming of a green Christmas : gifts, decorations, and recipes that use less and mean more / Getty, Anna. 745.594 GET

Quick & clever Christmas cards : 100 fast & festive cards & tags / Moad, Elizabeth. 745.591 MOA