tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post6395988145406100786..comments2023-09-16T13:12:05.222+01:00Comments on 21st Century Mummy: Merry Christmas Blog Action DayUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-7692368223917750602009-12-12T09:43:08.243+00:002009-12-12T09:43:08.243+00:00uh.. interesting thread :)uh.. interesting thread :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-80432379821119855932007-10-17T18:47:00.000+01:002007-10-17T18:47:00.000+01:00Hi Elizabeth - thanks for the recommendation...I j...Hi Elizabeth - thanks for the recommendation...I just LOVE your site and am looking forward to finding out more about Cox Enterprises. Thanks for coming and mentioning it.<BR/><BR/>Hoffy - you are just being naughty. ;-D<BR/><BR/>Stephanie - thank you for getting in touch. I'll get back to you directly, very soon. My email address is 21stcm@21stcenturymummy.co.ukHer indoorshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01272166812296058326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-16763843157642427942007-10-17T03:07:00.000+01:002007-10-17T03:07:00.000+01:00We’re currently working with Elizabeth Arden, who ...We’re currently working with Elizabeth Arden, who are giving away free samples of their latest mascara and would be interested in buying some advertising or advertorial space on your blog. Sorry- couldn’t see where to get in touch.<BR/><BR/>For more information, contact me at stephanie@unrulymedia.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-8624018192155072432007-10-17T01:05:00.000+01:002007-10-17T01:05:00.000+01:00I'm surprised the Town Council hasn't put the Chri...I'm surprised the Town Council hasn't put the Christmas lights on yet. Last year they were turned on on October 6th if you remember (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=409686&in_page_id=1770) !!!!!Hoffy Swimshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06896963878541578649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-37475005051968830612007-10-16T21:47:00.000+01:002007-10-16T21:47:00.000+01:00I work for Cox Enterprises and saw that you partic...I work for Cox Enterprises and saw that you participated in Blog Action Day. I thought you might be interested in visiting www.CoxConserves.com. The site details Cox’s commitment to the environment and offers tips on how anyone can become eco-friendly. <BR/><BR/>Best,<BR/>ElizabethAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-39745973778420895152007-10-16T21:00:00.000+01:002007-10-16T21:00:00.000+01:00Hi Nigella - isn't the Crib Service beautiful. I'...Hi Nigella - isn't the Crib Service beautiful. I've always enjoyed since I've moved to Bury. I had my first experience of the Christmas play last year and it was stunning. Little reception class children, dancing around in white costumes with tinsel. It was amazing and I am looking forward to the new play this year and the Pantomime in the refurbished Theatre Royal...what a dream. Of course the highlight will be the sausage rolls. i think you should deliver them by foot with the Nigella clan and arrive to a toast of champagne to celebrate the occasion. ;-D<BR/><BR/>Hi Cerebralmum - thanks for stopping by and well done for the "no presents" rule. This is a really tough one when the kids get older, especially as they see the presents being taken to other parties. This year though, my 6 year old didn't blink an eye to the fact that he got one present from his classmates. It worked a treat. However, this was a great compromise but I wish I was as brave as you. You're right though. It needs all parents to engage in the idea...hopefully most will be relieved and thankful that you kicked it off. The wish book is a great idea and so is your blog post about the foodmiles. If any readers are interested in how to choose food with a good conscience, this is a fab post to read!<BR/><BR/>Hi Stonehead - thanks for coming back :-D. That sounds amazing...you should attend fairs and offer demonstrations if you don't already. I must ask though, what's a froe? That completely lost me. I know I could do a search on google, but I'm trying to avoid wilfing at the moment.Her indoorshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01272166812296058326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-3332403592174885572007-10-16T14:54:00.000+01:002007-10-16T14:54:00.000+01:00I had a good chuckle over the compliment 21st Cent...I had a good chuckle over the compliment 21st Century Mummy! When I think about it, a blog post that requires concentration is indeed somewhat unusual. But, I was gratified to read that it made sense to someone other than me. Thanks.<BR/><BR/>As for the bows and arrows, I took an ash stave and split it in two lengthwise with a froe. I then shaped each of the two resulting staves with draw knives and spokeshaves in the same way longbows were traditionally made.<BR/><BR/>I did thin the staves down a little more from the traditional D-shape as I didn't want the boys to have too much power in their bows.<BR/><BR/>The staves were finished with sandpaper, given grips made from salvaged leather, and strung with linen string (rubbed with beeswax from our bees). The bow staves are rubbed with a mix of linseed oil, beeswax and turpentine.<BR/><BR/>The arrows are dowels cut to length, with foam and wax heads, fletched with chicken feathers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-62272424302987032112007-10-16T12:20:00.000+01:002007-10-16T12:20:00.000+01:00What a great subject to choose for Blog Action Day...What a great subject to choose for Blog Action Day. I never would have thought of it.<BR/><BR/>The stuff about the toys really hit home. It drives me crazy how little I have bought for my son and yet his toy box is overflowing with stuff he will never play with. He prefers a colander and wooden spoon to the drum and a plastic container full of pegs to all the rattling things.<BR/><BR/>His birthday party is this weekend and, not really knowing the etiquette, I've still stipulated no presents and am providing a homemade wish book for them to write in instead. With the exception of his grandparents (really - who could stop them?) and his aunt, I just can't imagine that he will ever need gifts from anyone else. I dread the time when he's at school and the numbers of people involved starts multiplying exponentially.<BR/><BR/>Oh well, if the "no presents" policy isn't in place amongst all the parents, I will just have to start the trend.<BR/><BR/>Fantastic post!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-45731731990550836482007-10-16T10:45:00.000+01:002007-10-16T10:45:00.000+01:0021st CM, you are a joy! Another controversial and...21st CM, you are a joy! Another controversial and witty post. As for my feelings, I do love Christmas, but certainly not the over commercialised version which is already taking over the supermarkets. I love the Cathedrals crib service, the pride on childrens faces during their Christmas plays, choosing and decorating the tree armed with a glass of champagne and the man I love, the chance to spend time with friends and family, and the way that everyone seems to play games together on Xmas day without falling back on the TV for entertainment. And yes, you've guessed it, I love the endless cooking, baking and pickling (some of which I have started already) and the resulting smells - well, some of them ;). Most especially, I love the smiles of relief on my dearest friends faces when I turn up bearing a handmade edible gift. And before 21st C Dad has a chance to worry, the sausage rolls will be delivered to your door in advance of the big day ready for your trip to Aldburgh and in lieu of gifts for the children ;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-81756355822479913062007-10-15T22:46:00.000+01:002007-10-15T22:46:00.000+01:00Hi a.n.other - That's how I am beginning to feel, ...Hi a.n.other - That's how I am beginning to feel, often overwhelmed by the pressure of Christmas in the modern world. The best parts of Christmas for me are decorating the tree with the baubles which we have collected over the years on special occasions and which are added to by hand-made decorations from school. I love it when 21st C Dad takes a few weeks off work and we can do silly things like eat festive sandwiches on Aldeburgh beach.<BR/><BR/>Hi Paul - I know what you mean, but we really do need an excuse for the children to make christmas card pomanders and paper chains....and don't forget the joy of the satsuma in the your Christmas stocking.<BR/><BR/>I can't believe that even Marlows has gone all grotto-like so soon. Boo Hiss...looks like the panto season is starting early. ROFL at you wanting to cancel Christmas and then going off with Mrs F to get an optic tree. You must now ensure that it lasts for your lifetime and that you unplug it at night. Please promise not to go and get the outdoor full-size snowman decoration as well :-D<BR/><BR/>Hi Erica - good luck. It always takes a precendent to make something commonplace, so fingers crossed. For my eldest's birthday party this year, I encouraged the parents from his class to buy one present between them rather than get lots. This worked brilliantly as about 11 parents clubbed together. otherwise that would have been 11 separate present...the thought of the alternative sends me into a panic already.<BR/><BR/>Hi Ingenious Rose - I think it's the link between Christmas and the effect on the environment that is the real thing that gets my goat (excuse the pun) ;-D<BR/><BR/>Hi Domestika - thanks for popping by. I am sure your grandmother will love the goat, if not try setting up a blog for her. I've got a post on that somewhere ;-) Love your green wedding tips by the way.<BR/><BR/>Hi Ruby - Oh the advertisers...I could just do a full post on that alone. Maybe I should do a Grumpy Old Woman series (and perhaps our own grumps could contribute)now that I am on a roll. It is advertisers that are responsible for raising people's expectiations. Marketing professionals can always create the perfect life and the perfect reason to buy stuff.<BR/><BR/>Hi Stonehead - thanks too for visiting. It's great that you've acquired your presents already - it's brilliant when you can get hold of useful quality items which can be passed on without guilt. We're doing the same for my sister, in passing on a range of unused toys and old children's clothes which are in good nick. This is specifically what she's asked for which is brilliant.<BR/><BR/>Your bows and arrows sound great...do let on how you make them. Your post is great by the way, requires much concentration but makes sense :-DHer indoorshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01272166812296058326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-23063221079482373722007-10-15T21:19:00.000+01:002007-10-15T21:19:00.000+01:00I liked the way you made the connection between th...I liked the way you made the connection between the excess of modern Christmas and the environmental impact we all make by accepting the crass commercialism and over-consumption.<BR/><BR/>We've already "acquired" the main Christmas presents for our boys - two beautiful wooden toys that another family's children had outgrown. I'll make a few things for them as well (last year it was bows and arrows) and we'll have a quiet Christmas together eating our chicken and vegetables with a little home-brewed wine.<BR/><BR/>The only problem is when the extended family insist on unloading tonnes of "cheap" plastic toys and tat made in Chinese and Indonesian sweatshops on us. They just don't understand what the problem is...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-3442545163640039482007-10-15T17:29:00.000+01:002007-10-15T17:29:00.000+01:00We have just beeen to Marlows - I wish I'd had my ...We have just beeen to Marlows - I wish I'd had my camera. The whole of the garden section has become a ghastly grotto of "seasonal" paraphernalia.<BR/><BR/>Nevertheless we bought a fibre optic tree, as Mrs F has wanted one ever since they began to appear, not least because it saves her the trouble of decorating the "real" (green plastic) one we've had for years. I hope the neighbours didn't seee its arrival.<BR/><BR/>My father always bought a real tree that went to ceiling height, and even made his first set of lights. For good or ill those days are gone, and I suppose much is better than it was - though off hand I can't...Charlotte Howardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07467747146428741758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-51870252720718267892007-10-15T16:24:00.000+01:002007-10-15T16:24:00.000+01:00Totally right 21stCM, a very good topic for blog a...Totally right 21stCM, a very good topic for blog action day, as blogs don't need to hype up Christmas for their advertisers, like the established media does - which worsens the problems you speak of.Christina Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13468272095988376050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-23717007869090048602007-10-15T14:08:00.000+01:002007-10-15T14:08:00.000+01:00I just wanted to jump up and down and cheer when I...I just wanted to jump up and down and cheer when I read this -- not only wise, but entertaining. Thank you so much! I think I'll buy my grandmother a goat.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-72231637572822392872007-10-15T10:39:00.000+01:002007-10-15T10:39:00.000+01:00An EXCELLENT post 21st Century Mummy, very '21st C...An EXCELLENT post 21st Century Mummy, very '21st Century' in fact! And very topical. I would never have thought about blogging about Christmas for Blog Action Day but you link Christmas to the environment so well, and you have certainly made me think. Thanks for the link to my post by the way.Rosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08487707904305693597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-13213860718704757142007-10-15T10:11:00.000+01:002007-10-15T10:11:00.000+01:00Excellent post. I'm trying to control the excessi...Excellent post. I'm trying to control the excessiveness by requesting just one special gift from each granny, aunty etc.. on behalf of Erin. I guess I'm trying to set a bit of a precedent this year.Erica Douglashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01399571477792412237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-11238924721656827572007-10-15T08:40:00.000+01:002007-10-15T08:40:00.000+01:00Setting aside the Christian context Christmas shou...Setting aside the Christian context Christmas should be cancelled.Charlotte Howardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07467747146428741758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34896057.post-67284631443015450512007-10-15T08:28:00.000+01:002007-10-15T08:28:00.000+01:00There are only twelve months in every year, so why...There are only twelve months in every year, so why on earth do we have to spend four of them....a third of that year......preparing for just a few days?<BR/>I really do agree with what you have written.<BR/>I think we are all so busy trying <BR/>to create 'The Perfect Christmas',<BR/>the one that advertisers, retailers etc. portray to us, we end up being too exhausted to enjoy it.<BR/>The pressure is relentless,especially if you have children, who are themselves being brainwashed by clever advertising, into thinking lumps of inert plastic are exciting playthings. <BR/>Parents of course realise that these toys usually become boring and disappointing very quickly, but try telling a young child that!<BR/>I have realised, over the years, that you really don't need all that much to have a lovely Christmas, but it's sometimes hard not to give in, no one wants to appear to be Scrooge.<BR/>One of the best things about the festive season should be having extra time to spend with family and friends, but sadly, many of those people are working long, almost anti-social hours,so that people can go on shopping for things,that, as you so rightly point out, are probably niether needed or wanted!<BR/>Christmas does mean different things to different people,but surely we should be looking forward to it, not half dreading it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com