I’ve always found that the best way to enjoy Christmas is to participate in seasonal traditions and rituals, because they become something you look forward to every year. And if you don’t have any that you’re particularly attached to, why not start your own?

My favourite newly invented traditions are my family’s annual Christmas morning present guessing game (I won last year – wish me luck today!) and the paper snowflakes I make to decorate gifts with, which my mother saves and turns into an ever-expanding art installation.

Whatever activity it is you decide to start – or already do – I hope you have a wonderful time and a very merry Christmas. Happy holidays everyone!

We’re THISCLOSE to Christmas morning (which by the way I’m deliberately counting as day 1, not day 0) so if you haven’t gotten all your shopping by now there’s really nothing my gift guide can do for you! My advice to stragglers: write up an IOU, put your feet up, and save yourself the trip downtown.

But before the countdown takes a turn for the domestic, I’d like to abuse the fact that I already have your attention by reminding you that you are so lucky. If you have even the slightest reason to be reading the ramblings of a letterpress stationer, chances are you’ve got it pretty good. At the very least, you’re probably not worrying about where your next meal will come from, or how to make sure your utilities aren’t shut off, or if your kids will have a gift to unwrap on Christmas morning, or if you’ll have enough gas money to drive home to see your ailing parents. You are so lucky, and I am too.

Unfortunately, there are lots of people who are dealing with all of those problems, and then some. Without getting all preachy, I’d like to urge you to visit Wish Upon A Hero and be someone’s hero this Christmas. The stories and pleas on the site are gut-wrenching, but it takes so little (read: a day’s dose of Starbucks) from someone like you or I to make a difference. I know it’s a gamble to give via PayPal blindly instead of through a charity, but some posts link to Walmart wish lists where you can spring for baby diapers, children’s toys, or even a warm winter coat. Some people just ask for cards and prayers so they can feel loved. It’s not too late to make Christmas happen for someone who might otherwise not have one.

Even if you aren’t able to help out, I hope you’ll visit the site as a way to put an otherwise commercial season into perspective. Hug your family a little tighter today, take a deeper whiff of your Christmas tree, stop and be thankful that your Christmases are a given and not a luxury. I know I will.

Photo from weheartit.

For the creative type who you always make fun of for being both erratically non-linear and ridiculously anal.

Muji Chronotebook, USD$5.50 from their online store, or one near you.

For your design-savvy friend, who is constantly referencing people and brands you’ve never heard of in your life.

Mighty Wallet, USD$15 from the brand’s webstore. Note: it’s also available in Singapore at Cat Socrates (though not on their site, for some reason).

For the kind of guy who would laugh when he realizes this actually comes with instructions.

USD$69, from Orvis.