Direct and Fair Trade Shopping

Raise your hand if you, like me, have more generosity than money? I see the ads, hear of missions at church, read the email requests. I don't doubt the legitimacy. I just can't help everywhere. We're living very frugally already and give quite a lot. So I love donation sites that offer non-cash ways to give. Here's my favorite.  Free Donation Sites and Fair Trade Shopping

Free Day of the Dead Crafts, Activities to Print

I'm seeing a lot of advertising Day of the Dead schmaltz--beer, food, parties etc. But El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, in Latino culture, commemorates the lives of beloved dead. It's not a gimmick.Day of the Dead coincides with All Saints Day and All Souls Day, November 1 and 2, in the Catholic Church.

For many of us, these holy days mark the countdown to our advent preparations. I started planning advent lessons, as a homeschool mom, after All Saints. So back to dia de los muertos. Need free printable activities for this holiday? You've come to the right place.

Traditionally commemorative altars are brought to the cemetery so that the family may visit with the dearly departed. The human skull is an integral symbol. Candies are made in the shape of skulls and people may paint their faces to represent a skull. Some of the United States Halloween traditions stem from the Day of the Dead celebrations. The Day of the Dead is a religious holiday, connecting Catholic All Saints, All Souls Day and old Aztec, Mixtec, Olmec and Toltec pre-Columbian traditions. Read on for ways to celebrate Free Printable "Day of the Dead" Crafts, Lessons and Activities

Free Printable Saints, Animals Crafts for Feast of St. Francis

October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, in Catholic tradition. Francis's biggest achievements were restoring San Damiano church and founding the Franciscan religious order. He was instrumental in returning the Church to Benedictine vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and humility. He wrote "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" and the Prayer of St. Francis (Make me a channel of your peace) from which 12-step programs take the Serenity Prayer. Children love him as the patron saint of animals. So here are Free Printable Saints, Animals Crafts for Feast of St. Francis