a new holiday dream.

Referring you to a really great website today: http://www.newdream.org/.

It’s the virtual home of The Center for a New American Dream, which sounds rather murky, I realize, but I’m telling you, these folks have it together and are sharing it with the world.

The Center for a New America Dream’s mission is to help Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life and promote social justice. Just a little something they do on the side, in their spare time.

They work to fulfill this mission by helping people:

live consciously — getting more of what really matters in life, being aware of what’s going on around you, finding balance and having a little fun while you’re at it;

buy wisely — becoming a positive force in the marketplace, using your purchasing power to support business practices that are safer for the environment and better for people; and

make a difference — making sure your citizen voice is heard, being active in your community and letting policymakers know where you stand.

If you’re not yet convinced of how cool this movement is, then you’ve got to consider their motto: More Fun, Less Stuff!

Their website has a whole section on Simplifying the Holidays, including creative, inexpensive and eco-friendly gift ideas; information about alternative gift fairs; a separate section dedicated to kids & commercialism; a holiday parenting tips blog; and ways to get more of what matters (time, nature, fairness, fun).

Best of all, register at their website and you can download their FREE Simplify the Holidays booklet at www.newdream.org/holiday/brochure.php. Designed to help you decrease stress and increase fulfillment, the booklet includes easy tips on managing your time, stress, gifts and budget, as well as how to change your gift-giving traditions, entertain more simply, connect with your children and family elders, and be kind to the Earth this season.

I’m dreaming of a balanced Christmas … how about you?