Like most things in a TCK life, Christmas and subsequent emotions are strongly influened by the country I'm in... or rather, the country I'm not in. In North America, I'm plagued by feelings of guilt for all the consumerism and caramel brulee lattes I drink. I feel alienated as people talk of cozy family traditions and I avoid Christmas work parties like the plague. So it's no surprise that I'm Vancouver's friendly neighborhood Grinch (who does actually really like pretty things in pretty paper and bows). In Costa Rica, it's apparent that the guilt that plagues me is pandemic among my acquaintances and so I take on a more gung-ho, let's-make-cookies-and-decorate, tis-the-season attitude and become the one pushing for MORE Christmas-ness. So I've been thinking a lot about what I want to make Christmas about and I've decided I'm totally ok with my split-yuletide-personality-disorder. Perhaps here, cheer and enthusiasm is needed to lift unenthusiastic spirits and perhaps in Canada, I need to be cautious so as not to get sucked in too deep into something that will cost more than my savings.
It seems to be an oft-talked about topic so awareness is obviously growing about the social and environmental pitfalls of Christmas gifts and sundry. The enormous amount of things that are bought for the holidays contribute to sweatshops, entire industries devoted to red and green. For a fascinating read, Santa's Real Workshop: the town in China that makes the world's decorations ) I'm not here to lecture or spread guilt. However, I've tried over the last few years to make an increasing number of my gifts fair trade and often felt the lack of resources or legitimate suggestions. Yes we've all hear about buying a goat for industrious villagers in a far-off continent and, to my frustration, this is usually what people assume I mean when I put "cute fainting goat" on my wish list.
Over the last few years, I've tried really hard to buy sustainably and ethically but there's always that last minute rush to buy a White Elephant gift for a Holiday party or to buy one or two more things for someone just in case they got you something nice. There are invariable trips to Wal-Mart for stocking stuffers and dashes to the mall for hostess gifts. I get that it's very hard to avoid. But what if we challenge ourselves to do the bulk of our shopping early enough to be able to go to local fairs and support local artisans or, if you're buying things online and paying for shipping, perhaps support NGO's whose products are changing the lives of people and providing education, community, emotional support and much more. It is possible to do this without compromising that feeling of opening something pretty on Christmas and making someone happy (instead of the clenched "oh yay...a goat...for someone else...just what I was hoping would be under this wrapping paper).
So here are some fantastic suggestions and if you know of any more, please comment here or on facebook as the ideas could come in useful to other readers. Also, if you have any information that would negate the efficacy of any of the organizations below, please pm because I would like to know!
Click the name of the organization for more information
1. The Megumi Project , Onagawa, Japan
I can personally vouch for this organization as one of the people that I know that is most passionate about helping people in legitimate and caring ways is a part of it (and I love the beautiful products I've received!). The ladies that work here make beautiful scarves from vintage kimono. Check out their story. They have great shipping rates (order by December 10 for the packages to arrive in time for Christmas)
Also be sure to check out their sister project, Nozomi, which makes gorgeous jewellery from broken shards of pottery. http://nozomiproject.com/
2. Justees T-shirts Cambodia
Cool edgy t-shirt designs from Cambodia - I love the designs and the cause! Justees helps men finish their education while making a living.
3. Oxfam
Oxfam has adorable gifts (check out this cat for your resident cat-lover or these adorable bike chain cuff links for the dapper hipster - we all have at least one on our list) and should you decide to go the "buy a goat" route, it has tongue in cheek cards that you can buy for the recipient that will at least produce a laugh (if not a squeal).
4. Ten Thousand Villages
For my Canadian friends, I've bought many gifts and Christmas decorations here. Beautiful and warm, these stores are run by MCC and are staffed entirely by volunteers. The gorgeous content is crafted by artisans from around the world who are paid in full even when items go on sale (which they often do which makes it very affordable).
5. Etsy
If you don't want to support Big Business, consider supporting little business and buying handmade, personalized items. For instance, the booklover (and/or tea lover - usually the same thing) on your list would LOVE one of these book earrings
6. Craft Fairs
If you live in Vancouver or really, any big city or small town (even Vanderhoof) there WILL be at least 2 craft fairs stuffed with crocheted and beaded and candle-d knick knacks. However, scattered among all the rather kitschy or niche items will be loads of unique, handmade jewelry and artisan goodies. So check out a craft fair, feel inspired to do your own or spend your money where it can impact local artists.
Being in an itinerant period of my life (again) my wish list pretty much narrowed to an e-subscription of the Economist and Kobo gift cards this year. However, the beauty of these suggestions is that they will hold true year after year and will provide a lot of room for creativity and personalization and hopefully not add to guilt or annoyance. Get your shopping done early and away from crowds and spend your energy loving your friends and family (and reading by the fire, in cozy socks, with a cat, and lights and a tree, and snow falling outside the window and every other Christmas cliché!)
Again, please comment with your favorite ethical sources for gifts or ideas for how you keep the holidays sustainable!
