This time of year is normally a time of reflection for me. But a recent death of a colleague's parent as well as a death in my own family have made it even more so.
In tandem with the inherent spirituality of the season, there is call and motivation to unshackle from the materiality of it all. Echoing the good work of organizations like the Canadian buynothingchristmas.org and Alternatives for Simple Living, Roro and I are trying to reduce the consumption, reduce the clutter and focus on something different. We were discussing Solstice gifts this year and neither of us *want* anything. We are doubly, trebly blessed and to "add to" seems untoward.
Luckily, World Vision Canada has a great alternative that satisfies the desire to both give a gift as well to do something more. Their gift catalog lets me give a goat or olive trees or school backpacks to people who are simply trying to survive.
We're not eliminating our gift exchange, either between us or our familes. But we're cutting back, and we're trying to buy local, sustainable and reusable. Comondi.com is a great example. Started by some friends of ours, Comondi sells vegan and organic products with an eye towards creating a sustainable lifestyle and a better future. I'm really proud of those guys for starting it! Beyond Rivalry has a great post on "the whatever christmas" and ideas for changing behaviour.
Happy holidays to all of you; hug your moms, dads, kids and kin extra hard this time of year.
Photo by ketz33
Technorati Tags: sustainable, solstice, anticonsumerism, simple living, anticonsumerism, family