This is a post I wrote a couple years ago around this time. It seems quite timely as the consumerist craze of Black Friday (see a story from earlier this morning) casts a shadow on the beauty of Thankfulness that filled our homes yesterday.
This is a great season to allow our values to be reflected in the way we spend our money. It is so important for those of us who have endless products at our disposal to remember the stories behind the production of each one of them. I struggle with this and I invite others to come alongside me in this struggle. May we set aside some of our comforts for the sake of representing the love and provision of Jesus to all humanity.
Some creative ways to consume with integrity this Christmas:
- -Buy from fair trade distributors like Trade as One
- -Pass up buying another product and buy something practical for someone who desperately needs it
- -Donate to that missionary or non-profit that has been on your heart
- -Shop at second hand stores. (Ever heard of up-cycling? Check it out)
- -Give the gift of an experience rather than a product
More ideas? Please pass them along in the comments!
The presents that my children desire are more readily available used. My daughter would like some Nancy Drew Mysteries and Anne of Green Gables books and DVDs. My boys would like fishing gear, baseball gear and perhaps some baseball cards. The older children are all easy to please with a lovely sweater. I shop e-bay and Etsy. One must make certain to order early enough, because I have had quite a few gifts arrive after Christmas. My daughter wanted a guitar one year, so my son gave her his. That same year my husband was so moved by my son’s generosity that he gave a guitar to his son. I love the way my family thinks, loves and shares.
Christmas Eve and Christmas day will be spent handing out blankets and food vouchers. It is my 14yr old sons favorite holiday event. We hit Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties. This year we are trying to find a better place to get vouchers than the cheap McDonalds ones. It’s just that McEDees is so convenient for the vagrants. God will show us the correct direction. Bless you in all you do!
~shell
and the Luccketta clan