'Tis the Season

Even though they are not the most important part of the holiday, I love Christmas gifts. I love the pretty wrapping paper. I love the shiny bows and ribbons. I love the anticipation of watching them pile up under the tree. I love the mystery. I love the reciprocity.

Today is November 25th, a.k.a. one month until Christmas, a.k.a. "Black Friday", a.k.a. the first day of holiday shopping for 2011. That means that I need to start thinking about what I will be giving to all the special people in my life.

It also means that many of my friends (well, probably only those in the States) are, at this moment, sitting outside in a cue somewhere waiting to be let into a shop which sells whatever product is hot this year, so that they can grab one (or five) before it sells out.

But I would like to suggest that this Christmas, rather than running into malls and superstores like chickens with our heads cut off, we put a bit of socially responsible thought into what we will wrap up in pretty paper. Let's try to avoid being lured into buying things that no one wants or needs by the glitz and glam of mass consumerism draped in garlands and twinkle lights. I assure you, that 20 in 1 kitchen utensil will not look nearly as useful in January. Let's think about where the things we are buying come from. Who mined, or farmed, or manufactured the materials they are made of? Who assembled it? Did they work in good conditions? Were they paid a fair wage? What effect did the production of this product have on the environment?

Let's not forget that our consumption drives production. If we all decide not to buy that thing made in China this year, they will make less of them next year. It's simple supply and demand. The fact is, we can change things. Each of our purchases has an impact on the world which can be either positive or negative.

So this year, let's take the festive season as an opportunity to make a positive impact, however small it may be. Let's buy our gifts from little retailers, fair trade and organic shops, local crafts shops, second-hand shops, our neighbors, our friend who makes unique little things. Let's try to make sure that our money goes to the people who need and deserve it. Then we can feel truly proud of what we place under the tree.

Happy holidays and happy shopping!