Alternative Gifts
Gift of Winter
I admit it. I hate the whole obligatory gift-giving of a bunch of crap that people don’t need and may not even want. And if it’s something for the kids in your family – they probably have plenty of toys, video games etc. Is this how our love is measured? I certainly hope not. So I offer up some alternatives for this holiday season :
For the adults or the mature young adult, check out the Alternative gift fair in your area. You can donate in your loved-ones names to a variety of Local, National, and International organizations, and it is tax-deductible. From your local soup kitchen, to providing winter coats for Native American kids living in North Dakota, to providing vaccines for children in Africa, this is a great “good karma” way to give.
Support your local crafts people and merchants – especially those featuring the work of local artists and fare-trade products. Stay away from department stores.
Give a basket of fresh locally-grown produce from your neighborhood farmers market or co-op.
Give an EXPERIENCE instead of a material object. Local theater, musical events, classes, and workshops make for wonderful memories.
Give a gift certificate for a spa treatment, massage, pedicure etc.
You get the idea. Let’s reclaim the holidays with meaningful gift-giving. I feel that warm and fuzzy feeling returning …oh wait.. that was just the dog lying on my feet !
All links below are for venues, services, and events in the DC area
http://www.aggw.org/index.html
http://www.rivergirlssoap.com/Home.html
http://simplybeingwell.com/winter-cooking-camp-for-kids/
http://www.stillpointmindandbody.com/
Kindlingarden 