Happy Low-Impact Holidays!

Merry almost-Christmas! This is the season of thinking of others, doing for others, creating community and having an intention to love our people and our world. Honestly, it can be a lot of pressure. This year, we are trying to relax into it and do things that are full of intent and consider the community of humanity as well as the individuals we love.

With what is happening today with our economy and our environment, we've become aware of just how non-community oriented the idea of Christmas has become, with the sole goal of large corporations being to get people to spend as much money as possible on their products. I believe we should all be saying, "Hey! That's not the point!" Furthermore, it's not helpful to the Earth, the environment or each other.

What's my point? Well, since this is our Holiday Blog, my point is that we are making an impact this holiday by NOT making so much impact! We just found out that our winter bill from this last month, snow and freezing temps and all, is $13.85. How can that be? Well, we haven't been using heat. Is it cold? Yes. Is Becky really unhappy about it sometimes? Yes. But she's on-board anyway! What a trooper...

Some ways we are trying to be low-impact is to give our gifts differently. Buying locally is a good way to avoid the corporate trap, so we are keeping an eye out for local goods that would work well for our loved ones.  Becky works on a Native American Reservation where local jewelery makers come around selling their wares, of course we can't say whether or not she bought any for fear that someone might be clued into their present from her ! 

Also, it would be a consideration to make a donation to a humanitarian or ecologically friendly organization on behalf a friend or family member.

Last but not least, a great way to give a low-impact gift this holiday season is to MAKE one! No, it's not a joke. For a long, long time that's what Christmas was actually about...making things to give to others. Nowadays, no one makes anything anymore. We have to admit, thinking of what we could make is really stretching our brains! But, we think it's important to do, and so we'll work it out, because, what could be more thoughtful and Christmas spirited than giving something born out of your own elbow-grease and contributing to a healthier planet to live on?

Would you like to get into it with us? We would LOVE to hear your ideas for low-impact gift giving! Just comment below.