This year, I’ve taken a different approach to Christmas. Unlike Robert Fulghum’s decision to skip buying gifts altogether, I still plan on participating in the tradition. While the idea of avoiding the holiday’s commercial madness can be tempting, my goal is to bring more meaningfulness to gift-giving. I want the gifts I give to not only make my family happy but also support the people selling them.
I’m planning to get many of my gifts from local makers, including Etsy sellers and international platforms like Novica. Why, you ask? Over the past few years, I’ve embraced working from home, a setup gaining popularity among many women and men. Balancing a dual-income household with raising kids and chasing career goals is challenging but rewarding. This experience has made me sympathetic to others in the same boat, motivating me to help.
Additionally, it’s my way of standing up to big corporations and their relentless profit drive. When I was a kid, Christmas shopping was intense but mainly happened after Thanksgiving. Though commercialization was always there, it used to be limited to the month before Christmas. Now, seeing Christmas decorations in stores long before Thanksgiving shows pure corporate greed. I’m reluctant to support businesses that overshadow Thanksgiving for profit.
By supporting local artisans, I’m resisting backing large corporations. If this resonates with you, Etsy offers fantastic gift options like handmade crafts, knitted scarves, and dolls. Novica is another excellent choice, partnering with artisans worldwide to sell their handcrafted items while ensuring fair pay and exposure. Every purchase I’ve made from Novica has been outstanding.
Don’t forget to check out your local markets, too. Visit neighborhood stores or buy unique pieces from local shops. For example, this year I’m getting my husband a variety of sausages from a local business that opened this summer.
Ultimately, how you spend your money is up to you. Choosing local might limit your options, but I’d rather use the Christmas spirit to support individual artists than to add to the profits of global corporations.
Have you thought about making a statement with your Christmas shopping? Do you think it’s worthwhile?