I know, I know, it’s November. But as I’m thinking about this for us, I feel obliged to mention it to my (three?) readers.
Over the last three years, we have eco-’d our Christmas. It is obscene to send and receive plastic tat presents that no-one really wants, when half the world is starving. Instead, I limit gifts to one each per child (they get more from grandparents etc, so please don’t think they are deprived!). In addition, we have a family budget of – say – £100, which we spend on things for the poor in other countries at Oxfam Unwrapped.
My boys love planning the spending of their budget – clean water, educational materials, a donkey? The choice is huge, and can reflect your own preferences in how you want to help the world.
Do something special today – slim down your Christmas waste and bulk up your help for those less fortunate, by enabling them to help themselves. I promise you, you’ll feel good about it.
Tags: Christmas, eco gifts, helping others, Oxfam Unwrapped
November 7, 2008 at 7:38 pm |
This is a great idea as our family always go way overboard with the plastic tat and it drives me mad. I don’t think they are ready for the Oxfam Unwrapped gift yet but i’m hoping this years homemade presents will be a step in the right direction.
November 9, 2008 at 12:28 pm |
Ours have been choosing what they’d like from World Vision (http://www.worldvision.org.uk/server.php?show=nav.34) as that will make up one of their gifts. They’ll also be getting something from there for the grandparents too.
Tania
November 19, 2008 at 3:31 am |
adult friend…
Cool Blog…Your topic was very interesting! I don’t really agree with everything mentioned but your views are on point and we are all going to have our own opinions on things. …