The boys are going thru the lists of all the things they want...and I am running thru my lists of all the things I want to buy them and others...because it's fun to give and it's also fun to receive. But when did a few moderate gifts at Christmas turn into hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars being spent at Christmas? And for what? I mean seriously...for what? Most people's kids get things all year long...it's not as if Christmas gifts are left to be that special. And honestly my kids are having a hard time coming up with a list of things they want--of things we can afford. They want an Xbox, iPods, and over priced toys they are going to play with 7 times before they end up broken and in the bottom of the toy box. And as I sit and try to narrow down what to get them and what is reasonable...I find myself again thinking Why? Why do we do this every year. For just STUFF. And we are pretty reasonable with the gift giving...they get plenty but it's not insane. Though I find myself trying to keep up so my precious angels don't feel left out when they go to school and find out that little Johnny got a go cart and an iPad for Christmas. But on the flip side...because there is always that...there are children and families in our own country (forget others for now...because that's a favorite argument) that go hungry that have no roof over their heads...they certainly aren't pining for iPads and go carts.
While we rush around trying to get the best deals on...well on everything...while we go crazy trying to make sure our kids needs are met times a thousand. Because god forbid they learn to want or need for anything....(and I am guilty of this too). In every part of the world the balance is off...But how do we find the balance? How do I not feel guilty buying a $5 cup of coffee because hello that's insane. (and also something I now rarely do) How do we justify spending thousands on landscaping so our YARD looks pretty while others around the world are starving to death....again don't get me wrong I want our yard to be pretty (badly) but I refuse to spend a fortune getting it "pretty". People have no problem dropping $100+ for a pair of jeans that makes "your ass look good" but can turn a blinds eye to an article about poor families and children--if you don't read it it doesn't affect you, right? Easy to do...not me not my problem. Fortunately there are a people that are seeing the problem and finding solutions...people want to buy and they want to give and the need to spend...and don't want to just donate their money...fair enough. So how about products that not only get you a nifty item but also send money or food or education or needs to those that need it more. Things like this...31 Bits...
31 Bits Designs is a socially minded business designed to give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty. By giving our beneficiaries access to the international market, they are able to earn an instant income, providing homes, food, and education for their families. Our program equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity.
or This...Krochet Kids
To create sustainable economic development programs that support holistic growth of individuals and communities within developing nations. To inspire the knowledge of a generation about their ability to bring change to a world that is in need.
or This....Not for Sale
For all who answered the call for freedom, Not For Sale offers various tools of engagement, avenues for justice, and tools for advocacy. Additionally, our goal is to enable individuals to exercise their social power through the Not For Sale Store by offering ethical purchasing options that empower vulnerable communities worldwide. Every purchase is a vote and at Not For Sale, we believe that your purchase is your advocacy. It is in your purchase that you address the root causes of injustice, and turn the tide in ethical sourcing, production, and consumption.
I don't know what the solutions are to the greed and to the got have, gimme, gimme's that are so prevalent in our society but something has to give. It makes me sad, it makes me angry, and frustrated. I want to teach my kids differently but I am not sure how when it's shoved in their faces every where we turn. Take a step back this year and find the priorities. I am trying to...
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