Posted on 12/11/2019 8:23:26 PM PST by mkleesma
I consider myself a minimalist. Too much stuff gives me all kinds of stress, from ecological to financial. I’m a big believer in experiential gifts and spending time (together), not wads of money.
But I’m buying my kids presents this year.
They're tangible, need to be unwrapped and aren't just experiences or vouchers. And I’m feeling good about it. It’s not out of guilt or peer pressure, or any of those other powerful emotions. There is a method to my consumerism.
First of all, when I say I’m buying my kids presents, I don’t mean a pile of plastic, electronics or toys. I am not anti-toy — in the past I have purchased Lego sets. Pored over the Maplelea Doll catalogue. Become well-versed in BeyBlades and My Little Pony. But this year, my kids seem to have enough of those items. They didn’t even appear on wish lists. And so I’ve changed my approach.
So for Christmas I decided to gift my kids items that they need and that appeal to their sense of adventure: excellent day packs, perfect for carrying essentials whether exploring a national park or a city.
I also researched to find ones made by truly ethical companies that employ fair trade practices and that help the workers, not risk their safety. I even found neat packs that are made from the remnants of other products. The rainbow pattern for each is individual and based on the preferences of the worker, not a blueprint. My kids and I will talk about the unique and creative process behind these bags, and how it is important to support ethical and sustainable manufacturers with our all-important buying power.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbc.ca ...
Yippy ky yay!
When pretty young, a ‘big’ girl across the street got me down and held my face above some dog poo and made me say “I love you.”
A few days later, as she was playing in her back yard, an errant rock hit her in the head.
After our parents heard the whole story, we both just got a talking to. We were OK after that. :)
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