Fair Trade Items

When Christmas shopping, consider fair trade items. These are items that are made by third world artisans and sold so they can earn a livable wage for their products. Locally, you can shop Lucia's Boutique. The Peace Craft store in Berea is another great option. Both places have a wide range of items available. If you do not have a fair trade shop locally, SERV international is a great option. You can order their products online. Better yet, if you know of an organization locally, sponsor a fair trade fair at your church or community group. Buy high quality handmade Christmas presents while helping someone less fortunate earn a livable wage is a win-win situation.

Christmas Tree Decorating

About the first weekend in December, we put up our Christmas tree here. I love this time because we make it a family event. We turn on Christmas music and everyone helps. We do not worry about the tree being perfect. Part of the fun for me the is opening up all the ornaments since each one reminds me of someone or something.  Some the girls have made over the years. Others are from my Great-Grandma or Grandmother. Still others are ones that have been given to me as presents from someone special in my life. It is fun to unwrap the ornaments and remember from where they came. Afterwards, we put in one of our favorite family Christmas DVD's and watch it together. This is one of my girls favorite evenings. Instead of making decorating a drudgery this year, turn it into a family event. Explore the memories that the decorations give you. Most of all; slow down and enjoy the season!

Local Shopping

Want to help the environment while getting a great gift for someone at the same time. Shop local! Find local stores with local wares or go to one of the many craft fairs in your area this time of year. Even if they do not carry all local products, try to buy gifts from companies that are owned locally. Buying local saves on transportation costs to get goods and products here to sell. It also helps guarantee that they were made by someone who was being given a fair wage for making the product. The best part is you are keeping your money in your local community. Take a little time this year and shop local for those Christmas presents.